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As France assumes the presidency of the G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction for 2026, we stand at a defining moment. For 24 years, this Partnership has served as a critical mechanism for international cooperation in mitigating chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, delivering tangible results in the fight against WMD proliferation. But the evolving security landscape and the rapid advancement of technologies are reshaping the nature of these risks. In an ever-deteriorating strategic context, where new threats redouble persistent ones, France will strive to ensure that the Partnership not only maintains its hard-won achievements but also adapts to these challenges. The Partnership’s flexibility as well as its design as a convening platform are an opportunity we can collectively leverage to this aim.

Strategic Objectives for 2026

Recognizing the important work achieved under the stewardship of the Canadian presidency in 2025, thanks to which the Global Partnership is set for a new cycle, the French presidency will seek to implement the GP’s updated strategic priorities while adapting the Partnership’s framework to the new reality of our global environment. In doing so, the French presidency will ensure that the Global Partnership remains a dynamic, responsive, and result-driven force in the global fight against WMD proliferation.  

1. Consolidation of functioning and governance. After nearly a quarter-century of activity, the Global Partnership has proven its value as a unique platform for cooperation and impact. The French presidency will focus on consolidating the Global Partnership’s achievements, ensuring its governance and strategies are as robust and effective as necessary to meet the challenges ahead. A cornerstone of this effort will involve processing and incorporating the findings of the 2025 comprehensive review of the GP conducted by Chatham House. This will help us safeguard our hard-won gains while positioning the Global Partnership to meet the demands of an increasingly complex security environment.
2. Outreach and Engagement. Recognizing the transnational nature of WMD proliferation risks, the French presidency will actively engage new countries and organizations that demonstrate a firm commitment to CBRN threat reduction, pursuing efforts to potentially expand the GP membership. This also implies seeking to reinforce synergies with other critical initiatives and tools in the field of non-proliferation.
3. Enhanced Communication and Public Awareness. To increase the visibility of the GP’s work, the French presidency will place special emphasis on communication, highlighting the Global Partnership’s achievements in major fora, raising awareness of its critical mission, and fostering a deeper understanding of the threats faced and the solutions delivered. By sharing successes and lessons learned, the presidency aims to inspire greater support and reinforce global confidence in the collective ability to prevent the spread of WMDs.  

The Global Partnership’s role as a forum for practical cooperation and burden-sharing has never been more critical. As emerging technologies redefine the boundaries of risk, our ability to act together – to share expertise, resources, and resolve – will determine our success in preventing the spread of WMDs.

France looks forward to working with all partners to ensure the Global Partnership remains an effective, adaptative, and indispensable instrument of international security.  

Sincerely,  

France’s Global Partnership Presidency Team