From November 5–7, 2024, UNICRI conducted a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) in Victoria, Seychelles, funded by the U.S. Department of State and organized with support from the European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Centres of Excellence (CoE). The objectives of the Tabletop Exercise were to increase awareness of the risks posed by CBRN events, particularly chemical attacks; to enhance inter-agency coordination and response knowledge for a cohesive, multi-agency approach; and to provide participants with hands-on experience in applying the principles of the Toolkit on Effective CBRN Planning and Response for Policymakers and CBRN Managers developed by UNICRI, thereby further strengthening Seychelles' CBRN preparedness and response capabilities.
During the opening remarks, Ms. Lydia Charlie, Mayor of Victoria, Mr. Jonathan Lucas, Vice-President of the UNICRI Board of Trustees, and Mr. Matthew Brechwald, Director of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund at the U.S. Department of State, highlighted the vital role of resources like the Toolkit in streamlining and strengthening CBRN preparedness and response efforts. They also applauded the dedication and proactive efforts of Seychelles’ stakeholders in advancing the country’s resilience to CBRN threats.
The TTX gathered over 30 representatives from a wide array of Seychellois agencies, including the Mayor’s Office, the Disaster Risk Management Division, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services, the Seychelles Defence Force, the Public Health Authority, and the Seychelles Ports Authority. Participants engaged in various tabletop exercises that explored potential chemical events, requiring real-time decision-making and collaboration across agencies. This diverse group of entities tackled complex response challenges while familiarizing themselves with the highlights of the Toolkit.
The initiative is part of a project funded by the U.S. Department of State, which aims to strengthen CBRN response and preparedness by identifying common challenges and best practices from past events, simplifying essential tools for policymakers and CBRN managers to develop effective response plans, and fostering a network of regional stakeholders dedicated to sharing knowledge and enhancing coordination in the crucial aftermath of a CBRN event.
The three-day program included a series of presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions on recent chemical events, followed by scenario-driven exercises designed to enhance practical coordination and response capabilities. Participants practiced utilizing the Toolkit’s principles, drawing from best practices and lessons learned from past CBRN incidents to improve their understanding of resource mobilization, rapid response, and inter-agency coordination.
The TTX in Seychelles was a valuable exercise that provided participants with practical tools and fostered inter-agency collaboration. This event underscores Seychelles' commitment to building CBRN preparedness and continuously enhancing their capacity to respond effectively to CBRN challenges.
