The NTS Centre convened the side-event “Strengthening Biosecurity Governance and BWC Implementation Across the Asia-Pacific” on 10 December 2025 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

The NTS Centre convened the side-event “Strengthening Biosecurity Governance and BWC Implementation Across the Asia-Pacific” on 10 December 2025 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. The event was held concurrently with the seventh session of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Meeting of States Parties, taking place from 8 to 17 December 2025.

The side-event featured presentations by the Head of the NTS Centre, Professor Mely Caballero-Anthony, and Research Analyst Ms. Jeselyn, who introduced two reports entitled “Emerging Biosecurity Landscape in Southeast Asia” and “Advancing BWC Confidence-Building Measures in Southeast Asia: Leveraging ASEAN’s Platforms and Mechanisms.” Following their presentations, Dr. Filippa Lentzos of King’s College London and Dr. Kiwako Tanaka of Toyo Eiwa University delivered valuable remarks as invited discussants.

The two reports offered complementary analyses. The first provided an overview of emerging biosecurity risks and regional risk perceptions in Southeast Asia, while the second outlined relevant international governance mechanisms under the BWC and identified opportunities for ASEAN mechanisms to further support and advance Confidence-Building Measures reporting. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, during which attendees sought clarification and provided reflections on the themes presented.