From 26 to 27 March 2026, government officials, as well as legal and technical experts, from Cambodia convened in Phnom Penh for a workshop focused on efforts to establish a National Registry of Controlled Biological Agents. The workshop was organised by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) in close collaboration with the National Authority for Chemical Weapons (NACW) of the Kingdom of Cambodia. The activity was made possible with financial support from the European Union.
Over 25 national representatives exchanged perspectives on opportunities and challenges related to the development of a National Registry of Controlled Biological Agents (NRCB), with discussions facilitated by a series of presentations, briefings and scenario-based learning.
In her opening remarks on behalf of UNODA, Wenjie Wang, Associate Political Affairs Officer, underscored that efforts to establish a NRCB are key in supporting the BWC's core purpose to prevent the misuse of biological agents. Taking effective and transparent stock of relevant biological agents and toxins minimises the risk of malicious actors intentionally releasing dangerous pathogens and investigations in cases of accidental release. In his opening remarks, General Vitiea Noeun, NACW, encouraged participants to engage constructively in the process to ensure concrete and practical next steps to consolidate a National List of Controlled Biological Agents, which will serve as basis of the NRCB.
The workshop began with discussion between participants on actions already undertaken by Cambodia to support the formalizing of a National Control List of recognised pathogens between different agencies. An overview on legal aspects was provided by Thomas Brown, VERTIC, to support participants in considering legal aspects related to the establishment of a National Control List and a NRCB. Participants then completed a series of table-top exercises facilitated by Iris Vennis, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) Netherlands, that related to data collection and categorisation.
A presentation on the updated NRCB software tool opened the second day of the workshop, with Rik Bleijs, RIVM, presenting a walkthrough of the different features and limitations of the software. Participants then discussed aspects of cybersecurity through scenario-based learning to explore the general principles of risk assessment as related to the database, including storage, data collection and other potential scenarios. Lastly, an overview of the technical aspects of the registry was provided, including aspects to be considered for maintenance and guidance to ensure effective communication between contributing laboratories.
In a closing ceremony, H.E. General Phorn Nara, the Secretary General of NACW, provided remarks that underscored the opportunity for Cambodia to act as a leader in the region as the first ASEAN member to receive the updated software. He also emphasised the support provided by the European Union and UNODA as key to strengthening national and regional capacities for handling biological risks. Andreas Berg, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of the Political, Press and Information Section, EU Delegation to Cambodia and Marykate Monaghan, Associate Political Affairs Officer, UNODA, also provided remarks on behalf of the Office.
Participants received certificates in acknowledgement of their contributions during the intensive two-day workshop, and the handover of the NRCB Software with guidance documents to the NACW was completed.
The workshop facilitated training on the NRCB, supported the finalisation of the National Control List and strengthened communication and transparency between representatives of different agencies. UNODA will continue to support regional and national initiatives to promote the effective implementation of the BWC and capacity-building efforts in Southeast Asia.
