UKATA was honoured to actively participate in the prestigious Global Asbestos Forum Conference 2025, held on 13-14 November at the historic Grand Hotel Terminus in the heart of the historic city of Bergen in Norway.
The two-day international conference brought together world-leading experts, scientists, policymakers, legal professionals, activists and training organisations from around the globe to discuss critical issues surrounding asbestos awareness, safety, remediation and justice. This year’s forum highlighted global collaboration and the urgent need for harmonised action against the ongoing asbestos threat.
UKATA Director, Adam Harding participated actively in the programme, delivering a joint presentation with Tom Eriksen (Eriksen HazMat Survey AS) titled "Improving Training Standards." Their session, delivered on day one preceding the roundtable debate, examined disparities in asbestos training across borders and offered practical strategies for raising standards globally.
On day two, the conference opened with registration, exhibitions and a welcome from Yvonne Waterman, before moving into a series of keynote talks exploring the global asbestos landscape, from the need for stronger international collaboration, real-world release risks during abatement and fires, and a survivor’s powerful personal story, to scientific clarity on what asbestos truly is, the legacy of asbestos-cement infrastructure, the dangers of poorly chosen substitutes such as Cr-6, and updated estimates of the worldwide disease burden.
Afternoon breakout sessions expanded these themes: Session A, hosted by UKATA Director, Adam Harding examined societal impacts including industry misconduct, capacity-building in low-income regions, justice for affected communities and a brief insight into developing an asbestos removal team in Gambia . Session B, focused on professional and regulatory perspectives such as European harmonisation, naturally occurring asbestos, heritage-building remediation and municipal policy strategy; while Session C, chaired by UKATA’s Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans highlighted innovations in AI, exposure competence, denaturing technologies and construction-sector risk reduction, all contributing to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary picture of the challenges and opportunities in global asbestos management.
The event attracted a strong programme of global speakers, including Professor Jukka Takala, who delivered a powerful keynote on global prevention strategies. Heather Von St. James, a mesothelioma survivor and activist, delivered a hard-hitting testimony that both inspired and moved the audience. Professor Arthur Frank spoke on the legacy of asbestos cement pipes, and Markus Sommer explored how failed substitution efforts have created new hazards. Other notable contributions came from Professor Tim Driscoll of ADDRI, and representatives from trade unions, laboratories, law firms and government agencies. Their collective insights reflected a global commitment to transparency and justice in asbestos-related work.
UKATA was represented at the event by Director Adam Harding, Chief Operating Officer, Craig Evans and Operations Manager, Sasha Brailsford who had the opportunity to address delegates and manage a dedicated exhibition stand to raise the profile of the association, attract international membership enquiries, and engage in promising partnership discussions.
Speaking after the event, Chief Operating Officer for UKATA Craig Evans said: “This conference served as a reminder that asbestos is still a global issue, not just a historical one. It was a privilege to being so many dedicated professionals who are working to protect future generations. Working alongside international partners supports our aim to raise asbestos awareness to a global audience.”
Hosted by Dr. Yvonne Waterman of the Global Asbestos Forum and supported by AsbestForum, Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority and UKATA, the event successfully brought together medical experts, policymakers, industry leaders, unions and survivors from more than 20 countries. From powerful personal testimonies to forward-looking policy discussions, the conference reinforced the value of international collaboration in ending asbestos-related harm.
With almost 200 members delivering training throughout the UK, Asia, Europe and South America, UKATA continues to strengthen its global presence.
UKATA is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
Published on Wednesday 19th November 2025