On June 4-5, 2024, the PRECA Project conducted a Regional Working Groups (RWG) meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan. This event gathered RWG members from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The primary focus of the event was to summarize project results, reflect on lessons learned, plan future activities, and explore potential projects. Additionally, the meeting sought to enhance international collaboration on issues related to mass gatherings.

The PRECA Project has been underway for more than three years, during which it has formed a network of experts specializing in Food Safety, Water Safety, Chemical Safety, and Public Health Command Control and Communications (C3). This network is crucial for addressing public health and safety challenges in the region, particularly in managing the risks associated with large-scale events and gatherings.

By convening experts from various countries, the project fosters a collaborative environment where knowledge and best practices can be shared. This not only helps in improving regional safety standards but also strengthens international ties and cooperation. The discussions held during the meeting are expected to lead to the development of new initiatives and strategies that will further enhance the region's ability to manage public health and safety effectively.

The event's outcomes included a detailed review of the project's achievements, identification of key lessons learned, and a strategic plan for upcoming activities. The RWG members emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and the need to integrate new technologies and methodologies to address emerging challenges in the field of public health and safety.

In summary, the Regional Working Groups meeting in Astana was a significant milestone for the PRECA Project, reinforcing its commitment to improving safety and public health through international cooperation and expert networking.

Background information:

The EU CBRN CoE Initiative is funded by the EU and implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). The European External Action Service is also involved in the follow-up to the initiative. The initiative is developed with the technical support of relevant international and regional organizations, the EU Member States, and other stakeholders, through coherent and effective cooperation at the national, regional and international level. The initiative involves 62 countries in eight regions across the world.

EU CBRN CoE Project 87 is implemented by the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), Astana, Kazakhstan. This project focuses on enhancing preparedness and response capabilities for mass gatherings and public health emergencies. The project has been underway for more than three years and formed a network of experts in Food Safety, Water Safety, Chemical Safety and Public Health Command Control and Communications (C3).