Part 1 - United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2026)

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to announce the arrival of Chef de Cabinet, Mr. Courtney Rattray, and Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Police Advisor Chakkar, and ASG Butenheim to take their seats. Thank you. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to welcome you to the 5th United Nations Chief of Police Summit. I would kindly like to ask you to stand for a minute of silence in remembrance of United Nations peacekeepers and all police officers around the world who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and security. Thank you. You may be seated. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present you a short video on the essential role of the United Nations Police and our diverse support to communities in need. The United Nations Police are your police. Thank you. Excellencies, I now ask the Chef du Cabinet to deliver his remarks on behalf of our Secretary-General. Mr. Atray, you have the floor, sir.

Excellencies, distinguished Chiefs of Police and Gendarmerie, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to welcome you to the 5th United Nations Chief of Police Summit. I thank you for your leadership and your commitment to safety and justice around the world. You gather at a defining moment for global peace and security. Conflicts are proliferating, criminal networks are operating across borders, and technology is opening up new pathways for exploitation and cruelty. United Nations Police stands on the front lines of these challenges, preventing violence, protecting the vulnerable, and delivering vital services. Your officers, women and men serving under the UN flag, operate in some of the most difficult environments on earth, doing a job that demands discipline, professionalism, and dedication to changing lives. We welcome increased efforts to deploy women police officers who play such a critical role in promoting peace, strengthening the rule of law, and empowering women and girls in conflict-affected communities. Yet even as the need for trusted and effective policing grows, funding for peace operations is in decline. We are being called upon to deliver greater impact with fewer resources, and the communities we serve are paying the price. This summit is our chance to forge solutions. Solutions. UNCOPS is more than a gathering of senior leaders. It is a global platform to renew partnerships and chart a common path forward. Such cooperation is at the heart of successful modern policing because no country can stop organized crime, cybercrime, trafficking, or illicit financial flows alone. Our task is to ensure that UN policing is fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world. But as we adapt, we must stay true to the principle that policing works best when it is people-centred, when it is grounded in human rights and the rule of law. When it advances gender equality and inclusion, and when it builds trust, the foundation upon which all good policing depends. Our teams on the ground are already embracing innovation and strengthening engagements with the communities that they serve. Let us build on their example. Together, let us invest in policing that protects communities and maintains peace and upholds the dignity of all.

Thank you.

Thank you very much for your time, Mr. Atrey. I now call on the United Nations Police Advisor Commissioner Faisal Shakar to take his seat on the podium to deliver his remarks and introduction for today's program. Please advise.

Excellencies, Chiefs of Police, Gendarmerie, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you to the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. I am truly impressed and humbled by the unprecedented level of interest and participation from our Member States. The number of delegations, 145, and the number of ministers, deputy ministers, and the chiefs of police and gendarmerie present today are the highest ever, which is a strong testament to the importance your countries place on the United Nations policing, particularly during this time of immense change. As you know, peace operations are undergoing significant transformation, with mandates expanding in complexity and operating environments becoming more and more diverse, including more deployments outside of traditional peacekeeping, where we are seeing increasing calls for expertise in police reform, public order, and community-oriented policing in countries that do not host peace operations. At the same time, we are confronting shrinking budgets, resources, and political support for peacekeeping. Against this backdrop, we recognize that the United Nations Police must continue to deliver more value for money by developing more specialized capabilities strengthening performance, and reinforcing ties with national institutions. We must also continue investing in people, in training, professionalism, and leadership, because the effectiveness of United Nations policing ultimately depends on the quality, integrity, and dedication of those who serve. The future of United Nations Police has been at the forefront of many of the conversations that we have had with you, our member states, including during our annual briefing to the Security Council during the 20th Police Week last February, where I was honored to brief the Council on all the progress that we made during that year. Our Secretary-General in the Pact for Future also called for the review of the future of all forms of United Nations peace operations, including policing. That is why we choose a vision for future of United Nations Police as the theme of today's first session. Many of you here, member states and international partners, have taken a deep interest in working with us to steer a path forward for the United Nations Police, a central pillar of United Nations peacekeeping and enabler for many of the organizations larger ambitions. Second, we recognize that the United Nations Police build for tomorrow and must harness the potential of innovation and new technologies while safeguarding our values. Technological advances, including artificial intelligence and data-driven tools, are transforming policing across the globe, offering new opportunities to improve situational awareness decision-making, and operational effectiveness. At the same time, these technologies raise profound ethical, legal, and human rights questions, including concerns related to privacy, accountability, and bias. The challenge before us is therefore not simply to adopt new tools, but to ensure that they are used responsibly, transparently, and in full respect of human rights. Technology must enhance trust, not undermine it. It must support human judgment, not replace it. And it must remain firmly anchored in principles that guide United Nations policing. This conversation started with some of the member states' sponsored side events yesterday and will continue during our second session on innovation and new technologies in United Nations policing.

Policing.

Our third session on enhancing international cooperation to address transnational challenges will look into how we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to protect vulnerable populations, strengthen trust between communities and institutions, and address the root causes of instability. We will discuss the growing links between conflict, insecurity, and transnational crime including trafficking, illicit arms flows, and environmental crime—issues that often go to the very heart of cross-border policing in your own countries. Responding to them effectively requires a coordinated and integrated response at the global level. And the United Nations Police are uniquely positioned to support such cooperation by bridging national, regional, and international efforts bolstering partnerships and helping build the capacities of the member states. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we have identified several priority areas intended to guide our collective thinking on the future of UN Police through enhanced innovation and cooperation. These include deepening professionalization to ensure that our personnel have the specialized skills required to address emerging threats, while maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability in line with the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Policing, a core document which UN Policing has developed, which we developed along with our member states, being a leader in long-term institutional development, including police reform, community engagement, and trust-building, and exploring new models for deployments of UN police. We will discuss these and other priorities in much more detail during the three sessions today. I look forward to hearing your views about how we can work together to realize the full potential of the United Nations Police. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the positive and lasting legacy of United Nations peacekeeping that you have contributed through your personnel and contributions, and I hope We continue to count on your support. I thank you for patience.

Thank you, Police Advisor, for your welcoming remarks. Now I would like to invite the moderator for the first session, on a vision for the role of United Nations Police. Deputy Police Advisor Margaret Karanja to take her place at the moderator's table and introduce the panelists for this session. Thank you for your attention, and I wish you all a full day of productive and insightful discussion. Thank you. Excellencies.

Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Karanja, the Deputy United Nations Police Advisor, and I'm very pleased to join you for this 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. Our first session is on the future of the United Nations Police. We look forward to very fruitful and productive deliberations. I would like to invite our first panelist, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, to take his seat at the podium. Followed by His Excellency Mr. Xin Fengling, the Vice Minister of Public Security for the People's Republic of China. Please take your seat at the podium, Your Excellency. That is the Commissioner of Australian Federal Police, Mr. Chris— Miss Chrissy Barrett. Please, Madam Commissioner, take your seat at the podium. Now I would like to welcome the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, to deliver his statement. Sir, you have the floor.

