Innovation and technology in addressing security challenges and crises across OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation focus of OSCE roundtable

Analysis of the complex security challenges, currently being faced, as well as sharing best practices and innovative approaches was the focus of the OSCE roundtable discussion. The event titled “Leveraging innovation and technology to address 21st century security challenges and crises across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation” was held on 09 and 10 November 2020 online and in Vienna.

Organized by the OSCE Border Security and Management Unit/Transnational Threats Department, the Slovak Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, the OSCE Border Management Staff College, and the OSCE External Co-operation Section, the discussion gathered some 180 participants from the OSCE region and beyond.

“The COVID-19 health crisis illustrates the complex nature of security. The repercussions of this pandemic will affect and have an impact, directly or indirectly, on most sectors of our society,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats. “A co-ordinated response, co-operation and concerted efforts across the OSCE and its Asian Partners for Co-operation is expected, sought and feasible.”

The event provided a platform to share innovative practices in preventing and combating Human Trafficking across the OSCE and Asian Partners for Co-operation. Experts from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, EUROPOL, the International Organization for Migration Japan, Border Services of Afghanistan as well as the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings shared their expertise.

Together with the Head of OSCE’s Action Against Terrorism Unit, representatives from the EU, as well as of state agencies and international organisation of Afghanistan, Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea, and Thailand have elaborated on good practices and innovative tools in enhancing international co-operation against terrorism.

Combining existing and new technologies such as biometrics, API/PNR systems, e-passports and automated border gates to facilitate cross-border movement and prevent transnational crimes and terrorism, were also discussed.

This roundtable discussion was the first of its kind and was held in the context of the 25th anniversary of the OSCE Asian Partnership for Co-operation.