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The 2025 Global Congress Plenary Meeting

The Fifth Global Congress Plenary Meeting, which took place in Amman, Jordan from May 5-8, 2025, successfully convened over 320 delegates from 100 countries, underscoring the need for collective action to address the complex and evolving threats posed by chemical weapons. The event culminated in the development of the following seven actionable recommendations, designed to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate progress in mitigating chemical security risks.

The 2025 Global Congress Plenary Recommendations

  1. Strengthen regional networks within the Global Congress community by convening regional focused meetings to increase representation, enhance information sharing and collaboration and address regional-specific chemical security challenges.
  2. Develop and establish a centralised INTERPOL database for tracking and compiling chemical-incident related data to support identifying threats to national, regional and global chemical security, and provide operational and strategic support to INTERPOL Member Countries.
  3. Increase awareness on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and their impact on chemical security, by engaging key sectoral stakeholders and developing specialised resources/products to enhance the capacity of the global congress community.
  4. Develop and maintain an INTERPOL list of chemicals of concern, including dual use chemicals, to inform member countries on the potential misuse of certain chemicals by criminal actors.
  5. Accelerate the efforts of the Global Congress Academic Advisory Group and Industry Advisory Group by facilitating regular meetings and by promoting and encouraging collaboration with their respective stakeholder communities to increase awareness of the state of chemical security, access to resources, research, products, and developments in chemical security within their respective sectors.
  6. Continue to build the network through targeted outreach strategies, aiming to ensure that membership is representative of the global chemical security community, covering all regions, sectors, and areas of expertise and focused on building responsive systems that reflect the full range of stakeholder perspectives and experiences.
  7. Identify national, regional and global chemical security vulnerabilities and develop more effective processes for the development, submission and consideration of tailored capacity building proposals.


The Evolving Threat of Chemical Weapons Calls for a United Front: The Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats

The chemical security threat landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the growing sophistication of non-state actors and the illicit cross-border trafficking of hazardous materials. As this landscape continues to shift and become increasingly complex, it is essential that nations, sectors, and stakeholders coalesce around a unified, proactive, and adaptive approach to counter these emerging threats. The imperative for effective mitigation and response is clear: enhanced information-sharing, cooperation, and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to staying ahead of the curve and preventing the devastating consequences of chemical weapons proliferation.

The Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats is committed to addressing these challenges through a multifaceted and holistic approach. Led by INTERPOL and implemented in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Global Congress is an international network of chemical security 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 its members to foster relationships, exchange expertise, share information on emerging threats and innovative best practices, and ultimately enhance their capabilities to counter the evolving chemical security landscape.

The Global Congress cultivates a trusted and collaborative ecosystem, facilitating the exchange of actionable insights and identifying opportunities for synergistic partnerships. By harnessing the collective strengths, capacities, and expertise of its membership, the Global Congress effectively mitigates threats across the chemical supply chain. This integrated, multi-stakeholder approach is the cornerstone of effective threat mitigation, enabling a unified and proactive response to emerging challenges. Founded in response to a call to action by the Global Partnership's Chemical Security Working Group in 2018, under Canada's G7 Presidency, the Global Congress has since matured into a resilient community of 2,000 chemical security specialists, driving innovation and progress in the field. The Global Congress remains closely and strategically aligned with the Global Partnership, fostering a harmonious convergence of priorities and visions that collectively promote a global culture of chemical security.

As the chemical security threat landscape undergoes continuous transformation, it is essential that stakeholders in the field maintain a strong, interconnected network and stay informed through a flexible and responsive process of information sharing. The Global Congress Plenary Meetings serve as a critical hub for regular knowledge exchange, enabling experts and practitioners to stay current with the latest advancements and actively contribute to the global discourse on chemical security.

Under the theme "Chemical Security in an Evolving World," experts at the 2025 Global Congress Plenary explored the complexities of mitigating chemical security threats, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, the diversion of hazardous materials, agent and material threats, and transportation security. The dual nature of AI was central to the discussions, with its potential to improve chemical security being weighed against its potential to create new vulnerabilities and exacerbate existing threats.

AI can be a valuable tool in addressing chemical security, enhancing forensic chemistry, predictive threat modelling, and inventory tracking, and facilitating the development of more effective and efficient countermeasures. However, the misuse of AI can shorten the path to weaponization, highlighting the need for careful regulation, oversight, and governance to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons and mitigate the risks associated with AI.

The intersection of cyber and AI was identified as a significant concern for the chemical sector, with experts emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to develop and implement effective detection and defence mechanisms that can counter the evolving threats posed by cyber-enabled chemical attacks.