Excellencies, distinguished Chiefs of Police and Gendarmerie, dear colleagues, it's an honor for me to join you for the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. UNCCOPS continues to stand at the premier global platform for policing leadership, a symbol of inclusive multilateralism and our shared commitment commitment to peace, security, and the rule of law. Allow me to reiterate the powerful message delivered by the Chief of Cabinet, Courtney Rattray, on behalf of the Secretary-General. As highlighted in those remarks, we are at the defining moment marked by increasingly complex and protracted conflict, the growing convergence between crime and instability, and the rapid transformation of policing in the face of technological change at a time where trust between institutions and the population they serve is under strain. Against this backdrop, our chef de cabinet underscored that United Nations policy stands at the centre of these challenges and that the path forward requires a renewed vision, one that is more agile, people-centred, grounded in human rights and strengthened through international cooperation to to address transnational threats. This discussion is firmly anchored in the Action for Peacekeeping Impact Strategy launched earlier this year, which sets out a focused framework to maximize impact, enhance effectiveness, increase cost efficiency, and reinforce partnerships across peace operations. In many ways, UNECOPS 2026 represents a key opportunity to translate translate these system-wide priorities into concrete direction for United Nations policy: advancing rule of law support, strengthening performance and accountability, leveraging technology and data, and deepening partnerships with member states and regional organizations. As A4P Impact makes clear, the future effectiveness of peacekeeping will depend on our collective ability to adapt capabilities complexities, including policing, to evolving mandates and constrained resources, while maintaining a clear focus on delivering tangible results for the people we serve. Let me express my personal appreciation to all Member States that contribute personnel, expertise, and political support to United Nations policing. Your commitment has enabled United Nations Police to evolve into a central pillar of modern peace operations and a vital bridge between global peace efforts and national enforcement systems. Today's discussion comes at a pivotal moment. We face a convergence of pressures and opportunities. On the one hand, peace operations are adapting to reduced resources, more fluid mandates, and increasingly complex political environments. On the other, the demand for effective, accountable, and people-centered we are facing has never been greater. From transnational organized crime to community violence, from digital threats to protection of vulnerable populations, the challenges before us are expanding in both scale and sophistication. In this context, it is essential that we articulate a clear and forward-looking vision for United Nations Police, one that preserves the significant gains achieved over the— the past two decades while ensuring readiness for the future. First, let us reaffirm a fundamental point. United Nations Police are a core capability of peace operations, playing a unique role that combines operational support with long-term institution building. In non-mission settings, United Nations Police support Member States through capacity building, training, policy advice, and technical assistance. UN police officers strengthen host-state policing institutions, promote community trust, support the implementation of peace agreements, and protect civilians, often in contexts where military or purely political tools are insufficient. As Member States have consistently emphasized, effective policing is, is indispensable to sustainable peace. In many contexts, police components are best best suited to deliver on mandates related to rule of law, community engagement, and the prevention of violence. This is particularly true in increasingly dense urbanized environments where the lines between conflict, crime, and social tensions are blurred. Second, we must adapt to a rapidly evolving operational landscape. The future of UNPOL will not look like its past. We will likely see a growing diversity of UN Police presence and activities. This evolution requires UN Police to become more agile, more specialized, and better integrated with broader UN efforts. It also demands closer partnerships with national authorities, regional organizations, and other international actors. At the same time, expectations regarding performance and accountability continue to rise. Member States rightly expect highly skilled, well-trained, and mission-ready personnel who can operate effectively in complex and often high-risk environments. We should also recognize the remarkable progress achieved in professionalizing UN policy. Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in doctrine, training, gender mainstreaming, and the development of specialized capabilities. These advances constitute invaluable institutional capital. They must not only be preserved but further, further strengthened. In an era of constrained resources, investing in quality, specialization, and performance is more important than ever. We must also continue to expand specialized police teams and capabilities, from forensics and investigations to public order management and community-oriented policing, while increasing the participation and leadership of women in UNPOL both for operational effectiveness and legitimacy. Excellencies, dear colleagues, UNPOL is built on the contributions of your national police and gendarmerie services. The quality, diversity, and readiness of deployed personnel directly shape our effectiveness. At the same time, service in UN operations provides tangible benefits for national institutions, enhancing their skills, professionalism and international cooperation. As we look to the future, we must deepen this mutually reinforcing relationship. This includes expanding training partnerships, improving interoperability, and ensuring that the knowledge and experience gained in UN missions are effectively reintegrated into national systems. As we innovate and adapt, we must remain anchored in the core principles that define United Nations policy. These include respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law, accountability, and a commitment to people-centered and gender-responsive approaches. In an era of rapid technological change and evolving security threats, these principles are not constraints. They are enablers of legitimacy, effectiveness, and trust. Excellency, dear colleagues, the Secretary-General of the United Nations will shortly be releasing will be releasing his review on the future of all forms of UN peace operations. The review was mandated by member states in the Pact for the Future to develop strategic-level recommendations on how the United Nations toolbox can be adapted to meet evolving needs, to allow for more agile, tailored responses to existing, emerging, and future challenges. In taking account of the evolving global peace and security environment,— and the enduring importance of peace operations, this review will provide an important backdrop for the development of a new vision for United Nations Police. This vision must be shaped through inclusive dialogue, grounded in practical experience, and guided by a shared commitment to strengthening peace and security. I encourage all Member States to engage actively in this process by providing strategic guidance on priorities and expectations; by pledging highly qualified personnel and specialized capabilities; by supporting innovative approaches to financing and deployment; and by reinforcing the political and operational partnerships that underpin effective UN policy. In closing, let me reiterate: the future of United Nations Police is not only about adapting to change; it's about leading the change. By leveraging our collective expertise, strengthening partnerships, and embracing innovation, we can ensure that UN Police remains a cornerstone of effective, legitimate, and sustainable peace operations while supporting capacity building in non-mission settings. Together, we have an opportunity to shape a vision that meets the demands of today while anticipating the challenges of tomorrow. I look forward to our to the discussion and to the insights that will emerge from this important session. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Akwa. Now I would like to invite His Excellency Mr. Ling to deliver his statement. Excellency, you have the floor.

Your Excellency USG Lacroix, dear colleagues, good morning. We are assembled here at the United Nations for the 5th Chiefs of Police Summit. Through concrete actions, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law and to advancing a more just and equitable global governance system. On behalf of the People's Republic of China, I congratulate the summit on its successful convening and pay my highest tribute to peacekeeping police officers from all countries who remain steadfast at their posts and make selfless contributions in UN missions around the world. Since the last summit, the international landscape has undergone complex and profound changes. The course of world peace and development stands at a crossroads. Around the world, calls for fairness and justice are growing stronger, and people's desire for solidarity, cooperation, peace, and stability has become stronger than ever. Last September, President Xi Jinping Xi Jinping solemnly put forth the Global Governance Initiative, which advances 5 core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions. Rooted in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the initiative responds to the world's pressing needs and echoes the shared aspirations of all peoples across the globe. Together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, the Global Governance Initiative delivers much-needed stability and certainty to a turbulent world. China always believes that the more complex the international landscape becomes and the more pronounced global challenges grow, the more important it is to uphold the authority of the United Nations and remain committed to true multilateralism. Chinese police stand ready to work with police colleagues from around the world to actively support and participate in UN peacekeeping operations, advance their transformation and optimization, and make unremitting efforts to safeguard international peace and security. To this end, I'd like to propose 3 points. First, ensure that peacekeeping operations keep pace with evolving realities. We must uphold and refine the three basic principles of UN peacekeeping, namely consent of the parties, impartiality, and the restricted use of force. On this basis, we should provide peacekeeping missions with stronger mandates and enhanced capabilities. While ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers, we should enhance the capacity of these operations to build and sustain peace so that they can better respond to evolving security needs. We should also support stronger coordination between the UN and regional organizations such as the African Union and the League of Arab States. Second, strengthen the operational efficiency and effectiveness of police components of UN peacekeeping. While improving the way peacekeeping operations are conducted, we should make efficient resource utilization a key driver of enhanced mission performance. China's ready to share its experiences and best practices in police management with the UN and police colleagues from all countries. We'll leverage our strengths as a police-contributing country, a financial contributor, and a capacity-building partner to enhance operational and security capabilities of UN police. China will continue to deploy more highly qualified policing professionals to UN missions, maintain its standing police capacity at the highest level of readiness and contribute to enhancing the professionalism and mandate implementation capacity of UN policing. Third, harness science and technology to advance UN policing. We should continue to strengthen capacity-building efforts and foster a new paradigm of technology-enabled policing. China stands ready to share its achievements in scientific and technological innovation and new quality productive forces. Together with the UN, we'll explore the application of well-governed and beneficial AI, efficient digital policing, unmanned aerial systems, forensic science, and other advanced technologies in support of peacekeeping operations. We'll work jointly to address non-traditional security risks and challenges including disinformation, data security, and cybersecurity threats. From the 8th to the 10th of September this year, China will host the 2026 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. The Ministry of Public Security of China looks forward to joining police colleagues from around the world and representatives from various sectors engaged in public security affairs in discussing major initiatives to improve global security governance. To address the growing threat of transnational telecom and cyber fraud, China has, in accordance with international law and established international practice, taken the initiative to establish the International Alliance Against Telecom and Cyber Fraud. The alliance will work in partnership with the UN and other international organizations to make positive contributions to effectively combating telecom and cyber fraud and other emerging forms of crime. Dear colleagues, a country's greatness lies in its serving the greater good. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China at the United Nations. Over the past 55 years, As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has made important contributions to the work of the UN. Looking ahead, China will continue to work with all parties, hold high the banner of multilateralism, act for peace, and strive for security, empower global governance with China's governance experience to jointly build a world of lasting peace and universal security. Thank you.

