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Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — How can countries protect critical infrastructure from terrorist threats? To address this question, representatives from Uzbekistan’s government agencies participated in a three-day OSCE training course focused on the physical protection of critical infrastructure. “Critical infrastructure — such as energy networks, transport systems, water management facilities, communication hubs, and healthcare institutions — is vital for the functioning of any country. When these systems are disrupted or compromised, the consequences extend far beyond physical damage. They can impact economic stability, public trust, social welfare, and even political security. Enhancing resilience and improving security measures helps safeguard everyday life,” said Ambassador Antti Karttunen, OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan. The training took place in Tashkent from 27 to 29 October and was organized by the OSCE Transnational Threats Department in cooperation with the OSCE Project Coordinator’s Office in Uzbekistan, with financial support from Germany under the OSCE PROTECT project. “Critical infrastructure forms the backbone of modern economies, societies, and cross-border connections. Germany is proud to support the OSCE PROTECT project. Its value lies in systematizing best practices from across the OSCE region, enabling participating states to adapt the most relevant approaches to their national priorities,” emphasized Rebecca Dovergn, Head of the Economy and Press Section at the German Embassy in Tashkent. During the course, specialists from several national agencies — including the State Security Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Guard, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Health, Republican Plague Prevention Center, and the Committee for Industrial, Radiation, and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan — discussed ways to enhance the protection of critical public facilities such as energy networks, transport hubs, and medical institutions from various risks, including potential terrorist threats. Participants studied methods for identifying and managing physical threats to critical infrastructure, including designing safer buildings, organizing access control, using modern security technologies such as surveillance systems, and developing incident response plans. The course was based on materials from the forthcoming OSCE Technical Guide on the Physical Security of Critical Infrastructure against Terrorist Attacks, which provides practical recommendations and examples from OSCE countries. Each participant received a copy of the guide for use in their professional activities. This training course is part of the OSCE PROTECT project, an initiative aimed at assisting participating states in improving the security of critical infrastructure and public spaces against terrorist and other security threats while ensuring respect for human rights.