Discussions continued to underscore the importance of regional cooperation and intelligence sharing in enhancing chemical security. A key takeaway was the need to address the lack of harmonized regulations and differing standards for reporting hazardous chemicals between countries, which can hinder effective cooperation and create vulnerabilities that non-state actors can exploit.

In response to this insight, Recommendation 1 was formulated, emphasising the need to strengthen regional networks within the Global Congress community. To bring this recommendation to fruition, the Regional Peer-to-Peer Exchange Pilot initiative will be launched under the auspices of the Global Congress, with the inaugural Exchange slated to commence in September 2025.

The 2025 Plenary also underscored the escalating concern surrounding the nefarious use of pharmaceuticals-based agents, with experts stressing the crucial importance of conducting thorough risk assessments and identifying dual-use pharmaceuticals that can be diverted for malicious purposes. These discussions once again enhanced the need for cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on raising awareness about the dangers of pharmaceutical misuse and developing effective solutions that can prevent the diversion of pharmaceuticals for chemical weapons production.

The Evolving Threat of Chemical Weapons Calls for a United Front: The Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats

The chemical security threat landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the growing sophistication of non-state actors and the illicit cross-border trafficking of hazardous materials. As this landscape continues to shift and become increasingly complex, it is essential that nations, sectors, and stakeholders coalesce around a unified, proactive, and adaptive approach to counter these emerging threats. The imperative for effective mitigation and response is clear: enhanced information-sharing, cooperation, and collaboration among all stakeholders are essential to staying ahead of the curve and preventing the devastating consequences of chemical weapons proliferation.

The Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats is committed to addressing these challenges through a multifaceted and holistic approach. Led by INTERPOL and implemented in partnership with Global Affairs Canada and the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the Global Congress is an international network of chemical security 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 its members to foster relationships, exchange expertise, share information on emerging threats and innovative best practices, and ultimately enhance their capabilities to counter the evolving chemical security landscape.

The Global Congress cultivates a trusted and collaborative ecosystem, facilitating the exchange of actionable insights and identifying opportunities for synergistic partnerships. By harnessing the collective strengths, capacities, and expertise of its membership, the Global Congress effectively mitigates threats across the chemical supply chain. This integrated, multi-stakeholder approach is the cornerstone of effective threat mitigation, enabling a unified and proactive response to emerging challenges. Founded in response to a call to action by the Global Partnership's Chemical Security Working Group in 2018, under Canada's G7 Presidency, the Global Congress has since matured into a resilient community of 2,000 chemical security specialists, driving innovation and progress in the field. The Global Congress remains closely and strategically aligned with the Global Partnership, fostering a harmonious convergence of priorities and visions that collectively promote a global culture of chemical security.

As the chemical security threat landscape undergoes continuous transformation, it is essential that stakeholders in the field maintain a strong, interconnected network and stay informed through a flexible and responsive process of information sharing. The Global Congress Plenary Meetings serve as a critical hub for regular knowledge exchange, enabling experts and practitioners to stay current with the latest advancements and actively contribute to the global discourse on chemical security.

Under the theme "Chemical Security in an Evolving World," experts at the 2025 Global Congress Plenary explored the complexities of mitigating chemical security threats, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, the diversion of hazardous materials, agent and material threats, and transportation security. The dual nature of AI was central to the discussions, with its potential to improve chemical security being weighed against its potential to create new vulnerabilities and exacerbate existing threats.

AI can be a valuable tool in addressing chemical security, enhancing forensic chemistry, predictive threat modelling, and inventory tracking, and facilitating the development of more effective and efficient countermeasures. However, the misuse of AI can shorten the path to weaponization, highlighting the need for careful regulation, oversight, and governance to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons and mitigate the risks associated with AI.

The intersection of cyber and AI was identified as a significant concern for the chemical sector, with experts emphasising the need for collaborative efforts to develop and implement effective detection and defence mechanisms that can counter the evolving threats posed by cyber-enabled chemical attacks.

Discussions continued to underscore the importance of regional cooperation and intelligence sharing in enhancing chemical security. A key takeaway was the need to address the lack of harmonized regulations and differing standards for reporting hazardous chemicals between countries, which can hinder effective cooperation and create vulnerabilities that non-state actors can exploit.

In response to this insight, Recommendation 1 was formulated, emphasising the need to strengthen regional networks within the Global Congress community. To bring this recommendation to fruition, the Regional Peer-to-Peer Exchange Pilot initiative will be launched under the auspices of the Global Congress, with the inaugural Exchange slated to commence in September 2025.