Thank you, Excellency. Now I invite Ms. Barrett to deliver her statement. Madam.

Good morning, everybody. Under-Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ministers, fellow Chiefs of Police. Kia ora, distinguished delegates and my friends from across the Pacific. It is an honor for Australia to host the United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit for the first time and a proud moment for me as the Australian Federal Police Commissioner to help open this discussion on the future of United Nations policing. This is an important conversation and one the AFP is proud to lead given 60 years ago we made our first contribution to UN police peacekeeping in Cyprus. The AFP's role in UN peace— police— peacekeeping missions is embedded in our history, in our traditions, and in our DNA. However, we do this with eyes wide open. It is unjust that the pursuit of peace can lead to death. And like many other nations, our efforts were not symbolic or without sacrifice. Our collective fallen are not just names inscribed on walls of remembrance. They are the epitome of men and women who saw service to country greater than oneself. Today, I acknowledge the sacrifices made by all of those who united for humanity under one uniform. Our shared quest for security, safety, and humanity does not invalidate our collective losses, but it explains why we must strive for it, and for all. So before we discuss the future of UN peacekeeping missions, I ask you to consider what our world would look like if the Blue Berets and the Blue Helmets never existed. And let's be honest about the world we live in. Conflicts and outward aggression are unlikely to end. All of us live in uncertain and unpredictable times. But equally, let's be honest about this institution, which is mandated to uphold international peace and security. The reputation of the UN is being challenged, and questions are being asked about whether the UN can still deliver on its mandate given the uncertain and unpredictable world we live in. Uncertainty and unpredictability does not just come with a human cost. It has a direct financial cost to our economies and to our citizens. This is a reason why UN police peacekeeping needs to remain, albeit with some reform. The reform needed is partly because of economics. There are financial pressures felt in every mission and every police-contributing country. But reform does not mean we need to renege, recant, or retreat. The right reform will help protect our shared quest for humanity, security, and safety. If we insulate the core principles we have and those we will continue to rely on such as training, human rights, and the protection of civilians, we can do more with less. Our capital is our shared institutional capital, which has been built over decades through hard-earned expertise. Spending more does not mean we get better outcomes. Spending our resources and capital more wisely does ensure we get better outcomes. This will become more important as the footprint of UN policing changes. When I have honest conversations, I always start with a simple question: What is the problem we are trying to solve? I think many of us would agree expensive and endless missions are becoming harder to defend and ultimately harder to fund. However, leaner should never come at the expense of principles, values, and ethics. We need a new way. So I never raise a problem without having a solution, and today, with Pacific police chiefs in the room, we propose a new way forward. But first, I want to give you a sense of Pacific values and ambition and dispel myths that some may hold. The people of the Pacific do not see our part of the world as small. As custodians of almost 20% of the Earth's surface, our vast horizon is wide and boundless, matched only by our vision of pride, of stewardship, and of sovereignty. While our collective world seems smaller every day, the aspiration of Pacific Police Chiefs rightly gets bigger. So it is right we continue to be ambitious and be ambitious together as the Pacific family, including Australia. Because the 22 members of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police are too many to not be seen, and the Pacific police chiefs are too wise to not be heard. But at its heart, the people of the Pacific are too important not to be represented on the world stage as the ripple effect of complex criminal threats reverberate throughout the globe and disproportionately affect communities. Despite the challenges and impacts of illicit drug use, drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking, the Pacific's ethos of communal care and shared responsibility is a guiding light at a time when it would be easier to be consumed by the darkness of deceit and exploitation. These are challenging times, but the Pacific, including Australia, looks outwards, not inwards. Our solutions are not to be smaller. We want to contribute, not just to protect the region, but to also support the rules-based order that has historically protected all of us. While the true north of the Pacific Islands Chiefs is the rhythm of the blue ocean, Constant and comforting, we acknowledge the tides are changing, and we must too. Some of the old rules of the 20th century are no longer sufficient to safeguard individual and global security. And while shared rules through shared institutions remain sacred, it requires all nations to have a voice. This is underscored by our reality, the location of the Pacific region, stopped being a security buffer a long time ago. The old versions of ourselves, safe from threats because of geography, analog systems, and faraway criminals, are consigned to the history books. I cannot help defend and protect Australians and our sovereignty by only doing my job in Canberra, just like my fellow Pacific police chiefs cannot solely do it from Suva Port Moresby, Apia, or Majuro. Our shared safety and security are anchored to agreed rules, multilateral systems, and agencies throughout the globe, and often headquartered on the other side of the world. But at this moment, we are at the precipice of history. It is important for this room to remember and reflect on the history we all share. The Pacific's unique evolution exemplifies the value of the United Nations and multilateral forums where decisions are made by countries and not for countries. From the blue ocean to the blue helmets, it started with the journey from independence where Timor-Leste hosted a decade-long United Nations peacekeeping mission. And in partnership with Australia and the UN, Timor-Leste forged a national police service from the fragility of peace, a state of equilibrium that can never be taken for granted. It continued through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, which is widely regarded as one of the most successful regional peace support operations in modern history, where Australia and other Pacific nations restored law and order together. The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands also paved the way for the historic Pacific Police Support Group, which started in 2024. This is where Pacific members under one uniform provide rapidly deployable responders to natural and civil crises in their region. In 2003, I was a young 23-year-old AFP intelligence officer when I deployed to the Solomon Islands. It helped shape the Commissioner that I am today, and it is also guiding how I believe we can improve the fundamentals of UN Police peacekeeping missions. The heart of this reform comes back to one of my earlier points: size or influence do not decide ambition. Last year, the Australian Federal Police and Pacific Police Chiefs delivered the the first residential UN-accredited program of its kind to more than 100 Pacific officers and members from Timor-Leste at Pinkenbar in Brisbane. Some of these peacekeepers have already deployed to the UN mission in South Sudan. The success rate for the training speaks for itself, a 73% pass rate with more than 40% female representation. This is not a one-off. A second program for a further 50 officers will start on 27 July this year, with another course scheduled for early 2027. The future of UN Police peacekeeping is right in front of you. Amid ongoing conversations about the sustainability of UN Police peacekeeping, Australia was asked by the UN to see if we could create a more sustainable model. And we answered that call. And UN trainers from the AFP, the Pacific, and around the globe produced a leaner, more agile training program, which was reduced from months to 5 weeks. In just 5 weeks, they were mission ready. I know it's hard to understand how we could do this so efficiently and without risking the fundamentals, but we did it by ensuring we did not waste a minute. And by building in extra capabilities such as tech training, English lessons, and driver instruction. This was UN Police peacekeeping training plus teaching new capability to counter new and ever-evolving threats. In a world where a majority of crimes are tech-enabled, specialist skills are among the greatest tools the UN can develop. Multiskilled officers reduce headcount, and costs. But this means appropriate resources are matched with the right people, just like some of the best officers Pacific police chiefs are putting forward. I ask that you also commit to offering some of your best officers and specialists, because history shows that when they return home, they are more experienced, well-rounded, and better leaders. The future of UN policing will not be done with us together here with the rules and partnerships that favor equality and not domination. A seat at the table is worth defending and it is worth investing in. The opportunity we have in front of us is a symbiotic one and one where our future and children throughout the world will be the beneficiaries. A 21st century United Nations Police peacekeeping mission must look different to the one from last century. This is the Australian Federal Police and Pacific Police Chiefs offering a 21st century plus model, one that is faster, fit for purpose, and inclusive. I will continue to champion the model and take more time to explain in Australia how the UN underpins our collective security. For many in our communities, the UN's contribution to public safety is unknown or invisible. So it is incumbent upon us to explain to our citizens that the international rules, relationships, and partnerships cemented by the UN allow the AFP to pursue criminals, evidence, money, and intelligence across borders to protect Australia's way of life. As Commissioner, these rules will help me further achieve how I will deliver my compact to the Australian people. This compact is centered on protecting vulnerable communities, including our youth, and shielding them from ever-evolving technology that is corrupting their innocence. While in the United States, I will continue my conversations with responsible tech companies who can be the digital penicillin of our time. Some have already shown their willingness to have meaningful conversations about how we can better inoculate our kids from tech-enabled crime. The need for these conversations is urgent because the scale and pace of crime will only become more acute because of artificial intelligence. The risk is our collective justice systems, mental health systems, education systems, and financial systems will become overwhelmed by a grievance generation, especially when victims become perpetrators and perpetrators become victims. A growing concern of mine, and one shared by a number of other law enforcement agencies, is crime as a service and violence as a service, and how it is disproportionately affecting youth. Enabled by platforms and technology, this new criminal gig economy has created an underworld afterschool job for too many of our kids. Tech is a facilitator of crime, is also very relevant for any UN police peacekeeping mission. Time and again, we witness the use of technology fueling mis- and disinformation, further inflaming tensions in nation-states and causing conflict. It will be the rules, frameworks, instruments, and partnerships of multilateral forums such as this that will enable us to address these challenges collectively. More than a decade ago, during its last term on the Security Council, Australia led the first resolution the Security Council had ever dedicated to United Nations policing. In Australia, we describe ourselves as middle powers making purposeful efforts to contribute to a favorable balance so no country dominates and no country is dominated. Alongside our Pacific partners, we argue size is not a determiner of how we help strengthen and invest in multilateral engagements. It is our commitment to the rules-based order and the understanding that sovereignty is not just the purview of great powers. It is for all. That is why Australia is seeking a seat on the Security Council for 2029-30, and why we intend to be judged by our values, our history, and our commitments. I want to thank you all for being here today, and importantly, I want to acknowledge the Pacific Chiefs who have come here today to share their ambition and aspiration with all of you. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Commissioner. Now we will begin intervention from the member states. I would kindly remind you to keep your statements strictly within the 2 minutes remits so that we observe the set timelines. I will begin by calling the distinguished representative of Bangladesh, the Minister of Home Affairs. Excellency, you have the floor to give your remarks.

