6th OSCE-wide Seminar on Passenger Data Exchange

Following the success of previous Passenger Data Seminars in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the OSCE and UNOCT are organizing the 6th OSCE-wide Seminar on Passenger Data Exchange on 3-4 November 2022. This event marks the third consecutive joint initiative between the OSCE and UNOCT and is a direct result of the Biennial Action Plan for 2022-2024 signed on 19 September 2022. 

Prompted by an increased risk of returning foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) following the loss of territory by terrorist groups in conflict zones, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted in December 2017 its Resolution 2396, which builds upon previous resolutions 2178 (2014) and 2309 (2016), and obliges Member States to:

1. Require airlines operating in their territories to provide Advance Passenger Information (API) to the appropriate national authorities; and report any movements of FTFs by sharing this information with the relevant States; and ensure API is analysed by all relevant authorities;
2. Develop the capability to collect, process and analyse Passenger Name Record (PNR) data; and ensure it is used by and shared with all their competent national authorities; and encourage the sharing of this data with relevant or concerned States.

Additionally, the Resolution calls explicitly on international and regional organizations to:

      3. Improve coordination and identify areas where Member States need technical assistance, resources and capacity building in order to implement such capabilities.

Following the success of previous Passenger Data Seminars in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the OSCE and UNOCT are organizing the 6^h OSCE-wide Seminar on Passenger Data Exchange on 3-4 November 2022, in order to provide further support and assistance as mandated in the Resolution. This event marks the third consecutive joint initiative between the OSCE and UNOCT and is a direct result of the Biennial Action Plan for 2022-2024 signed on 19 September 2022.

The main purpose of this event is to further support OSCE participating States in developing API systems and provide opportunities to identify potential partnerships. The seminar will focus on the following six areas:

1. The Eastern European Informal Working Group on passenger data exchange - one year later;
2. Engaging and connecting with the transport industry;
3. Enhancing travel security across all modes of travel — next steps for maritime/road/rail travel;
4. API/PNR systems implementation outside the OSCE area: an external perspective;
5. Legal issues and international standards; and,
6. Passenger Information Units — modalities, good practices and lessons learned.

Each participant is requested to register online before the deadline of Tuesday, 1 November 2022, 10:00 a.m.

Interested participants can register here.