Programmatic Updates from the United States (January-April 2024)

Over the last quarter, the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) supported biological threat reduction activities across the globe, including the following:

Engagement of Tunisian stakeholders from public and veterinary health institutions to draft a three-year strategic plan, one-year operational plan, and key messages related to transboundary zoonoses to help outline a unified strategy to detect, report, and control outbreaks of high consequence pathogens at the Tunisian border.
Support for U.S.-CDC to provide technical hands-on training of biological toxin detection and analysis to scientists at Protechnik Laboratories in Pretoria, South Africa, to increase capacity in detection of weaponizable biological toxins in support of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigation of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons.
Support to complete institutional biosecurity risk assessments followed by workshops for biological researchers on cybersecurity, dual-use research of concern, and Know-Your-Collaborator in collaboration with the International Center for Medical Research in Franceville, Gabon and the Uganda Virus Research Institute. Remote mentorship will facilitate participant led step-down trainings and adoption of improved standard operating procedures.
Travel to Georgia State University for two engineers from the Democratic Republic of Congo to receive hands-on training in Biosafety Level-3 operations and maintenance (O&M) during the yearly laboratory shut down and upgrade period, including practice with decontamination protocols, BSC cabinet certification, and HEPA filter replacement. They were able to meet laboratory equipment suppliers and technical experts to get personalized answers to questions and problems that arise in-country, strengthening their networks of experts.
Biosecurity training for Indian researchers working with plant toxins and source materials to raise awareness of dual use, promote biosecurity best practices for laboratories and institutions, and discuss local solutions for preventing the misuse of plant toxin materials.
Support for five Indonesians from Ministry of Health laboratories to travel to the Philippines’ Research Institute for Tropical Medicine for an expert exchange focused on implementing a national laboratory network with an emphasis on biosafety and biosecurity best practices.

Over the last quarter, the Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction also supported technology protection activities across the globe, including the following:

Enhancing research security in South America through partnership with leading STEM researchers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru in March 2024 to establish the South America Research Security Consortium. Their efforts will ensure that Latin America’s STEM innovation and dual-use research efforts are protecte

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation hosted a week-long study tour for Georgian partners focused on strengthening Georgia's national chemical safety and security legal frameworks and institutional capacities. Participants met with U.S. interagency experts as well as stakeholders from the chemical industry during the visit, which is part of a three-year initiative focused on building Georgia’s capacity in furtherance of national and international non-proliferation and counterterrorism standards and obligations.

In the same period the U.S. Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction (DoD CTR) Program supported, inter alia:

Mitigating Biosafety and Biosecurity Risks in Indonesia: In late February, DoD CTR conducted a foundational biosafety and biosecurity risk training for Republic of Indonesia Defense University faculty members to support the university’s future Biosafety and Biosecurity Center of Excellence. In the months ahead, DoD CTR will provide additional trainings for a smaller cohort to enhance curricula development and certification efforts in Indonesia.
Strengthening Emergency Response in Cameroon: In early March, DoD CTR supported the first subnational public health emergency management training workshop in the Far North region of Cameroon. The training included participants from the Far North who represented nine different Cameroonian ministries. In partnership with DoD CTR, Cameroon is building a self-sustaining cadre of public health emergency management personnel that will be able to detect, report, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, regardless of origin.

In October 2023, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the guidance to all entities involved in the provision, use, and transfer of synthetic genetic materials containing sequences of concern to prevent their misuse by illegitimate parties. This Screening Framework Guidance for Providers and Users of Synthetic Nucleic Acids is an update to the 2010 HHS screening framework and includes guidance for all entities involved in all stages of the research lifecycle for all synthetic nucleic acids that include either sequences unique to regulated agents or sequences that have been experimentally determined to contribute to pathogenicity or toxicity. Additional provisions will require – starting in late-April 2024 – compliance with certain elements of the 2023 HHS screening framework by all entities providing synthetic nucleic acids to any researchers in receipt of U.S. governmental life sciences research funding.

Chemical Security is a Global Responsibility

With a steady increase in the diversion of chemical precursors for use in explosive devices and chemical weapons around the world, it is evident that one community cannot counter these threats alone. Instead, the most effective chemical security practices involve a wide range of partners from industry, policymakers, regulators, law enforcement, military, customs officials, civil society, and academia. Facilitating multi-sector engagement and dialogue is paramount to understanding the evolving and emerging threats and to improving our collective response to identified needs.

