Conference Agenda
At the International Summit on Borders conference, you will hear from visionary security leaders from across the globe as they address pressing issues and delve into front-page topics impacting trade, travel, and transnational security.
Below are the sessions that took place at the 2020 Virtual Conference. Please check back this winter for updated information.
Tuesday, September 29
11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. |
Welcome RemarksInternational Summit on Borders Co-Chairs:
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11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Setting the Scene: Threats, Trends, Challenges and Opportunities Impacting Border AgenciesThis panel will “set the scene” for the conference, discussing current threats, trends, challenges, and opportunities facing national border agencies worldwide, as well as private sector actors engaged in cross-border commerce and travel. The panel will discuss not only current and over-the-horizon threats presented by terrorist groups, transnational organized crime, cyberhackers, and infectious diseases, among other things, but also discuss broader global issues, including the rise of migration and refugee flows, the evolution of the global economy, technological change, environmental drivers, legal and constitutional issues, and political and geopolitical factors, including the rise of populist backlash against “globalism,” immigration, and free trade. Moderator:
Panelists:
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12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Live Q&A |
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
The Creation of the Department of Homeland Security: A Dialogue with a Former SecretaryThis dialogue with the first and founding Homeland Security Secretary will discuss creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the largest re-organization of the U.S. government in half a century, and the story behind the scenes. Secretary Ridge will disuss the original conception ofthis new department of government and contrast this with how it has worked. Has it met original expectations? Expect a critical assessment of the pros and cons of this department or ministry of homeland security that arose from the ashes of 9/11. Moderator:
Panelist:
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1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Live Q&A |
1:45 – 2:45 p.m. |
Sponsor Networking RoomsSpecial thanks to our sponsors who helped ensure the success of this event. Be sure to visit with them in the networking rooms to chat with fellow conference attendees and learn more about our sponsors’ unique missions, products or solutions. |
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. |
COVID-19: Pandemics and Border Controls, Lessons to be Learned—Preparing for the Next PandemicThis session will address to what extent and how well border screening and controls were used by various nations in an attempt to control and slow down the spread of COVID-19 within their countries. The Panel will focus on what the optimal counter-pandemic border screening strategy would be and how and why it needs to be in place before the next pandemic strikes. Once optimal border screening methodologies are understood and developed, the Panel will suggest how this strategy can be globalized through multinational, reciprocal agreements. Moderator:
Panelists:
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5:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Live Q&A |
Wednesday, September 30
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
Seamless Travel: A Way ForwardA discussion building upon the IBMATA call for action for Border Agencies to adopt a set of international standards for expedited border clearance, using mutual recognition agreements to facilitate the movement of pre-vetted passengers. What will the Border of the Future look like? What will the Border Officer of tomorrow be doing, and what new skills will they need? How can we motivate Border Agencies worldwide to collaborate with each other, and with the private sector, to develop a new model of border control that is safe and secure, but is able to cope with ever increasing numbers of passengers at our borders? Moderator:
Panelists:
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11:00 – 11:15 a.m. | Live Q&A |
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. |
Use of Big Data and Data Analytics for Smarter Border ControlThe panel will focus on how big data, data analytics and artificial intelligence are facilitating the cross-border movement of goods and people, while adding more security against threats ranging from terrorism, transnational organized crime, human smuggling, unlawful migration and pandemics. Moderator:
Panelists:
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12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Live Q&A |
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
eCommerce: Illicit and Counterfeit GoodsBuilding on the work of the WCO, the international trade community and Governments, the panel will provide an update on what has been accomplished and key deliverables that should be pursued. Moderator:
Panelists:
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1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. | Live Q&A |
1:45 p.m. |
Sponsor Networking Room |
Conference Adjourns |
Agenda as of 9/25/20; subject to change