UNICRI and EU CBRN Centres of Excellence Highlighted at INTERPOL Global Congress Steering Committee

Abu Dhabi, 20-21 October 2025 - UNICRI, as one of the driving forces of the European Union (EU) Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centres (CBRN) of Excellence (CoE), took part in the Steering Committee meeting of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) Global Congress on Chemical Security and Emerging Threats, hosted by the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As a member of the Steering Committee, UNICRI participated alongside representatives from Member States (including Botswana, Canada, Colombia, Jordan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom) as well as from regional and international organizations such as the European Union, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), INTERPOL, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), together with experts from academia, research institutions, and private industry.

The event marked the UAE's official accession to the Steering Committee - making it the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to join - underscoring the country's expanding contribution to global efforts to advance chemical security and address emerging threats.

Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Mansoori, Commander of the Special Security Forces at the Ministry of Interior and the appointed representative of the UAE and GCC to the advisory body, stated that the UAE's membership in the Steering Committee reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing international cooperation and knowledge exchange, and its engagement as a constructive partner in the global security framework.

Discussions focused on strengthening international cooperation, preparing for upcoming multi-sector exercises, and shaping the agenda for the 2026 Global Congress Plenary Meeting. Key themes included the dual-use risks of emerging technologies, the role of artificial intelligence, and the need for harmonized control lists for chemicals of concern.

UNICRI's engagement through the network of the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence brought valuable regional perspectives from all CoE regions, highlighting the evolving landscape of chemical threats, challenges related to dual-use materials, and the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening global chemical security. Particular attention was given to specific challenges across the African continent. In this context, the UAE representative emphasized the need for enhanced support to mitigate potential risks related to the trade of chemical materials with African countries.

The discussions also explored the interface between chemical security and scientific research. Mr. Geoffrey Otieno, representing the Chemical Society of Kenya, noted that while Kenyan chemists receive training on ethics and safety, security remains an area requiring greater attention. He underlined the importance of maintaining accurate inventories of chemical materials in the private sector to strengthen control measures. A representative from the University of Genoa, Mr. Abdellatif Soussi, stressed the sensitivity of information contained in research subject to multiple reviews, while Ms. Irma Makalinao (the Philippines) highlighted the need for self-censorship among scientists to minimize the publication of potentially harmful information.

Through its continued participation, UNICRI and the European Union CBRN Centres of Excellence are reinforcing their complementary role within the global chemical security architecture - working in close coordination with leading international partners to translate policy into practice and connect regional actions with global priorities.

An article was released by the UAE authority at the following link: https://moi.gov.ae/en/media.center/News/102025n01.aspx