World Border Security Congress

The World Border Security Congress looks forward to welcoming you to Athens, Greece on rescheduled dates of 5th-7th OCTOBER 2021 for the next in-person gathering of the international border security, management and protection community.

This year’s programme theme is ‘Continuing the Discussion and Dialogue for Building Trust and Co-operation’ and will discuss the latest challenges and issues facing the international borders community.

The World Border Security Congress is a high level 3 day event that will discuss and debate current and future policies, implementation issues and challenges as well as new and developing technologies that contribute towards safe and secure border and migration management.

Greece has been in the forefront of the global migration crisis since it started in 2015.

2015/16 saw the escalation of the global migration crisis, with mass movements of people fleeing the war zones of the Middle East as well as illegal economic immigration from Africa and elsewhere. International terrorism shows every sign of increasing, posing real threats to the free movement of people.

Today, these incidents see the continuation of the migration challenges for the border management and security community, as little sign of peace and security in the Middle East is apparent and porous borders in Africa continue to provide challenges.

International organised criminal gangs and human and drug trafficking groups exploit opportunities and increasingly use the internet and technology to enhance their activities.

Controlling and managing international borders in the 21st Century continues to challenge the border control and immigration agencies around the world. It is generally agreed that in a globalised world borders should be as open as possible, but threats continue to remain in ever evolving circumstances and situations.

Advancements in technology are assisting in the battle to maintain safe and secure international travel and detect illigit goods and smuggling. The border security professional still remains the front line against these threats.