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CBRN Security

CBRN refers to weaponized or non-weaponized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials. The Global Partnership is committed to preventing trafficking of these materials.

The Global Partnership CBRN Security Working Group

CBRN refers to weaponized or non-weaponized chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials that can cause significant harm.  

In accordance with and in support of United Nations Security Resolution (UNSCR) 1540, Global Partnership members are committed to mitigating CBRN threats, and to assisting partner countries around the world to prevent, detect and respond to all manner of CBRN incidents.

While CBRN threats are all very different – with each requiring unique approaches, strategies and solutions that are dealt with by separate GP working groups – there is nonetheless commonality across the CBRN spectrum that lends itself to collective consideration and action. These cross-cutting threats, opportunities, and solutions are the focus of the GP’s CBRN sub-Working Group (CBRNWG).

With a view to increasing the impact and continuity of the CBRNWG’s efforts, in 2025 the GP agreed on common Deliverables to guide member contributions. The Deliverables aim to focus and harness the collective programming power of GP members and partners and enhance their ability to deliver concrete and sustained programming to tackle current and future CBRN crosscutting threats.

Addressing Cross-Cutting CBRN Threats

GP members recognise that CBRN related risks and the threats that can result are unpredictable and evolving. To this end, the GP is committed to implementing concrete projects around the world to prevent, detect and respond to CBRN terrorism and proliferation by:

  • Strengthening Strategic Trade and Export Controls (STEC)
  • Countering CBRN Disinformation
  • Addressing the Benefits and Risks of WMD Relevant Technologies

The CBRNWG Deliverables are fully aligned with and supportive of international NACD norms, conventions, protocols, and mechanisms and can support the implementation of, inter alia, UNSCR 1540, the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and counterproliferation finance initiatives.

Download: GP CBRNWG Deliverables (Nov 2025).pdf

CBRNWG Co-Chairs

Friend of the Chair

Stimson Center

Cindy Vestergaard

Canada

Trevor SmithTrevor.Smith@international.gc.ca

United Kingdom

UK Ministry of Defence CPACC-CBGroup@mod.gov.uk