A few weeks before the premiere of the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS), Hamburg Messe und Congress and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce have entered into a long-term strategic partnership. The GSIS in Hamburg sees itself as a joint platform for international decision-makers and professionals dealing with global security issues and innovative technologies. The aim of the cooperation is to expand economic resilience, security policy competence, and international networking of companies through joint activities – and thus strengthen Hamburg as a global hub for dialogue and future solutions.
The heart of the collaboration is the joint organization of innovative formats and international activities. Starting in 2026, this will include an exclusive pre-opening dinner ahead of the summit at the historic premises of the Chamber of Commerce. Chamber members will benefit from extended access to the conference. Further projects will be developed jointly.
Dr. Malte Heyne, Chief Executive Officer of the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce:
“Geopolitical disruptions are particularly evident in Hamburg as an international trade hub, and many of our companies are directly affected. As a chamber of commerce, we support them in remaining capable and resilient in a complex world. Hamburg and the GSIS are an excellent match for this.”
Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress:
"With this partnership, two strong Hamburg institutions are joining forces. Together, we are opening a new chapter for international dialogue – with Hamburg as a stage for global perspectives and innovative answers."
Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS:
"The cooperation with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce anchors the GSIS even more strongly – locally, strategically, and in partnership. It is a decisive step to make Hamburg globally visible as a place for responsibility and innovation."
The Global Security and Innovation Summit will take place for the first time on October 22 and 23, 2025, at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg. The strategic partnership with the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce is a central element of the long-term development – and a clear signal for joint action in the spirit of global transformation.
About GSIS – Global Security and Innovation Summit
GSIS is not just an annual summit but a year-round platform for strategic dialogue. In addition to the main event in Hamburg, regional satellite events are planned at IISS locations worldwide. Digital formats are intended to enable continuous exchange between the summits. GSIS will take place on October 22 and 23, 2025, at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
About the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce
The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce represents the interests of 180,000 companies and is a service provider for the Hamburg economy. Based on the location strategy "Hamburg 2040 – how do we want to live and what do we want to live from in the future?" the goal is to strengthen Hamburg's viability with and beyond the economy and actively shape the future of the location.
About the International Institute for Strategic Studies
The Global Security and Innovation Summit is based on the combined expertise of its partner institutions. The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is an internationally renowned think tank for security and defense policy with deep knowledge of regional geopolitics and geo-economics. It is known for high-level forums such as the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue (Asia), the IISS Manama Dialogue (Middle East), and the IISS Prague Defence Summit (Europe). The international research team offers analyses relevant to government and business.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC), based in Germany's second-largest city, is one of the leading trade fair and congress organizers in Europe. The venue hosts industry-defining trade fairs and conferences. The topic of global security has been part of the portfolio for over 60 years – particularly in connection with the leading international trade fair SMM and the International Conference on Maritime Security and Defence (MS&D).