Your Excellency, Under-Secretary-General for Department of Peace Operations, distinguished representatives from the member states, ladies and gentlemen, a very good morning to you all. It's a very privilege— great privilege and honor to participate in the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit We commend the United Nations Police for convening this timely dialogue at a moment when security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, technologies are evolving rapidly, and criminal networks are operating across borders with unprecedented sophistication. Excellencies, as we look To the future of the United Nations policing, one reality is clear. Tomorrow's challenges cannot be addressed with yesterday's capabilities. We must invest in highly skilled personnel, specialized expertise, and innovative approaches to remain effective in an increasingly interconnected world. As one of the leading contributors to UN peace operations, Bangladesh has undertaken significant reforms to make our formed police units future-ready. We have enhanced our capabilities through the inclusion of SWAT, SWAT, bomb disposal units, experts in organized and cybercrime investigations, forensic specialists, immigration police, and intelligence-led policing. We continue to strengthen these capacities through high-standard specialized training, professional exchanges, and knowledge sharing. Bangladesh also advocates the establishment of a UN Police Knowledge and Innovation Network. To facilitate the systematic sharing of expertise and best practices among the member states. Furthermore, recognizing climate change as an emerging security challenge, we propose an annual environment policing conference to advance international cooperation and preparedness in this important area. Together, let us build a United Nations a police that is adaptive in capability, innovative in approach, and unwavering in its commitment to peace and humanity. Thank you.

Next, the distinguished representative of Gabon, the Minister of Interior. Excellency, you have the floor.

Good morning, Excellency, the Under-Secretary-General, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, distinguished ministers and chiefs of police, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. At the outset, allow me to express our profound appreciation to the Department of Peace Operations for convening this summit. We also pay tribute to the courageous peacekeepers and honor the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the world. Mr. Chair, the growing geopolitical tensions and the increasingly complex nature of modern conflict continue to challenge our collective peacekeeping efforts. Threat-facing UN peacekeepers are evolving faster than our operational capacities, further compounded by resource constraints and the implementation of recent UN contingent measures. Mr. Chair, the future of United Nations Police must remain anchored on its core mandate of protecting civilians, partnership, and professionalism. Achieving this, Mr. Chair, This requires stronger capacities to prevent violence before it occurs, through greater investment in early warning systems, community policing, and specialized capabilities to address sexual and gender-based violence and organized crime. As transnational threats and disinformation increasingly fuel instability, deeper partnerships with host state police, regional organizations, and local communities are essential, while maintaining UN standards for training, discipline, and integrity. To sustain progress, we must invest in proactive and adaptive capacity building so that peacekeepers are prepared not only for post-conflict environments but also for emerging security risks. The credibility of the UN Police depends on the conduct, competence, and accountability of every officer, as trust remains the foundation of effective peacekeeping. Equally, the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women at all levels of policing is indispensable to the legitimacy and effectiveness of peace operations. Mr. Chair, finally, we hope that today's discussion will translate into concrete action that strengthens UN peacekeeping and builds a United Nations police prepared for future operations and challenges. Thank you.

Thank you, Your Excellency, the Gambia Minister of Interior. Next, the distinguished representative of Guinea, the Minister of Security and Civil Protection. Excellency, you have the floor.

Mr.

Secretary General, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset, I would like to convey to you the warm greetings of His Excellency Mr. Mamadi Doumbouya, President of the Republic and Head of State, as well as his— as well as his best wishes for the success of this summit. It is a great honor for me to take part in this 5th UN Chiefs of Police Summit, which is one of the most important in terms of representation. The Republic of Guinea welcomes this 5th UN Chiefs of Police Summit, which is an invaluable platform for exchanges on the ways and means of strengthening our operational capacities in order to more effectively address current and emerging global security challenges. Ladies and gentlemen, in international context that is marked by the increasing number and complexity of security threats, it is vital for us to further concert our efforts to find long-term solutions to strengthening the effectiveness and relevance of UN peace operations. The intensification of terrorism, the spread of disinformation, and the misuse of new information and communication technologies require us to act with resolve to adapt our peace operations to these current and emerging challenges. In this regard, we believe that the police element ought to continue to play a key role through clearer, more realistic, and more results-based mandates supported by stronger policy as well as predictable and adequate resources. Oyoto tradition of— as a troop in police Contributing country, the Republic of Guinea, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international peace and security. The government of Guinea reaffirms its readiness to strengthen its contribution to peace operations by mobilizing a further 1,000 men and women from the gendarmerie and police of the country who will be trained and potentially equipped for the UN COPS. The government can also provide a training center for peacekeeping operations, which would be sub-regional in scope and could be used by the UN for troop preparation. We remain willing to explore together with our partners practical modalities for stepping up our contribution to peace operations and remain fully mobilized in order to build up our collective action for an UNCOFS that is better equipped, better funded, and better performing. Thank you.

Thank you, Your Excellency, the distinguished representative of Kazakhstan, the Minister of External Affairs.

