The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk-mitigating Centres of Excellence Initiative (EU CBRN CoE) and the Biosafety Association of Central Asia and the Caucuses (BACAC) conference “BACAC: Bridging the Gaps” is conducted 11-15 March 2019, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Over 170 participants are taking part in the meeting from Central Asia, the Caucuses, Eastern and Western Europe, United States of America, and various international organization (WHO, OIE, IFBA, EBSA, UNICRI, UNOG, ISTC and STCU).

The overall aim of the conference is to support cooperation and coordination at a regional and international level and to stimulate discussions on strengthening policies, capabilities and capacities to mitigate Biosafety and Biosecurity risks.

The Conference covers topics such as:

• Harmonization of national regulatory frameworks with respect to the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), the World Health Organisation’s International Health Regulation (IHR), and Codex Alimentarius;
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• Regional and international cooperation on:
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  • emergency response to biological incidents (either accidental, natural or intentional);
  • disease surveillance, discussing challenges and solutions, including international laboratory standards;
  • improving training standards and supporting creation of regional networks of trainers;
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• Outcomes and benefits of EU CBRN CoE Projects in the area of Biosafety and Biosecurity, such as from EU CBRN CoE Projects 53, 61, 65 and 67;
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• Biosecurity challenges that institutions and countries are facing.
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The European Union Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative (or EU CBRN CoE) (www.cbrn-coe.eu) was launched in response to the need to strengthen the institutional capacity of countries outside the European Union to mitigate CBRN risks. These risks may be created intentionally, accidentally or naturally.

The EU CBRN CoE aims to strengthen regional security by increasing local ownership, local expertise and long-term sustainability. The EU CBRN CoE is centred around a worldwide network of local experts and collaborating partners. Currently the Initiative covers 8 regions and 61 partner countries.

The EU CBRN CoE Secretariat for Central Asia is based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It works in partnership with Central Asian EU CBRN CoE Partner Countries to encourage local ownership of CBRN action plans, policies and joint preparation of regional project proposals.

The Biosafety Association of Central Asia and the Caucuses (BACAC) aims to promote biosafety as a priority for the region, to integrate international best practices for biosafety into all work with infectious microorganisms, to assist members in the development of programs, guidelines, standards and regulations, to promote the development of research and science using modern biosafety and biosecurity methods, to develop and deliver integral training programs, and promote biosafety cooperation with international associations and societies