Global Network

Working together to address the threat of chemical and explosives terrorism

Partnerships

We collaborate with other organizations, agencies and governments to prevent and minimize the impact of terrorism. This includes participation at international conferences and sitting on various panels and working groups.

The Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats

The Global Congress (GC) is an international network of more than 1,500 experts who work together to address the threat of chemical and explosives terrorism.

By providing a platform for multi-sector global cooperation and partnership, the Global Congress enables members to build relationships, exchange expertise, share important information on emerging threats and innovative best practices, and ultimately enhance capabilities. This diverse range of stakeholders including private industry and law enforcement agencies facilitates a comprehensive approach to addressing chemical security challenges.

The network carries out activities across various areas of expertise.

Launched in 2018, the Global Congress is jointly led by INTERPOL, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It is implemented in cooperation with the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction. The Global Congress receives additional support from Global Affairs Canada and the US Department of State.

Industry Advisory Group

The Industry Advisory Group (IAG) aims to address the needs and challenges faced by the industry sector through targeted representation. Made up of subject-matter experts, the Advisory Group provides insights and advice on threats, trends, and opportunities for the private sector, as well as for the wider Global Congress network.

Plenary Meeting

The annual plenary meeting of the Global Congress is a key platform for this international network to identify tangible solutions to better detect, deter, and disrupt the acquisition or criminal use of chemical and explosives materials.

Each meeting brings together over 200 experts from more than 70 countries, with representatives from law enforcement, government, international and regional organizations, academia, the scientific community and industry.

Panel discussions and presentations highlight global challenges and issues, allowing participants to share best practices and mitigation methods, and develop national, regional and international chemical security practices.

Steering Committee

Set up in 2022, the Steering Committee acts as a multi-sectoral, multi-national advisory body for Global Congress priorities and activities. Current members represent 10 sectors and 15 countries.

The Steering Committee has engaged in a series of sector-focused discussions to highlight significant concerns that may affect the wider Global Congress community and identify opportunities to engage in cross-sector collaboration to improve countermeasures.

Webinars

Webinars reinforce Global Congress objectives and ensure continued dialogue amongst its members.

Previous themes have included:

The impact of cyber threats and cybersecurity on the chemical sector;
Multi-sectoral pproach to new and persisting vulnerabilities in the chemical security Arena;
Chemical security in a pandemic environment;
The study of a terrorist manual – artisanal preparation of explosive and toxic chemicals

Request for Technical Assistance

Global Congress members can flag knowledge and capacity gaps, which are then aligned to the relevant skillset across the network. This process plays a key role in developing new mechanisms that encourage peer-to-peer learning, information-sharing and capacity building.

GC Global Knowledge Hub

This online platform serves as a key mechanism to operationalize and leverage the expertise of the Global Congress Network, allowing members to share information and resources, engage in discussions and access training material and best practice guidance.

Find Out More

Join the Conversation at #GlobalChemCongress
For all information on this initiative and other CBRNE projects, follow our Twitter account @INTERPOL_CBRNE