Distinguished Chair, distinguished participants, we welcome you on behalf of the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, and we thank the United Nations for its consistent work to develop International police cooperation. This summit has become an authoritative international platform for professional dialogue between the heads of law enforcement organizations and for exchanging best practices. Kazakhstan, led by President Kazakhstani President Nazarbayev, has consistently supported the efforts of the United Nations for strengthening peace and stability, continuously carrying out its international obligations, and supporting rule of law as the basis for sustainable development and security. The high level of trust of the international community in the functioning of our country covers— includes our cooperation with 20 UN bodies. Our Regional Center for Sustainable Development also works on assessment of natural disasters and other emergencies, as well as control of psychoactive substances and their precursors. In July of this year, their new constitution took effect. And enshrined the principle of rule and law and order as the foundations of the state's development. Strengthening rule of law is a key area of state policy in terms of building a just Kazakhstan. There's no doubt that an important precondition for stable development in the country includes human rights and prosperity, and this requires the effective action of police. It's especially relevant given growing threats and challenges caused by crime, including terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime, trafficking in persons, and illegal migration. Dealing— another major issue is internet fraud, the theft of personal data, and hacking. Therefore, international police cooperation ought to be based not only on political declarations but also on real joint practical action. Against this backdrop, the UN Convention Against Cybercrime is especially important. It creates a robust international legal framework for developing this kind of cooperation. Kazakhstan welcomes its adoption and views it as an important step towards strengthening the global security system. For our part, we're prepared to continue to practically contribute to the development of international cooperation. Last November, in the capital of our country, Astana, together with the UNODC, we held an international conference on combating cybercrime. We hope that this platform will help us to develop effective solutions and exchanges of practice. We also focus on developing police peacebuilding under the UN auspices. We are currently working on legislation to train participants in international police missions. Distinguished colleagues, only through combined efforts can we effectively combat transnational crime, ensure security for our citizens, and protect peace for generations. We believe— we reaffirm the readiness of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan to continue to work effectively with all, all state partners to strengthen global security rule of law and law and order. Thank you.

Thank you, Your Excellency. The distinguished representative of Egypt, the Vice Minister of Interior. Excellency, you have the floor.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

عَزَّهَ بِلَّهِ. In the name of God, the compassionate, the merciful. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, heads of police agencies, distinguished delegates, it is an honor for me to convey to you the greetings of Mr. Mahmoud Tawfiq, and I would like to share with you the pride of Egypt in the role of the UN in protecting international peace and security through peace operations, which represent one of the most important tools for the international community when it comes to controlling and preventing conflicts, as well as promoting stability, as well as assisting countries affected by conflict in the international level. Here we would like to express our gratitude to all of the peacekeeping soldiers and police who are working in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions and who are carrying out many sacrifices for peace and security. Ladies and gentlemen, the international environment over the past few years has demonstrated major changes and complex challenges, leading to a new situation for peace operations that have to work in more— much more complex conflict situations, as well as a situation of non-traditional security threats. Therefore, responsibilities are accruing and require stronger capacity and more resources so that mandates can be implemented effectively and efficiently. Therefore, Egypt believes that the success of peace operations is closely linked with comprehensive political solutions that address the root causes of conflicts and wars and that can arrive at practical solutions. In order to provide effective means for ensuring security and safety of police elements so that they can implement their mandates and attain their objectives. Our country continues its role— its leadership role as an effective partner that promotes cooperation with the UN to protect international peace and security. For decades, Egypt has contributed to U.N. missions through our participation in various missions through troops and police contributions, as well as capacity-building, training, exchanges of experience. All of this confirms our conviction that Security and peace are mutually reinforcing. Our Ministry of Internal Affairs cooperates with international partners and plays a vital role for— in training police officers to take part in UN efforts. And we believe that human capital is the most important element for the success of peace operations. Ladies and gentlemen, Egypt places great importance on capacity building in peace operations. We hold national trainings for military and police in accordance with international criteria. And within this framework, the International Center of Cairo for Conflict Prevention and Peace plays an important role. In the civilian sphere, and the Center for Protecting and Building Peace promotes military capacity. On the police front, the Egyptian Center for the Training of Peace Operations continues its efforts to build capacity. Since its inauguration, it has held various specialized training activities for cooperation with national, regional, and international institutions. We also have a center of excellence for police to promote peace operations together with the African Union and the promotion of training within the UN system through strategic cooperation to combat mines and pollution of the UN. We also provide training curricula that are published by the Egyptian Center in accordance with UN criteria. This demonstrates the trust placed in our capacity. We'll continue our cooperation with the UN and international partners for capacity building and training. We reiterate our commitment to to continue efforts to adapt the peace system to the nature of current and future challenges, in addition to security and humanitarian challenges. In closing, ladies and gentlemen, we would like to express our appreciation for international efforts to support international peace and security. We reaffirm our commitment— the commitment of our ministry to continue our contributions to promoting peacekeeping operations and to work together with the UN and international partners in order to bring about a safer and more prosperous future for people throughout the world. Thank you. May the peace of God be upon you.

I kindly remind you to keep your statements strictly within the time limit so that we don't lag behind the schedule. So next, the distinguished representative of Finland, the National Police Commissioner.

You have the floor.

Ministers, Under-Secretary General, Excellencies, and colleagues. Thank you for the floor. Finland is a long-term police-contributing country, and we have provided support to UN peace operations for 7 decades. The specialized police team led by Finland and joined by Norway works on gender-based and sexual violence in armies for over 10 years. Today, the role of policing in the UN peace operations is ever more crucial. Providing quality policing and skilled police expertise is the best way to ensure UNPOL's impact when the footprint has been reduced at a time of financial constraints and contingency planning. UNPOL plays a fundamental role in building capacities of host states' law enforcement institutions in environments where transnational organized crime, terrorism, as well as mis- and disinformation campaigns pose threats to civilians, host governments, and peacekeepers alike. Hence, the internal and external security of host and police-contributing countries are strongly interlinked. Interlinked. Europol should continue improving performance and further develop specialized capacities such as the specialized police teams and prioritize merit-based recruitment supported by training. Dear colleagues, as resources are limited, the role of coordination and cooperation cannot be overemphasized. Finland supports UN policing that leverages the policing capabilities and expertise across the whole UN system. At the headquarters level, the Interagency Task Force on Policing should be fully utilized. At the mission level, coordination and cooperation with the military and civilian components, as well as with the other UN actors, is key to successful missions. You may rest assured that Finland remains a trusted partner for UNPOL and UN peace operations. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of France, the Deputy Director General of National Gendarmerie.

Mr. Under-Secretary-General, ministers, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Australia for their support in organizing this 5th Summit and the United Nations Police Division within the Department of Peace Operations for their preparations. First and foremost, I wish to pay tribute to the women and men of United Nations Police, police officers and gendarmes, who serve the cause of peace every day, often under difficult conditions. France commends their selfless dedication, recognizes the commitment of police-contributing countries, and honors the memory of those who have lost their lives under the United Nations flag. 4 years ago, here at this very summit, France called for United Nations police to be provided with the tools and doctrine commensurate with its ambitions. Two years ago, we called for greater investment in its women and men, in their language skills and their training. While remaining fully committed to those priorities, today I would like us to look a little further ahead. Firstly, United Nations Police is no longer merely an instrument of stabilization. It has become a tool for enabling more effective transitions. By strengthening security and justice institutions capable of standing on their own, United Nations Police helps prepare the day for the day when a UN mission can successfully depart. This is a demanding task. It takes time and it deserves to be fully reflected in the implementation of mission mandates. Secondly, the nature of the threats has changed and United Nations police must confront them directly. Transnational organized crime, trafficking, and terrorism. All of these phenomena transcend the borders of both states and institutions. This is precisely the purpose of the United Nations Interagency Task Force on Policing, IATFP, which brings together within the UN system police, justice, and organized crime expertise. France encourages its continued strengthening. Ladies and gentlemen, we have inherited a highly capable United Nations Police. Our collective responsibility is to provide it with a clear vision for the future. France will remain fully committed to that endeavor. I thank you.

Distinguished representative of Germany, the Minister of Home Affairs. Excellency, you have the floor.

