Regional Workshop in Tashkent Advances Biological Weapons Convention in Central Asia
On September 23–24, 2025, Tashkent hosted a regional workshop on the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) for Central Asia and Mongolia. The event was organised by the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the BWC within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in cooperation with the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan.
The workshop aimed to expand understanding of the Convention and provide updates on the work of the Working Group on Strengthening the BWC. Participants were also briefed on regional biosecurity projects that support implementation, as well as opportunities for cooperation and assistance at both regional and international levels.
International participation and regional exchange
A total of 42 participants attended from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. They were joined by representatives of international bodies including the EU CBRN Centre of Excellence for Central Asia, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, the International Science and Technology Center, the OSCE, UNIDIR, UNICRI, the World Health Organisation and the World Organisation for Animal Health. The gathering provided a platform for exchanging views on effective practices and common challenges in strengthening the Convention.
As part of the programme, delegates visited the Institute of Microbiology in Tashkent and received a briefing on Uzbekistan’s mobile laboratory. Group sessions were held to develop proposals for raising awareness of the BWC, closing gaps in biosecurity and setting priorities for future assistance. International organisations outlined existing initiatives in the region and potential opportunities to enhance national capacities.
The workshop was considered an important step towards reinforcing the BWC across Central Asia and Mongolia. It is expected to support the designation and updating of National Contact Points, encourage the timely submission of Confidence-Building Measures reports and contribute to discussions within the Working Group in Geneva.
The event was made possible with financial support from the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan.
