World Fire Congress Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct is adopted pursuant to the World Fire Congress Founding Principles, Bylaws, and related governance policies and applies to all World Fire Congress activities and participants.
Purpose and Applicability
The World Fire Congress (WFC) is committed to maintaining an inclusive, respectful, safe, and professional environment that supports international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among global fire and emergency service leaders. This Code applies to all WFC activities, including conferences, meetings, workshops, Communities of Practice, virtual events, social functions, and any activity organized or supported by the WFC, its Secretariat, Executive Steering Committee, or Host Nation. The Code applies to all participants, including but not limited to delegates, speakers, sponsors, observers, contractors, volunteers, media representatives, and staff.
Guiding Principles and Expected Conduct
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the values of dignity, respect, professionalism, integrity, and cultural awareness consistent with the WFC Founding Principles. Participants shall comply with applicable laws, event procedures, safety and security requirements, and instructions issued by authorized officials. Conduct that supports constructive dialogue, equitable participation, and mutual respect is expected at all times. Discrimination or exclusion based on gender, race, nationality, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, political affiliation, or any other inappropriate basis is prohibited.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment, intimidation, bullying, discrimination, retaliation, or any disruptive behavior is prohibited. This includes unwelcome verbal, physical, written, electronic, or sexual conduct that could reasonably be considered offensive, threatening, humiliating, or hostile. Participants shall not engage in violent or unsafe behavior, misuse conference credentials, intentionally disrupt official activities, damage property, or falsely represent WFC positions or authority.
Reporting and Accountability
Participants who experience or witness conduct inconsistent with this Code are encouraged to report the matter to the WFC Secretariat, designated event officials, or authorized security personnel. The WFC will review concerns promptly and fairly while protecting confidentiality to the extent practical. The Executive Steering Committee and WFC Secretariat may take appropriate corrective action, including warnings, removal from activities, revocation of credentials, suspension from future participation, or referral to an individual’s organization or relevant authorities.
Geopolitical Neutrality and Diplomatic Conduct
The World Fire Congress convenes professionals from nations that may be engaged in political conflict, contested disputes, or diplomatic tension outside of WFC activities. The WFC is a professional forum dedicated to global fire and life safety, and participants are expected to conduct themselves accordingly. Geopolitical differences, national disputes, and ideological conflicts have no place in WFC proceedings. Participants shall not introduce, promote, or engage in conduct that imports external political or diplomatic tensions into WFC activities, spaces, or communications. All participants share a common professional identity and mission: protecting life and property from fire. This shared purpose transcends national boundaries, political affiliations, and governmental positions. Participants are encouraged to engage with colleagues from all nations with curiosity, humility, and mutual respect — recognizing that the exchange of knowledge and experience at the WFC has the potential to save lives across the globe.
Administration
The World Fire Congress Secretariat, operating under the authority of the Executive Steering Committee, shall administer and implement this Code of Conduct and establish any procedures necessary for its effective application.
References
Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association. World Fire Congress Bylaws. World Fire Congress Secretariat, 2026.
World Fire Congress. Statement of Founding Principles and Objectives. Washington, D.C.: World Fire Congress, 2024.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Code of Conduct for UNFCCC Events. Bonn, Germany: UNFCCC Secretariat.
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). How to COP: A Handbook for Hosting United Nations Climate Change Conferences. 4th ed. Bonn, Germany: UNFCCC Secretariat, 2023.
World Fire Congress Secretariat. Call for Expressions of Interest and Bid Proposals – Host Nation for the 2030 World Fire Congress. Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, April 16, 2026.
World Fire Congress Secretariat. Host Nation Selection and Governance Materials.
Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, 2026.