Excellencies, Ministers, Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Police Commissioner Chacarr, distinguished Chiefs of Police and Gendarmerie, ladies and gentlemen. The two years since the last UN-COPS have brought significant developments in peacekeeping. In particular, the UN liquidity crisis and the resulting contingency planning for all peacekeeping missions pose a major challenge. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the UN Police Division and peacekeeping operations for their flexibility and professionalism under these difficult circumstances. Germany remains ready to support UN Police through personnel contributions, by sharing our training expertise and infrastructure, and by advocating for the vital role of police in peacekeeping. To further improve performance, we urge the full implementation of job-specific trainings, combined with targeted recruitment for key positions in police components. This will ensure that the most important roles are filled by well-trained personnel. We all know that resources are scarce, which makes it even more crucial to prioritize our work effectively. How the Police Division handles these seemingly small but important details will determine how it positions itself in the UN system of the future. Further, we affirm our commitment to fighting conflict-related sexual violence in in all of its forms and undertake to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate crimes of sexual violence. We strongly support the work of the SRSG for conflict-related sexual violence, Patten, and her entire team. Thank you very much.

The distinguished representative of Indonesia, the Director Chief of Police, you have the floor.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. Excellencies, Chief of Police, distinguished delegates. Indonesia believes that the future of the United Nations Police will not be defined by the size of the footprint, but by the quality of its capability the strength of its partnership, and the impact it delivers to the communities it serves. Since its first deployment in 1989, a total of 3,696 Indonesian police officers have served under the UN peace operation, making Indonesia one of the top police-contributing countries and reflecting our enduring commitment to international peace and security. Indonesia continues to strengthen specialized capabilities across key operational areas. Our goal is to enable UNPOL to remain agile, operationally effective, and responsive to increasingly complex mandates. Indonesia is proud to have achieved Level 3 status under the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System for its newly pledged from police units with the valued support of the police division. Guiding our collective commitment forward, we believe the Pact for the Future and the Action for Peacekeeping initiative remain a clear roadmap for fostering UNPOL effectiveness. Indonesia highly values its close cooperation with the Department of Peace Operations in strengthening peacekeeping capabilities through the Indonesia International Mission Training Center as a regional training hub. Deepening cooperation will be key to sustaining operational readiness at a time of financial constraints. Indonesia also recognizes the importance of the meaningful participation and leadership of female police officers in UN peace operations. Mr. Chair, Indonesia stands ready to work with the United Nations and all Member States to advance a more agile, professional, and effective UNPOL for the challenges of tomorrow. I thank you. Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

The distinguished representative of Kiribati, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, you have the floor.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, mauri, blessings of health, peace, and prosperity to you all. It is indeed an honour for me to represent Kiribati and the men and women in uniform from the Kiribati Police Service at this 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. We value this platform as an opportunity not only to reflect on the evolving global security landscape, but to help shape the future of United Nations policing—one that is adaptive, inclusive, and fit for emerging challenges. Though Kiribati remains a peaceful nation, we are deeply conscious that many parts of the world continue to face conflict,— instability and humanitarian crises. The future UN Police must therefore be one that is not only responsive to crises but increasingly preventive, capable of anticipating risks and strengthening resilience before conflict escalates. Krievitz recognizes that today's criminal environments are increasingly complex, shaped by transnational organized crimes. For small island states like ours, these threats undermine economic security, deplete marine resources, and place significant strain on national law enforcement capacity. In this context, the future of United Nations policing must be strengthened through enhanced— in the— approaches, specialized capabilities, and deeper international cooperation. Kiribati is committed to deepen this engagement in international policing, not for visibility, but to strengthen the capacity, professionalism, and resilience of our officers. Participation in UN policing provides invaluable exposure to global standards, specialized training and operational experience. Looking ahead, the future UN policing must continue to invest in such capacity-building partnerships, ensuring that all Member States, regardless of size, can contribute meaningfully and benefit equitably. Guinea-Bissau fully supports the Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping A4P+ initiatives. We believe that Bibu-centered and community-oriented policing, gender-responsive approaches, and enhanced interoperability between national and UN police services are critical to addressing 21st century security challenges. These principles must remain at the core of UN policing. Before I conclude, Kiribati wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the support of our regional and international partners in safeguarding our vast maritime domain, particularly in combating transnational crimes and strengthening our peacekeeping capabilities since our inception in the UN Peacekeeping Programme in 2022. Such partnership will be essential to shaping a future UN Police that is more integrated, intelligence-driven, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable States. In closing, Gidebus reiterates that the future UN Police must be one where no country, no matter how small or remote, is left behind, both in contributing to and benefiting from global policing efforts. We stand ready to work with our partners to build a safer, more peaceful, and more resilient world. Khurabah! I thank you.

The distinguished representative of Nepal, the Chief of Nepal Police.

Excellencies, Ministers, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Greetings, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. It is an honor and privilege to participate in this important summit convened at a time when global security challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Terrorism, transnational organized crimes, cybercrime, mis- and disinformation, illicit financial flows, and climate-related insecurity transcend borders and require stronger international cooperation. In this context, the role of the United Nations in protecting civilians, promoting the rule of law, and sustaining peace remains more important than ever. Nepal remains a steadfast and proud contributor to United Nations peace operations. Nepal has deployed 17,852 police personnel to UN missions worldwide, reflecting our enduring commitment to international peace and security. We remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and conduct. The protection of civilians, especially women and children, remains central to our peacekeeping efforts, and we continue to strengthen accountability at all levels. Nepal supports the enhanced utilization of specialized police capabilities, including Home Police Units and IPOs. We also value stronger partnership in capacity building, knowledge and enhanced knowledge exchange, and operational effectiveness. Excellencies, as peace operations evolve, United Nations Police must remain adaptable, professional, people-centered, technologically capable, and prepared to address emerging security challenges. The future of UN policing lies not only in responding to crises but also in preventing conflict, strengthening the rule of law, protecting civilians, and supporting resilient national authorities. UN police must continue to uphold human rights, community-oriented policing, inclusive leadership, and meaningful partnership to advance sustainable peace and security. In closing, Excellencies, today's challenges demand stronger multilateralism, innovation, and collective action. Guided by professionalism and partnership, we must continue working together to advance peace, security, and the rule of law for all. Nepal remains ready to contribute its parts. Thank you. Jai Nepal.

The distinguished representative of Netherlands, the Chief Constable of Netherlands Police, the floor is on you.

Excellency, Excellencies, dear colleagues, the Netherlands Police, the Ministry of Justice and Security, and the Royal Netherlands Marechaussée are grateful for this year's United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit and are pleased to meet colleagues from around the world to reflect on the future of UN policing. New conflicts, transnational organized crime, and the exploitation of new technologies generate serious security challenges. Geopolitical instability is a breeding ground for criminal activities. The lines between armed conflicts and organized crime are faded. Cybercrime, financial crimes, drug-related crimes, foreign interference, terrorism, and increasing violence also within the domestic context go hand in hand. These dynamics call for a strong and coordinated international police response. In this context, UN Police and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime play an important role in advancing peace, security, and the rule of law. The Netherlands strongly supports their work and aims to provide specialized expertise to UN missions in Colombia, Cyprus, and Kosovo, and to regional field offices of UNODC in Dakar, Senegal, and Bogotá, Colombia. Including gender considerations in this work is crucial. Geopolitical instability intensifies violence against women. Yet gender-based crimes still lack the professional response and priority they require. Gender-responsive policing must become a core strategic and operational pillar. The Netherlands therefore welcomes the work of the 28 members of the High-Level Network on Gender Responsive Policing, whose exchange of knowledge and best practices helps advance these efforts globally by making gender central to our policing strategies. We combat violence against women and vulnerable groups while enhancing the effectiveness and legitimacy of security efforts in an increasingly complex world. I thank you.

