From 11–12 June 2025, the Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (COP), representing the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Asia PGI), participated in a global technical meeting convened by the International Pathogen Genomic Surveillance Network (IPSN) at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin, Germany. This gathering brought together leading experts and institutions in pathogen genomics to review the progress of the WHO Global Genomic Surveillance Strategy for Pathogens with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential 2022–2032.
The meeting assembled a group of technical experts, including from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Centre for Pathogen Genomics (CPG), Robert Koch Institute (RKI), FIND, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub Network, representatives from WHO headquarters and regional offices, and several other key experts in the field. These technical leaders shared updates on the implementation of the strategy, identified persistent challenges and worked collectively to refine priorities and practical solutions for advancing global genomic surveillance systems.
From left to right: IPSN colleagues Dr. Fausta Mosha, Dr. Tim Dallman and Dr. Josefina Campos, alongside Prof. Paul Pronyk and Asst. Prof. Khoo Yoong Khean from the Asia PGI team.
Key takeaways
A central theme of the discussions was addressing the gaps in global data architecture and ensuring equitable, timely and secure data sharing for pathogen genomics. While significant strides have been made in strengthening laboratory capacities and sequencing infrastructure, challenges remain in integrating genomic data across different surveillance systems, standardising data governance practices and enabling cross-border data exchange — particularly in resource-limited settings.
The meeting also focused on clarifying and mapping the roles of different stakeholders in supporting the development and implementation of the global strategy. This included defining how national public health institutes, regional networks, research organisations and multilateral partners could align efforts, avoid duplication and deliver coordinated technical support to countries.
Role of Asia PGI
For Asia PGI, this engagement builds on its ongoing collaboration with IPSN since 2022. Asia PGI has been an active contributor to several IPSN expert working groups, including the co-development of the IPSN toolkit for pathogen genomics — a set of practical tools and resources to guide countries in integrating genomic sequencing into their public health surveillance systems. Through this work, Asia PGI has supported efforts to strengthen regional capacity, promote best practices and foster cross-country collaboration in genomic surveillance across Asia.
Looking ahead, Asia PGI remains committed to contributing to IPSN’s mission to accelerate progress in pathogen genomics and translate sequencing data into actionable public health intelligence. Asia PGI will continue to collaborate with global and regional partners to co-develop tools, frameworks and strategic guidance, ensuring that Asia’s unique public health needs and perspectives are represented in shaping the future of global pathogen genomic surveillance.
By bringing together partners from across the world, this meeting reaffirmed the value of sustained, collective action. As new threats emerge and existing pathogens evolve, robust, inclusive and interconnected genomic surveillance systems will be critical for early detection, response and public health decision-making. Asia PGI’s ongoing participation in IPSN’s efforts underscores the region’s commitment to being an active partner in strengthening global health security.