Security strategies for a sustainable future discussed at the International Police Summit

December 21, 2021

Director a.i. of UNDP Seoul Policy Centre’s, Ms. Anne Juepner, took part as panelist in the annual International Police Summit (IPS)hosted by the Korean National Policy Agency (KNPA)on 21 September, 2021. This year, the International Police Summit, one of the largest of its kind in the world, was held under the theme “Policing Strategy for the New Normal Era”. More than 100 delegates from 38 countries attended to establish a common understanding of the changing policing environment, combine ideas for a comprehensive strategy for police organizations and formulate strategic partnerships.

As the only female and UN official invited to the panel discussing the major changes in the policing environment in the New Normal era brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the best policing strategy for a sustainable future, Ms Juepner provided a critical macro-perspective, connecting the relevance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDG 16 on promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies to policing strategy and law enforcement institutions. Ms. Juepner introduced \the UNDP Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and how sustainable development, security and policing are strongly interconnected. In particular, she emphasized the need for law enforcement institutions to be more multi-faceted than ever and to work with stakeholders based on a holistic, human development perspective.

Ms. Juepner also stressed that digitalisation could open new windows of opportunities for the police, such as the digital transformation of police management and innovation in investigation procedures, whileat the same time, multi-stakeholder partnerships are needed to tackle the dark side of digitalisation, exemplified by digital sex crimes. She presented the digital sex crimes webinar that UNDP Seoul Policy Centre organized in partnership with KNPA and other police and UN agencies around the world as an example of multi-stakeholder partnership. Her remarks aligned with the opening speech given by Police Commissioner General Mr. Chang Yong Kim, who also emphasized the dangers of digital sex crimes and the importance of preventive police responses that cater to the needs of the underprivileged.

The panel closed with agreement by the attendees that cross-sector cooperation, collaboration and learning from each other were foundations of an effective police response in the “New Normal Era.”.