The conference concluded with a set of policy recommendations and actionable steps aimed at addressing the complex challenges discussed over the course of the event. These recommendations are intended to guide decision makers, international and regional organizations, and health-security stakeholders in developing more effective and sustainable interventions in the ASEAN region.
Establishing the ASEAN Biosafety and Biosecurity Network: Composition, Objectives, and Multi-Sectoral Engagement
- Hold a consultative meeting to establish the ASEAN Biosafety and Biosecurity Network, which should function as a dedicated platform to enhance regional coordination, cooperation, and capacity-building. Its composition should include representatives from public health (as the lead), defence and foreign affairs, with gradual integration of animal and plant health, law enforcement, science and technology, academia, and the private sector.
- A centralized secretariat should facilitate communication, policy alignment, and strategic planning (and eventually be integrated into the future ASEAN Health Security Support Unit, or HSSU). Clear terms of reference will define its objectives, governance structure, and operational mechanisms. By aligning with ASEAN’s existing frameworks, the network will enhance regional coordination, facilitate information sharing, and strengthen preparedness against biological threats. The network should work towards harmonizing biosafety and biosecurity standards across ASEAN to ensure a consistent and coordinated response to biological threats.
- To promote long-term sustainability, the network should support the development of regulatory frameworks that reinforce biosecurity governance. Collaboration with international organizations and research institutions will further enhance technical expertise and resource mobilization. By fostering a multi-sectoral and integrated approach, the ASEAN Biosafety and Biosecurity Network will strengthen regional resilience and preparedness against emerging biological risks.
Conduct a Comprehensive Landscape Analysis
- Perform a thorough assessment of existing multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder coordination systems, laws and regulations, and policies within ASEAN Member States. Avoid the duplication of efforts by leveraging existing data and resources, including the JEE Report, PVS, CBRN NAPs, etc.
- This analysis will help identify gaps, challenges, and best practices to inform regional efforts on biosafety and biosecurity initiatives.
Develop a Regional Action Plan
- Create a detailed Plan of Action (PoA) for the operationalization of the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Strengthening Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity. Laos will continue to lead these efforts in collaboration with the ASEAN Biosafety and Biosecurity Network by conducting a series of consultative meetings on the PoA development in 2025, with the goal of submitting the PoA for adoption at the 2025 ASEAN Leaders’ Summit.
- The PoA will define specific objectives, timelines, and sectoral engagement strategies to ensure a coordinated regional approach. It will also include clear indicators and milestones to track progress, aligning with ASEAN’s broader commitments to health security and cross-sectoral collaboration.
Enhance Information-Sharing Mechanisms
- Leverage existing protocols and platforms for sharing critical data and resources across sectors and between ASEAN Member States, as well as addressing legal and logistical challenges to facilitate timely and effective information exchange during crises.
Prioritize Capacity Building
- Focus on targeted and multi-sectoral capacity building initiatives, particularly in areas such as laboratory strengthening, emergency preparedness, and response capabilities. Utilize existing regional resources and mechanisms to support national systems.
Foster Multi-Sectoral Collaboration
- Create and foster multi-sectoral communities of practice and encourage a whole-of-government approach to biosafety and biosecurity involving health, defence, foreign affairs, animal health, agriculture, law enforcement, etc. Raise awareness across different sectors of existing ASEAN mechanisms and initiatives. Identify key areas of health security collaboration between sectors i.e., on agro-crime and agro-terrorism, military medicine, etc.