Abu dhabi: The UAE, represented by the Ministry of Interior, has joined INTERPOL’s Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats Steering Committee, marking the UAE as the first GCC country to attain this membership. This move underscores the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting international efforts to bolster global safety and stability.
According to Emirates News Agency, INTERPOL has welcomed the UAE as a new member of its Steering Committee. Hosted by the UAE Ministry of Interior in Abu Dhabi, the Steering Committee meeting is a two-day event that features international participation focused on enhancing global cooperation to counter chemical threats and strengthen international security frameworks in this critical domain.
The Steering Committee, established in 2022, serves as a multi-sector, multinational advisory body tasked with setting the priorities and activities of the Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats. Collaborating with INTERPOL and international partners, the Committee aims to bolster nations’ capabilities to prevent and combat chemical terrorism through knowledge exchange and best practices. Members of the Committee contribute to strategic and operational decision-making and implementation within the INTERPOL Global Congress.
During the opening session, Brigadier Saeed Abdullah Al Suwaidi, Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, welcomed the international delegations and experts. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to supporting global initiatives to enhance chemical security and tackle emerging threats, thus contributing to international peace and stability.
Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Mansoori, Commander of the Special Security Forces at the Ministry of Interior and the UAE’s representative in the advisory body, stated that the UAE’s membership in the Steering Committee extends its longstanding commitment to promoting international cooperation and knowledge exchange, reaffirming its active participation in the global security system.
International representatives attending the meeting expressed gratitude to the UAE for hosting the event and commended its efforts to support international cooperation and strengthen collective capacities to confront chemical threats. They recognized the meeting as a platform for exchanging expertise and developing joint response mechanisms for a safer world.
The Steering Committee is responsible for setting priorities for the Global Congress on Chemical Security, providing strategic guidance, and facilitating multinational collaboration among experts. These efforts aim to prevent the misuse of chemicals for illicit purposes. The Committee includes 19 INTERPOL member countries, four international organizations, and key entities.
The Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats addresses challenges related to chemical weapons and explosives, providing a platform for sharing information and expertise on emerging threats. The Congress promotes collective action to advance global chemical security.
This international network, operational since 2018, is co-led by INTERPOL, Global Affairs Canada, and the U.S. DoD’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency, in partnership with the G7 Global Partnership Against Weapons of Mass Destruction.
The Steering Committee meeting in the UAE includes representatives from INTERPOL, Global Affairs Canada, DTRA, and international experts. Discussions focus on enhancing cooperation in addressing chemical threats, reviewing Global Congress recommendations, and preparing for a multi-sector exercise in Brazil.
On the second day, sessions will include various sectors discussing preparations for the 2026 Global Congress Plenary Meeting and the role of advanced technologies in supporting chemical security. The meeting will also explore strategies for countries with limited resources to prevent the exploitation of technological tools by malicious actors and strengthen cooperation between the chemical industry, governments, and law enforcement.