The ‘Global Congress on Chemical Security & Emerging Threats’ (GC) was conceived to promote this very goal of establishing a chemical security community of practice that transcends borders, sectors and institutions. Launched in 2018, the Global Congress was established in response to a call by the Chemical Security Working Group of the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction to foster an international community of chemical security experts.

The GC is an international network of more than 1,600 experts who work together to address the threat of chemical and explosives terrorism. Now in its sixth year, the network continues to grow and expand, ensuring holistic and multi-sector dialogue as a collective response to the chemical and explosive threat worldwide. Since its launch, the GC has steadily become INTERPOL’s largest counter terrorism initiative. By leveraging the Organization’s unique position, capacity, and capability to connect law enforcement globally, the GC effectively brings together subject matter experts from all areas of the chemical security supply chain. By providing a platform for multi-sector global cooperation and partnership, the GC enables members to build relationships, exchange expertise, share important information on emerging threats and innovative best practices, and ultimately enhance capabilities. The diverse range of stakeholders facilitates a comprehensive approach to closing gaps that are being exploited by criminals and terrorists to acquire chemical and explosive precursors.

Best summarized by INTERPOL’s Counter-Terrorism Director, pro tempore, Catherine Colthart: “Breaking down silos and strengthening our relationships across every area of the chemical supply chain is the only way we can secure dangerous chemicals from getting into the wrong hands. Chemical security is a global responsibility, and the focus of this network remains in supporting the partnerships that enable law enforcement and the international community to tackle this threat effectively.”

Cross sectoral partnerships formed within the network have been conducive to several important success stories and connections established through this forum have been instrumental in the sharing of important and time sensitive information, which have in turn yielded stronger operational results. For example, partnerships established within the GC have been instrumental in heightening the number of INTERPOL Purple and Orange notices published by Member Countries. Owing to these relationships, imminent threats to public safety and information on modus operandi can be processed and published in demonstrably short timeframes, thus leading the information to be disseminated to INTERPOL’s 196 member countries in a timely manner. In addition, several network members from private industry and law enforcement have identified shared goals and began collaborative relationships to address chemical security challenges.

A private chemical company in the United States improved its policies and procedures for transporting chemical goods following the 2022 Plenary Meeting. This came as a direct result of sharing best practices and viewing INTERPOL’s awareness raising video, ‘The Watchmaker’, which highlighted potential vulnerabilities across the supply chain.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, it is important to ensure that key actors in the field of chemical security regularly meet and exchange information, to provide consistent input to global dialogue. This is achieved through regular participation at the Global Congress Plenary Meetings (GCP). The GCP Meeting is an integral convening point for the network, enabling members to discuss the latest trends and threats, as well as effective best practices being employed worldwide.

Building Bonds, Breaking Barriers: 5 Years of Chemical Security Excellence

In October 2023, the fourth GCP Meeting brought together more than 300 chemical security experts from over 80 countries in Bangkok, Thailand. As the GC celebrated its fifth anniversary, the 2023 event constituted the largest event to date and saw a significant expansion of members from across untapped regions and sectors. The meeting provided a platform for new and existing network members to engage in collaborative and productive dialogue to improve chemical security globally.

Experts from law enforcement, military, industry, international organizations, government and regulatory agencies and academia convened to share information, case studies and best practices on issues related to risk management, public/private partnerships and challenges in implementing effective chemical security.

Under the theme of ‘Chemical Security in Action’, the plenary meeting also focused on emerging threats including the nefarious use of 3D printing, biological toxins, pharmaceutical-based agents, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Presentations highlighted the potential risks of AI as well as how it may be used as a preventive measure to counter chemical and explosive threats. Moreover, the network examined case studies and success stories of how the latest innovation in technology and cybersecurity can be used to proactively detect and thwart cyber and physical threats.

The importance of public/private partnerships was at the heart of the dialogue, with presentations highlighting several success stories from bolstering these partnerships and how this has been achieved through the Global Congress Network. Law enforcement officials and industry pioneers provided insights into technological advancements including tools, platforms and practices used to detect and ensure the secure transport of dangerous goods and materials and how these procedures can support the prevention of diversion of hazardous materials.

The meeting agenda was highly driven by the established call for abstracts process for the GCP Meetings, which enables the most pertinent topics to be brought to the forefront of the dialogue and gives the network a robust voice in developing the meeting agenda. This process continues to generate engaging, relevant topics that directly impact global chemical security while showcasing sector-specific capabilities, perspectives, tools and research that cater to the evolving chemical security landscape.

