The establishment of the International Biosafety Working Group (IBWG) was initiated in the fall of 2001 in response to the identification of a need for an international forum to discuss a wide range of important biosafety issues. It was a time of unparalleled change and challenge for the biosafety profession. The recent bioterrorism letter incidents had dramatically altered the biosafety work environment. The working group was seen as a unique opportunity to establish professional acquaintances, to meet new colleagues, and to share biosafety knowledge, ideas and innovations. The Secretariat of the International Biosafety Working Group (IBWG) has changed its name to the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA). The IFBA offers a unique opportunity for biosafety professionals of different nations to coordinate and develop a global biosafety agenda aimed at international harmonization, sharing of information, development of common standards and collaboration in all aspects of biological safety. It’s mission is to support and promote biosafety on a national and international level through collaboration among national and regional biosafety organizations worldwide.