From 4 to 6 November 2025, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in partnership with the United States Department of State and the Government of the Republic of Korea, and with the involvement of the European Union Centres of Excellence, organized a regional Tabletop Exercise (TTX) titled “Communicating in a Crisis: Regional Responses to Chemical and Biological Incidents.” The event was co-hosted by the Government of Thailand.

The exercise brought together more than 50 participants from eight Southeast Asian countries, including government communicators, CBRN experts, law enforcement and emergency response officials, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and fact-checking organizations. The event aimed to strengthen regional capacities in crisis communication during chemical and biological emergencies, which can generate widespread public concern and confusion, particularly when inaccurate or false information spreads rapidly.

Balancing theoretical sessions with practical exercises, the event allowed participants to apply key crisis communication concepts in a simulated chemical and biological emergency. Through scenario-based exercises and communication tasks, participants enhanced their understanding of interagency coordination, strategic message development, stakeholder engagement, public information management, and effective strategies to address false information during crises.

Building on UNICRI’s extensive experience in crisis communication, the exercise equipped participants with practical tools and approaches to support transparent, timely, and accurate communication with the public and media during complex emergency situations.