Global Dialogue Driving Global Solutions

While the proven success of the GCP meetings continues to increase, they remain only the centrepiece of a far-reaching mechanism. The overall success of the GC is defined through the partnerships, information sharing, and continuous dialogue that happens outside the confines of the GCP meetings. Additional activities and products are developed under the GC umbrella, which aim to operationalize the network by leveraging sector-specific expertise and peer-to-peer exchange as well as promoting an ongoing, dynamic dialogue. as well as through engagement in the additional activities organized under the GC umbrella. A range of virtual and smaller in-person activities support the Global Congress network year-round, enabling consistent information sharing and peer-to-peer exchange. These activities naturally feed into the preparation of the annual GCPs by enabling further dialogue, promoting better understanding of regional developments in the threat landscape, and developing key themes in preparation for the wider, global discussion.

GC Webinars provide network members with an opportunity to further explore chemical security issues, emerging threats, and recent events through deep dives into topics of interest to the network. The webinars are highly attended by network members eager to hear from experts to discuss case studies and sector-specific mitigating strategies and best practices that could improve chemical security worldwide. Whilst webinars were first established in a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have proven pivotal in maintaining dialogue and for ensuring that the GC co-implementing partners can cast a wider net amongst the chemical security community.

The GC Global Knowledge Hub was launched in 2021 and offers a complementary, digital platform to maintain active engagement and dynamic dialogue among GC members. This online platform serves as a key mechanism to operationalize and leverage the expertise of the Global Congress Network and serves to foster communication and information sharing between members.

Through GC engagements, the GC network is the foundation of an ongoing matchmaking process with the wider chemical security community. Members of the Global Congress network who identify knowledge and capacity gaps can request technical assistance and seek support from relevant skillsets across the Network. This process creates new systems that support peer-to-peer learning and capacity building.

Building public-private partnerships and developing opportunities for collaboration across sectors are the core objectives of the GC and is the measure for successfully operationalizing the network. It is only by tapping into the capabilities of the network that tangible operational and strategic-level outcomes can be achieved. While the GC is greatly positioned to promote and foster partnerships as well as the secure exchange of knowledge and information among key stakeholders, the network continues to invest in further developing its capabilities and having an active role in driving positive change for global chemical security.

In support of these goals, the GC Advisory Bodies – the Steering Committee and Industry Advisory Group – were established to provide strategic advice to the network and ensure that multi-sectoral and multi-national perspectives are reflected in GC programming activities. Members help to identify emerging threats and trends across the different sectors, key areas and opportunities for collaborations among countries and agencies to counter threats to chemical security, and the means of achieve those objectives.

Established in 2022, the Steering Committee helps guide discussions on identifying opportunities for engaging in cross-sectoral collaborations to better counter security threats. The committee acts as a multi-sectoral, multi-national advisory body for the congress priorities and activities, and currently represents 10 different sectors and 15 countries. The Industry Advisory Group was established in 2020 to address the needs and challenges faced by the chemical industry sector and ensure stronger representation at GC initiatives. Comprised of a select number of leading industry subject-matter experts, the IAG provides insights and advice on threats, trends, and opportunities for the private sector, as well as for the wider GC network.

With the support of the IAG, the GC is currently developing projects and targeted products that cater to the respective needs of the wider network. The three products, listed below, are intended to be used as resources for the whole GC Network, in response to the needs and capability gaps of its members.

A Factsheet on How to Identify Suspicious Transactions or Request for Quotes (RFQs): a factsheet on how to identify suspicious transactions or RFQs developed by leveraging existing lessons learned and tips.
Technical Guidance for How to Neutralize Chemicals or Categories of Chemicals: technical guidance for how to neutralize chemicals or categories of chemicals during an emergency or crisis situation.
Chemical Security Minimum Standards or Recommendations: non-regulatory minimum standards or recommendations that chemical facilities and transportation companies could use to inform their security plans.

The Global Congress has effectively etched its place in the global chemical security landscape. As we work towards becoming the world’s leading platform on chemical security, the Global Congress will continue to leverage the strengths of its membership and effectively address global needs and counter threats from the strategic level to the frontline. As we know, countering these threats cannot be achieved in a vacuum. Chemical Security is indeed a global responsibility, and it depends on the active engagement and commitment of all countries, sectors, and stakeholders. To join the Global Congress Network or for any other queries related to the initiative, please contact chemcongress@interpol.int.

The Global Chemical Congress is an international network of more than 1,500 experts. It is jointly led by INTERPOL, the U.S. Cybersecurity, and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and 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 U.S. Department of State.