The Paradox of Progress: Why Smart Borders Aren’t Easing Travel for the Bona Fide Traveller
Paul Igbinere Executive DirectorAfrican Young People Support Centre
The Organizing Committee are delighted to announce the preliminary Congress Agenda and guide to the 2026 World Border Security Congress in Vienna on 14th-16th April.
With a great range of hot topics and leading line up of international experts speakers, the World Border Security Congress is the premier multi-jurisdictional global platform where the border protection policy-makers, management and practitioners together with security industry professionals, convene annually to discuss the international challenges faced in protecting borders.
Download your Preliminary Congress Agenda guide and discover the range of topics and discussions of this years programme, as well as planning your participation to the conference, workshop and great networking opportunities available.


Austria’s border security faces a complex set of challenges, largely stemming from its geographical location and its participation in the Schengen Area. A primary concern is managing irregular migration flows, which fluctuate significantly due to geopolitical instability in various regions. This puts pressure on Austria’s capacity to effectively screen and process asylum seekers. The inherent […]
Read MoreThe World Border Security Congress is a high level 3 day event for senior border officials to 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.
Download ProspectusFor further details see Site Visits page.
In a rapidly digitizing world, borders are no longer just physical checkpoints—they are digital gateways. Yet, as governments and institutions invest in biometrics, e-visas, surveillance, and smart border systems, a critical question arises: Are we building border systems that serve people, or systems that simply process them? This young people-led congress will explore how technology […]
Shaping the future requirements for traveller verification at European borders Tuesday 25th March 10.30am – 12.30pm The European Association of Airport & Seaport Police (EAASP) is one of the parties involved in the EU-funded project SafeTravellers which started January 2024 and will last for three years, and is leading this workshop. The project aims to […]
Opening Keynotes and Welcome Messages to the 2025 World Border Security Congress
Networking Coffee Break
Combatting transnational crime requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses international cooperation, robust legal frameworks, and the use of advanced technology. Transnational crime, which includes Drug Trafficking, Small Arms, Trafficking Illicit Goods, SOC, THB (Trafficking for Organ Harvesting), transcends national borders, making it imperative for countries to work together. Effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies, intelligence […]
Welcome Reception (Invitation Only)
Maritime borders present some of the most difficult and challenging environments facing agencies at the border worldwide. Archipelago nations like Indonesia and the Philippines have vast maritime territories with thousands of islands to surveil and patrol with limited resources and changing weather conditions. And maritime borders don’t stop at the coast. Multi-national river systems like […]
Overview of the latest technologies and solutions for border management, security and protection
Networking Coffee Break
AI is increasingly playing a pivotal role in enhancing border security systems, utilizing advanced technologies to improve surveillance, threat detection, and data analysis. Currently, AI-driven solutions such as facial recognition, predictive analytics, and autonomous drones are employed to monitor borders efficiently and accurately. These systems can analyse vast amounts of data in real-time, enabling authorities […]
It is widely acknowledged that interagency cooperation is the key to the effective border management, facilitating the movement of goods and people whilst simultaneously preventing bad actors from travelling and interdicting the movement of illicit goods. But what can be in practical terms on the ground to increase communication, share actionable intelligence and best practise.
Delegate Lunch and Networking Break
Developing cooperation and understanding between customs officers and border agencies is vital for effective border management and security. Agencies need to exchange intelligence regarding potential threats, smuggling activities, and other suspicious behaviours. This includes sharing data on cargo, travellers, and vehicles. Joint training, operations and inspections will improve effectiveness and working together on risk assessments, […]
Overview of the latest technologies and solutions for border management, security and protection
Networking Coffee Break
Any organisation, whatever is field of operation, is only as good as its staff. And investment in that human capital is one of the most valuable activities that any organisation can participate in. Training promotes the ethics and ideals of the organisation as well as well as improving the skills and knowledge to develop sound […]
In the spirit of interagency cooperation this workshop will facilitate the sharing of on the ground experience, real life case studies and share actionable intelligence on the movement of drugs, illicit goods, illegal waste, heritage goods, wildlife trafficking and modus operandi used to enable these trades.
Networking Reception sponsored by SITA
Border management challenges are increasingly influenced by irregular migration trends driven by economic instability, armed conflict, environmental changes, and social unrest. Conflicts in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Central America have led to persistent refugee crises, prompting many individuals to seek asylum in neighbouring countries or distant nations. Additionally, the […]
Moderated by: Simon Deignan, Programme Management Officer / UNOCT – Countering Terrorist Travel Programme – CTTP – Complementarity of international obligations on passenger data and International Human Rights Law – Dr Arturo Laurent, Legal Officer, Terrorism Prevention Branch / UNODC – Supporting Member State with development of compliant structures, procedures and information handling – roles of UNOCT and UNODC/AIRCOP […]
Networking Coffee Break
Digital travel and the implementation of digital borders are revolutionizing the travel experience by streamlining processes and enhancing security for both travellers and border agencies. Initiatives such as trusted traveller programs allow pre-approved individuals to pass through border controls with minimal delays, thereby improving efficiency and convenience. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) is […]
In the spirit of interagency cooperation this workshop will facilitate the sharing of on the ground experience, real life case studies and share actionable intelligence on the movement of trafficked human beings via planes , boats and vehicles and the various methods by which the traffickers enable this movement.
Delegate Lunch and Networking Break
Addressing cross-border terrorism and the dangers posed by foreign terrorist fighters necessitates a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes international collaboration, intelligence sharing, and robust policy frameworks. Countries must join together to improve border security, fortify legal measures, and disrupt funding channels for terrorism. Through the exchange of intelligence and resources, nations can more effectively identify and […]
Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna is a stylish 4‑star superior hotel located in Vienna’s Landstraße (3rd district), nestled in the elegant embassy district and immediately adjacent to the Belvedere Palace and Botanical Garden. Housed in the former k.u.k. Imperial state printing works, the architectural mash‑up of a heritage-protected Vienna façade and a bright, modern interior with a six‑storey atrium creates a welcoming and light‑filled atmosphere.