Bolstering Whole-of-Society Biological Resilience Through Bold and Coordinated National Strategies and Implementation Plans

Abstract

Resilience of societies to biological and other threats can be achieved through coordinated efforts of the society as a whole. This is important for any nation that seeks to adopt deterrence by denial of effects of biological attacks as part of their security strategies. Finland’s Security Strategy for Society of 2025 describes the concept of comprehensive security and it forms the foundation for the whole-of-government approach of building societal resilience. In addition to describing this strategy, this article explains the next layer of plans that help advance it. In one example, Finland’s updated cross-administrative CBRNE Strategy of 2024 supports national comprehensive security through actions for preparedness against unintentional or intentional use of biological, as well as chemical, radiological and nuclear materials, agents and explosives. In the human health sector, the Pandemic Preparedness Plan of Finland for Healthcare and Social Welfare was adopted in 2024 and takes an all-hazards, One Health approach. Finland recognizes that a “whole-of-globe” approach to building international resilience to biological threats is essential. This notion is embedded in multilateralism through international treaties and efforts, such as the Biological Weapons Convention, World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations and the recently adopted Pandemic Agreement.