UNICRIHQ 153d ago

In 2025, Lebanon took an important step forward in strengthening its preparedness against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats. ARZ 2025 was not only a field exercise, but a clear transition from cooperation to operational capability, grounded in strong national leadership and reinforced by regional and international partnerships. Conducted under the European Union’s CBRN Centres of Excellence Initiative, ARZ 2025 was led by the Lebanese National CBRN Commission, with co-funding from the European Union and support from UNICRI, the On-Site Assistance mechanism and the International Science and Technology Center. The exercise brought together more than 400 participants from ten national institutions, integrating civilian authorities, private hospitals, forensic components and drone-based reconnaissance capabilities. Over the course of several days, a complex scenario combining chemical and radiological incidents allowed participating agencies to test coordination mechanisms, communication flows and operational readiness. The exercise was technically evaluated by experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, INTERPOL, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training, the European Union, and specialists from Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq, further strengthening its regional dimension. ARZ 2025 also marked a significant policy milestone with the announcement of Lebanon’s second National CBRN Action Plan, reflecting the country’s commitment to translating exercises into long-term, structured capacity-building efforts. This video brings together perspectives from key partners and practitioners who contributed to ARZ 2025 and who continue to work to strengthen CBRN preparedness in the region. Their insights highlight how cooperation, when guided by clear national ownership and supported by effective partnerships, can evolve into concrete capabilities. Featured experts and speakers in this video include: Dr. Bilal Nsouli, Lebanese CBRN National Coordinator Alexandra Lehmann, European Commission, Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) Adil Radoini, Regional Coordinator, Middle East CBRN CoE Emmanuel Viatour, Project Manager, International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) Günter Povoden, On-Site Assistance Expert, Middle East CBRN CoE ARZ 2025 demonstrates how national leadership, regional cooperation and international support can converge to enhance preparedness and contribute to global CBRN security. Watch the video to learn more about ARZ 2025 and the work carried out on the ground. More information is available at: [https://bit.ly/3YY7rf5](https://bit.ly/3YY7rf5)