At the request of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) conducted a one-day, in-person training in Bern, Switzerland, on the 9th of May 2025. The session aimed to strengthen national capacities to counter disinformation related to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks.

The training, part of UNICRI’s broader efforts to address disinformation, brought together a multidisciplinary group of Swiss participants, including representatives from various government sectors such as international security, public health, and communication.

In today’s complex information landscape, false or misleading narratives related to CBRN threats - whether arising from terrorist activities, industrial accidents, or pandemics - can severely undermine public trust, hinder emergency response efforts, and exacerbate political or social instability. Recognising these risks, the training provided participants with practical tools and techniques to identify, assess, and respond to disinformation in CBRN contexts.

The session focused on three key areas: first, participants examined disinformation techniques and the motivations behind misleading content. Next, the training addressed institutional decision-making processes, offering strategies to evaluate the scale of disinformation threats and determine appropriate responses. Finally, participants explored effective methods for debunking false narratives, with an emphasis on timely, accurate, and credible public communication.

The training contributed to strengthening UNICRI’s cooperation with Member States in promoting evidence-based, coordinated approaches to safeguard public safety and uphold information integrity during CBRN emergencies.