The distinguished representative of Norway, the Norwegian National Police Commissioner.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, since our first engagement in Namibia in 1989, the Norwegian Police has continuously Norway has also been involved in police capacity building and deployed police officers in UN peace operations. This shows Norway's commitment as a trustworthy, steadfast, and engaged partner to the UN. The Norwegian contribution will continue to focus on security and sector reform, crisis management in the civilian sector, and establishing more partnerships in the fight against international international crime. Norway has long been a strong advocate for the human rights of vulnerable groups. Implementing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda continues to be a vital priority for Norway, as does the fight against impunity and sexual and gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence. Norway welcomes a thorough review of how member states resources in peace operations can have more significant and lasting impact. In light of the review processes in the UN and shifting member states' priorities, we may see fewer multidimensional operations and more focused and specialized UN-mandated contributions. Norway emphasizes and reaffirms our continued support to UN peacekeeping missions. We see the need for more use of specialized police terms— teams, shorter project engagement, and increased use of mobile expert teams in combination with deployment of expert instructor capabilities. You can continue to count on Norway as a consistent and a strong partner for the UN Police Capacity Building Team in the future, and we welcome our global police partners on this journey. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of Portugal, the General Commander of National Gendarmerie.

Excellencies, distinguished participants, on behalf of the Portuguese delegation, involving Portugal's recent election As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it is a great honor to address the 5th United Nations Chief of Police Summit. This important event brings together ministers, chiefs of police, and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organizations, united in the common purpose— of promoting international peace and security. Today's global challenges require us more than ever to work together, and this is a unique opportunity to do so. United Nations Police play the key roles in supporting member states in conflict, post-conflict, and situation while providing police service that are effective, accountable, and people-centered. In this vein, human rights-driven reforms must make it even more effective by investing in the protection of civilians and upholding the rule of law. In this context, The future of the United Nations Police must be building on three pillars: adaptability and capability, integration with the national policing, and diversity and trust. First of all, UN Police must remain agile and ready to respond to new threats. It must be able to operate in all mission settings with rapidly deployable and effective units that make a real difference on the ground. Secondly, the experiences gained by national officers in UN missions must contribute to stronger institutions at home, creating a virtuous circle between United Nations policing and the national police service. And third, sustainable security requires police services that reflect the community that they serve, namely with more women taking part in policing. Public trust is vital and demands further action against violence and impunity. People-centred policing, grounded in full respect of human rights, must remain at the heart in UN police structures. Portugal is firmly committed to this vision. Since 1992, more than 4,000 Portuguese police and gendarmerie officers have served in United Nations missions across 4 continents. As of today, our National Republican Guard and the public Security Police, stay ready to go further in honouring this commitment to global peace and security. The challenges ahead are real, and so is our determination to face and overcome them. Thank you very much.

The distinguished representative of Senegal, Le haut commandant de la Gendarmerie nationale, directeur de la justice militaire. You have the floor.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed, it is a great honor for me to address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, which provides a strategic forum for reflection on the future of peace operations and on collective responses to today's security challenges. I wish to commend the United Nations for its unwavering commitment to international peace and security at a time marked by terrorism, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, the resurgence of high-intensity conflicts, and the effects of climate change. Africa's experience reminds us that lasting peace depends on professional, effective security forces that remain close to the communities they serve. In this regard, the United Nations Police plays a vital role, both in protecting civilians as well as in strengthening national resilience and consolidating the rule of law. Clearly, the future of the United Nations Police must be built around three key imperatives: adaptation, professionalism, and partnership. Adaptation requires the transformation of the United Nations Police into a more agile and flexible force capable of responding to new forms of crisis, supporting transitions, and strengthening conflict prevention. With regard to professionalism, for its part, this requires highly qualified personnel with expertise in leadership, community policing, intelligence, digital technologies, and countering the new hybrid threats. And finally, partnership must make it possible to better leverage the experience of troop and police contributing countries while strengthening balanced cooperation with the United Nations system. Ladies and gentlemen, beyond technical expertise, the success of peace operations will always depend on our ability to earn the trust of local populations, to promote human rights and build inclusive, respective security institutions. Senegal, true to its diplomatic tradition and its international commitments, Switzerland will remain fully engaged alongside the United Nations in efforts to maintain peace, prevent conflict, and share experience. I thank you for your kind attention.

The distinguished representative of Sweden, the Sweden National Police Commissioner, you have the floor.

Estimt Chair, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, colleagues. Given today's evolving threats to international peace and security, it is more important than ever to come together and respond jointly in a coordinated manner. I am therefore pleased to see so many of you here at this summit. In this day and age, Crime does not recognize national borders. Instead, criminal networks often take advantage of poor international coordination and exploit regional conflict zones for their global operations. In order to remain relevant in combating crime and mitigation security threats, the work of the United Nations needs to change. Business as usual is a thing of the past. Firstly, the UN needs to become more agile in order— in order to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving security challenges on the ground. Large-scale peace operations have played a vital part in bringing stability to conflict regions in the past. Nevertheless, today's conflicts call for more targeting action and more specialized missions that accommodate local needs. Secondly, it's crucial for the UN to strengthen its internal coherence and act as one UN. Armed conflict and transnational organized crime are often interlinked. If we fail to move beyond working in silos, we will fail to overcome one of the most urgent security challenges of our time. My third message is that there is a window of opportunity for the UN to strengthen its contribution to law enforcement. Effective policing should be at the center of all peace operations, given the important role of transparent and fair law— in maintaining sustainable peace and protecting human rights. The UN Interagency Task Force on Policing is a key effort for bringing together all UN entities working on policing to ensure system-wide coherence. The Swedish Police Authority has supported the work of the task force by seconding a Swedish police officer as one of the co-chairs. However, we need to build on this momentum to ensure that the strategic discussions on the task force lead to concrete action. We simply cannot afford to be fragmented in our response. The UN cannot afford to fall behind. The only acceptable option is to deliver as one. Together, we can reform UN policing to make it fit for purpose in this new era. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of Tanzania, the Director of Criminal Investigation. The Director, you have the floor.

Excellencies, heads of police, distinguished colleagues, I'm honored to join you at this summit. We meet at a defining moment for the United Nations Police. The Secretary-General has called for a transformed UN Police that is people-centered, modern, innovative, data-driven, tech-enabled, agile, specialized, rights-based,— and norm-driven. Tanzania fully supports this vision. UN police are centered to realizing the pact for the future, action for peacekeeping. By protecting communities and strengthening institutions, they embody partnership and accountability. Looking ahead, 3 priorities must guide us. One, innovation and agility, using digital tools to to anticipate and respond to threats. Two, specialization and professionalism, equipping officers to tackle organized crimes, terrorism, and cyber insecurity. Human rights and trust, placing people at the center, ensuring transparency and respect for diversity. The takeaway from this summit must be greater appreciation of our roles under the Pact for the Future of Peacekeeping. But appreciation must lead to action. The desired outcome is a shared vision and concrete commitment to equip UN Police with the resources and partnership needed for tomorrow's challenges. Tanzania stands ready to work with all member states to advance this vision. Together, Let us ensure the UN police remains a trusted instrument of peace, protecting communities, upholding rights, and securing a safer future for all. In conclusion, Tanzania will host UN Police Day 2026 in Dar es Salaam to bring the debate to the world and showcase to PCC— PCC— innovation. Thank you.

The distinguished representative of Zambia, the Deputy Inspector General of Police Administration, you have the floor.

Distinguished guests, Chiefs of Police, the Republic of Zambia extends its appreciation to you all for organizing this important summit. We are humbled to be part of the discussion on the future of UN policing. This summit takes place at a time of evolving global security challenges. Armed conflict, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, and climate Climate-related insecurity continues to test the capacity of states and international institutions. In these complex environments, UN Police remains essential in protecting civilians, strengthening national policing institutions, and promoting the rule of law. Zambia welcomes the emerging vision for the future of UN Police and highlights three priorities. Firstly, prevention. This should be done through early warnings, community engagement, and trust building. Secondly, protection, by strengthening the capacity of UN police to address sexual and gender-based violence, child protection, trafficking, and organized crime. Thirdly, strengthening the rule of law through mentoring, human rights training, and support for, for accountable policing institutions. Distinguished guests, Zambia underscores the importance of increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping, including in leadership positions. Female officers strengthen community engagement build trust, and improve responses to gender-based violence. We recognize the value of well-equipped mixed gender formed units, police units, in maintaining public order and responding to high-risk situations. As the United Nations pursues reforms under the UN 18 Initiative, Financial efficiency should strengthen, not weaken, peacekeeping mandates. Resources should be directed towards priority areas such as training, technology, and operational readiness. In conclusion, Zambia reaffirms its commitment to UN peacekeeping and supports a future-oriented, accountable, and effective UN police framework that advances international peace, security, and the rule of law. I thank you.