The 2025 Plenary also underscored the escalating concern surrounding the nefarious use of pharmaceuticals-based agents, with experts stressing the crucial importance of conducting thorough risk assessments and identifying dual-use pharmaceuticals that can be diverted for malicious purposes. These discussions once again enhanced the need for cross-sector collaboration, with a focus on raising awareness about the dangers of pharmaceutical misuse and developing effective solutions that can prevent the diversion of pharmaceuticals for chemical weapons production.

The 2025 Global Congress Plenary Meeting

The Fifth Global Congress Plenary Meeting, which took place in Amman, Jordan from May 5-8, 2025, successfully convened over 320 delegates from 100 countries, underscoring the need for collective action to address the complex and evolving threats posed by chemical weapons. The event culminated in the development of the following seven actionable recommendations, designed to strengthen global cooperation and accelerate progress in mitigating chemical security risks.

The 2025 Global Congress Plenary Recommendations

  1. Strengthen regional networks within the Global Congress community by convening regional focused meetings to increase representation, enhance information sharing and collaboration and address regional-specific chemical security challenges.
  2. Develop and establish a centralised INTERPOL database for tracking and compiling chemical-incident related data to support identifying threats to national, regional and global chemical security, and provide operational and strategic support to INTERPOL Member Countries.
  3. Increase awareness on emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and their impact on chemical security, by engaging key sectoral stakeholders and developing specialised resources/products to enhance the capacity of the global congress community.
  4. Develop and maintain an INTERPOL list of chemicals of concern, including dual use chemicals, to inform member countries on the potential misuse of certain chemicals by criminal actors.
  5. Accelerate the efforts of the Global Congress Academic Advisory Group and Industry Advisory Group by facilitating regular meetings and by promoting and encouraging collaboration with their respective stakeholder communities to increase awareness of the state of chemical security, access to resources, research, products, and developments in chemical security within their respective sectors.
  6. Continue to build the network through targeted outreach strategies, aiming to ensure that membership is representative of the global chemical security community, covering all regions, sectors, and areas of expertise and focused on building responsive systems that reflect the full range of stakeholder perspectives and experiences.
  7. Identify national, regional and global chemical security vulnerabilities and develop more effective processes for the development, submission and consideration of tailored capacity building proposals.

Amidst discussions on emerging threats, entrenched issues within the evolving landscape requiring sustained vigilance and adaptability also remained a priority, with transportation security being a notable example of an area where innovative technologies can enhance detection and prevention of chemical diversion.

The expert community underscored the paramount importance of fostering global and multi-sectoral collaboration, facilitating the exchange of information, and promoting awareness. Discussions notably highlighted the important role of proactive preparedness, interagency synergy, and public-private sector collaboration in preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons and their precursors.

Within this regard, the integration of academic perspectives, facilitated by the launch of the Global Congress Academic Advisory Group, injected depth and nuance into the 2025 Plenary discussions on key chemical security issues, such as personnel reliability and technological research. This integration reflects a commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing that can inform and shape the global response to the evolving chemical security landscape.

The Global Congress Plenary was supplemented by a range of independent side meetings that contributed to the advancement of the community of practice. A notable highlight was the intersessional meeting of the Global Partnership's Chemical Security Working Group, hosted and led by Canada. This meeting proved instrumental in fortifying the strategic alignment between the Global Congress and the Global Partnership, fostering new opportunities for collaborative efforts and coordinated action aimed at preventing the misuse of chemicals by non-state actors. Recommendation 7 will be pursued in close collaboration with the Global Partnership, leveraging opportunities to create a synergistic pipeline between the two mechanisms, and harnessing their respective frameworks and resources to enhance potential and drive progress.

The 2025 Plenary's actionable recommendations are poised to propel the Global Congress forward in its strategic mission to become the world's leading platform on chemical security. Already, these recommendations are yielding tangible results, demonstrating a swift and positive impact. A notable example is the recent INTERPOL-hosted webinar on artificial intelligence and chemical security, which drew 340 participants and facilitated a rich exchange of ideas on the dual-use nature of AI.

Under the moderation of Global Partnership Chair Timothy Edwards, this event successfully bridged the gap between awareness and action, shedding light on the complex interplay between AI and chemical security while exploring strategies to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities. By doing so, the webinar further galvanised the Global Congress Network, fostering a collaborative environment that will enable stakeholders to better understand the intricate challenges at the nexus of AI and chemical security.

The 2025 Global Congress Plenary reinforced that chemical security is indeed a global responsibility that demands our unified attention and action. With the actionable recommendations and a robust pipeline of initiatives on the horizon for 2025 and beyond, the Global Congress is well-positioned to further drive meaningful progress and advance the global chemical security agenda.