Philippines Hosts Regional Workshops on Biological Weapons Convention Compliance and Verification and on Countering WMD Disinformation

MANILA 18 February 2025 – The Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) and King’s College London (KCL), is hosting back-to-back regional workshops on “Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Compliance and Verification” and on “Countering WMD Disinformation” on 18 and 19 February 2025.

These workshops bring together officials and experts from ASEAN member states to discuss key challenges and opportunities in strengthening biological disarmament efforts and addressing misinformation in the security domain.

The BWC Compliance and Verification Workshop (18 February) explores ongoing discussions on compliance mechanisms, drawing from lessons learned in other WMD treaties and verification regimes. Meanwhile, the Countering WMD Disinformation Workshop (19 February) focuses on the growing threat of false narratives that undermine global non-proliferation efforts.

“We hope that these workshops will provide you with valuable insights into the evolving discussions on BWC verification, drawing lessons from past verification models, and exploring innovative solutions that leverage new technologies” said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles C. Jose in his welcoming remarks.

These regional workshops mark the second installment in a series of events on disarmament and non-proliferation hosted by the DFA this year, reflecting the Philippines’ dedication to fostering international peace, security, and cooperation through a rules-based international order, as well as its advocacy to enhance cooperation in disarmament and non-proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Philippines recognizes that addressing biological threats and disinformation requires strong international and regional cooperation. “Our partnerships with ASEAN member states are key to this effort,” Undersecretary Jose emphasized.

As a nation that has ratified nearly all major humanitarian disarmament treaties and endorsed key initiatives, such as the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, the Philippines continues to play a leading role in global efforts to promote regional and international peace and security. END