The Fifth Plenary Meeting of the Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, held from May 5 to 8, 2025, in Amman, Jordan, brought together over 300 delegates from more than 100 countries and six international organizations. The congress underscored the increasing complexity of chemical security challenges and emphasized the need for enhanced global cooperation to address these evolving threats.
Key Recommendations and Emerging Threats
The plenary session highlighted several critical areas requiring immediate attention:
- Strengthening Regional Networks: Enhancing collaboration among regional entities to improve information sharing and response capabilities.
- Developing a Centralized Chemical Database: Establishing a global repository to track chemical substances and their movements, facilitating better monitoring and control.
- Addressing Challenges Posed by Emerging Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Recognizing the dual-use nature of AI, which can be exploited by non-state actors to develop chemical weapons or disrupt chemical facilities.
The congress also noted the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the exploitation of vulnerabilities by non-state actors. Fragmented regulatory controls and the use of uncrewed systems, such as drones, were identified as significant threats.
Statements from Key Officials
Major General Al-Maaytah of Jordan’s Public Security Directorate emphasized the global nature of chemical security, stating, “Chemical security is no longer only a national or regional responsibility, but rather a global priority requiring significant cooperation between governments and institutions.”
INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi highlighted the importance of collective strength and partnerships, asserting, “Chemical security is a global responsibility that demands our collective attention and action. We must commit to fostering a culture of shared responsibility and strengthen partnerships across borders, sectors, and disciplines to create a safer, more secure future for all.”
The Role of INTERPOL and International Collaboration
The Global Congress is co-implemented by INTERPOL, Global Affairs Canada, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and the FBI. Launched in 2018, it aims to cultivate a global and multi-sectoral culture of chemical security. The congress serves as a platform for international stakeholders to share expertise, develop innovative strategies, and promote cooperation and information sharing against chemical security threats.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the Fifth Plenary Meeting underscore the urgent need for a unified approach to chemical security. As emerging technologies continue to evolve, so too must the strategies to counteract their potential misuse. The Global Congress remains committed to fostering international collaboration and developing comprehensive solutions to safeguard against chemical threats.
For more information on the Global Congress and its initiatives, visit the official INTERPOL website.
Interpol Image by Dmytro Konovalenko on Interpol.com
