Heads of Secretariat place the spotlight on the capacity-building achievements and priorities of Partner Countries at the Global Partnership

The terrorist use of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) materials (otherwise known as weapons of mass destruction or WMD) presents a grave threat to international peace and security. From the 2001 anthrax letter attacks to recent incidents of radiological and nuclear trafficking, the threat posed by WMD presents a potent and continuously evolving security challenge. In this environment, the need to work together to anticipate and prevent the misuse of CBRN materials has emerged as a priority for countries and regions around the world.

The G7 Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (the Global Partnership), announced during the 2002 G8 summit In Kananaskis, Canada, is today the primary multilateral group that coordinates funding and in-kind support to help vulnerable countries around the world combat WMD. Meeting twice per year in the host country of the G7, the Global Partnership Working Group (GPWG) brings together 30 member countries and the European Union to take collective action.

A powerful message of solidarity and commitment

Recognising the important role played by the GPWG in directing capacity-building efforts towards the most urgent security challenges posed by CBRN terrorism and proliferation, on 7-9 February 2024, Heads of Secretariat representing the 8 regions of the EU CBRN Centres of Excellence (CoE) joined the first GPWG meeting under Italian Presidency of the 2024 Global Partnership to share the perspectives of the 64 Partner Countries cooperating within the framework of the Initiative.

Addressing each of the GPWG sub-working groups, Heads of Secretariat delivered impactful statements highlighting not only how EU CBRN CoE Partner Countries have successfully enhanced national and regional capacity to combat WMD, but also drawing attention to common priorities that continue to require investment and cooperation. Speaking on behalf of 64 Partner Countries, the opportunity for Heads of Secretariat to address the GPWG delivered a powerful message of solidarity while underscoring the importance of designing CBRN capacity building-programmes that are matched to regional priorities and national needs.

EU CBRN CoE is working to build a safer and more secure world through cooperation with 64 Partner Countries across 8 regions

Focusing on the priorities of Partner Countries

The European Union Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence Initiative EU CBRN CoE is working to build a safer and more secure world through cooperation with 64 Partner Countries across 8 regions. Key to this endeavour is mobilising resources to meet the needs and priorities of Partner Countries.

For more information on how the EU CBRN CoE is supporting the strengthening of CBRN risk mitigation, please visit the Initiative’s home page

For more information on how the Global Partnership Against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction (the Global Partnership) is supporting the coordination of projects to prevent CBRN terrorism and proliferation, please visit the GP page