The World Border Security Congress is a high-level three-day event taking place 13–15 April 2027 in Lisbon, Portugal, bringing together senior border officials to discuss and debate current and future policies, implementation issues and challenges, as well as new and developing technologies that contribute to safe and secure border and migration management.
Further details will be announced soon. In the meantime, please refer to the previous event information below.
As global mobility, geopolitical tensions, and transnational crime continue to evolve, the 2026 Congress offers a forum to discuss policy developments, share operational strategies, and explore the latest advancements in border security technology.
Austria’s participation in the Schengen Area places it at the center of European border management debates. Key topics include irregular migration, secondary movement across Schengen borders, and the operational complexity posed by human trafficking and organized crime. As hybrid threats and terrorism further complicate the security environment, the Congress highlights the growing need for international cooperation, technological innovation, and balanced approaches that respect human rights obligations.
When is the 2026 World Border Security Congress?
April 14–16, 2026
9am–4:30pm daily
What’s On at the 2026 World Border Security Congress?
Over three days, the World Border Security Congress will deliver sessions focused on border protection strategies, migration flow management, technological innovations, and cross-border collaboration. Delegates will engage with global experts and policy leaders through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive exchanges. The event provides an opportunity to examine emerging threats and evaluate the role of intelligence, data-sharing, and new surveillance technologies in strengthening border operations.
2026 World Border Security Congress Themes
Discussion themes reflect Austria’s border security environment, including the impact of geopolitical instability on migration, the operational challenges of the Schengen framework, and the rise in transnational threats. Attendees will also explore the tension between enforcing secure borders and maintaining EU commitments to free movement and asylum rights.
Speakers at the 2026 World Border Security Congress
The 2026 program features 75 speakers from international organizations, border agencies, and industry. Highlights include:
- Arianna Lepore – Coordinator, Next-Generation Terrorism and Strategic Responses Portfolio, UNODC, Austria
- Dr. Wendy O’Brien – Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer, UNODC, Austria
- Heather Komenda – Senior Regional Technical Specialist for Migrant Protection, IOM Europe & Central Asia
- Jesus Aragon – CEO & Co-Founder, Identy Inc., USA
- Jeroen Engelberts – EUCAB Maritime Unit Leader, Customs Administration of The Netherlands
- Martin Reuter – Head, EUCAB
Where is the 2026 World Border Security Congress?
Savoyen Trend Hotel
Vienna, Austria
World Border Security Congress Highlights
The World Border Security Congress draws a wide international audience, with 450 participants, 35 exhibitors, and attendees representing over 60 countries. Past events have focused on evolving migration trends, inter-agency coordination, and real-world applications of biometric and surveillance systems in border environments.
To learn more about World Border Security Congress 2027, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