Excellencies, Chief of Police Ndiaye Damari, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, this concludes the first session of this UN Chief of Police Summit. We will immediately move to session 2. Thank you very much, our panelists, member state delegations, and partners, for your rich contribution.

No, I thought, say, we would start right away.

So the mic is not— it is. Excellencies.

Don't tap, don't tap.

Excellencies, honorable delegates, ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed. My name is Mary Gahonzire, Chief of Strategic Policy and Development of Police Division. I am pleased to be your moderator for this second session titled Innovation and New Technologies in United Nations Policing. To commence, I'd like to call Assistant Secretary General for Operational Support, Ms. Lisa Bottenheim, to take a seat at the podium. Please. You're welcome, ma'am. I would also like to call His Excellency Mr. Bert Naal, quitten, Federal Minister of Interior and Security of Belgium, to take his seat at the podium. Welcome, Excellency. Now I'd like to call His Excellency Mr. Joseph Betty Assomo, Minister of Defense of Cameroon, to the podium. Welcome, sir.

To commence the session.

I'd like to welcome Assistant Secretary General for Operational Support, Ms. Lisa Burton, to deliver her statement. ASG, you have the floor, madam.

Thank you very much, Excellencies, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Undersecretary General Bonjour, Secretary-General Karay. It is my great pleasure to join you today for the 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. Before I proceed, I would like to echo my colleagues in expressing my gratitude to all of you for your continued commitment and support to United Nations policing. I also extend my deep thanks to Australia for its generous support for this year's UNCOPS. This summit represents a unique opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that the United Nations Police play in peace operations. Whilst the past few years have seen fewer UN peacekeepers and peacekeeping operations, the role of the United Nations United Nations Police remains as vital as ever where they are deployed. We must continually examine this role against the shifts in the peacekeeping landscape to ensure that United Nations Police remain positioned to enhance international peace and security by supporting member states in conflict, post-conflict, and other crisis situations to realize effective, efficient, representative, responsive, and accountable police services that serve and protect the population. Leveraging new technologies and innovative approaches remains a strong focus within both the Department of Operational Support and the Department of Peace Operations. In 2024, Under Secretary General Kari informed this summit of how the Department of Operational Support was continuing to implement the Peacekeeping Digital Transformation Strategy, including through the use of the UNITE Aware platform, which provides a comprehensive and integrated database, including data related to patrol planning and incident incident reporting to improve the situational awareness of police personnel as well as other mission components. More recently, the UNPOL Case Management Project has built on this, strengthening UNPOL's ability to manage and analyze structured crime data in peace operations. It will integrate a dedicated module into UNITE Aware that will be interoperable with existing systems to enable faster access to reliable data and support better decision-making by mission leadership. Excellencies, dear colleagues, I would like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to a few additional DOS initiatives that assist our peacekeepers, including the United Nations Police. The Division of Health Care Management and Occupational Safety and Health is strengthening operational readiness by integrating medical preparedness, occupational health, and evidence-based decision-making into peace operations. During the current Ebola outbreak in Eastern DRC, Dimash has coordinated system-wide guidance with missions the World Health Organization, and partners to strengthen health facility readiness, infection prevention and control, medical evacuation arrangements, and operational risk management in order to help protect United Nations personnel while maintaining operational continuity. Digital innovations continue to enhance the safety and security of our peacekeeping For example, under the Mental Health Strategy for United Nations Uniformed Personnel, DMOSH is expanding access to mental health support through digital innovation. The Mind Companion mobile and web application provide confidential, evidence-based mental health resources wherever personnel are deployed. Later this year, This year, the MindSpace e-learning platform will be launched and will help further strengthen mental health literacy, resilience, peer support, and leadership capacity through self-paced learning before, during, and after deployment. Telemedicine services funded under the Triangular Partnership Program have been deployed in multiple missions prior to their closure and downsizing. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how digital health technologies are improving access to care, strengthening resilience, and supporting operational effectiveness. At the same time, technology and infrastructure investments must be supported by effective occupational safety and health systems to ensure their full operation operational value. Ensuring that United Nations Police personnel operate in environments meeting minimum occupational safety and health requirements remains essential to maintaining operational readiness, reducing harm, and sustaining performance in complex and high-risk settings. Going forward, our department will continue strengthening the integration of occupational safety and health into police operations through practical, scalable, and data-informed approaches, including improved risk management, occupational health support, safer work and living conditions, and stronger incident oversight to enhance mission effectiveness and resilience. To improve camp protection, we continue to provide physical security solutions to mission's operational needs. The integrated camp security and early warning system, counter unmanned aircraft systems, and air-ground, air-ground surveillance radar capabilities remain among camp defense initiatives. Our emphasis will remain on advancing technologies to bolster the protection of convoys and police patrols. In keeping with the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, the Department of Operational Support continues its collaboration with the ELSI Initiative for field missions to improve the living and working conditions of uniformed women serving in our peace operations. By 2025, 42.8% of assessed facilities fully met the initiative's gender-responsive design standards. Standards, while a further 56.6% were undergoing improvements. Four showcase infrastructure projects are currently being implemented across MINUSCA in Central African Republic, UNDOF on the Golan Heights, UNISFA in Abiyé, and UNMISS in South Sudan, demonstrating best practices in inclusive camp design. Through our triangular Through the Training Partnership Program, we are expanding innovative capacity-building support for police-contributing countries. Building on a decade of experience in strengthening the capabilities of uniformed peacekeepers, TPP has recently launched a new police training initiative focused on explosive hazard awareness training and weapons and ammunition management through a training of Trainers approach. Developed in partnership with the Department of Peace Operations, these projects equip formed police units with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate explosive threats, manage weapons and ammunition safely and responsibly, and enhance both community safety and effectiveness of peace operations. By strengthening national training capacities and instituting— institutional expertise, this initiative will deliver sustainable benefits that extend beyond UN deployments and contribute to more resilient national policing institutions. Excellencies, dear colleagues, as peace operations become increasingly complex, innovation must extend beyond technology alone. It must also strengthen how we protect the health safety, and resilience of the people who we serve. As the Department of Operational Support, we are working to ensure that medical preparedness, occupational safety, and digital health remain integral components of operational readiness. In support of these efforts, I also encourage you to take advantage of the best practices for environmental stewardship in UN peace operations course. It's offered by the Department of Operational Support with the generous support of the Government of Japan. Available free of charge on the UN campus in English, French, and Spanish, this self-paced course is relevant to all UN and affiliated personnel as well as anyone interested in environmental sustainability. It provides practical guidance on topics including water and energy conservation, waste management, hazardous materials, and the protection of natural and cultural resources, and can serve as a valuable tool in strengthening environmental stewardship across our operations. Finally, let me assure you that the Department of Operational Support will continue to do its utmost to support the United Nations Police.— so that peacekeepers, wherever they are deployed, can undertake their tasks in conditions enabling the greatest positive impact. Thank you.

Thank you so much, Assistant Secretary General, for your insightful statement. I now would like to call upon His Excellency Quinton to deliver his statement. The floor is yours, sir.

Madame la Secrétaire générale, USG, distinguished ministers, distinguished colleagues in your various ranks and titles, all protocols observed. As you know, and I can assure you of this as a former diplomat and Minister of Foreign Affairs and now as Minister of Security, Security and the Interior, Belgium has always been a key actor in international cooperation. This is why our kingdom fully supports the efforts of UN Police to adapt to an increasingly complex and evolving security environment. Today we are reflecting on innovation and new technologies, and so I'd like to share with you three key messages. First of all, innovation is not limited to technology. It also concerns the way in which we manage and deploy human resources. The future success of UN police will depend not only on digital tools and artificial intelligence, but also on its ability to mobilize the right expertise at the right time. Belgium has highly trained police officers, including many experienced multilingual colleagues with robust intercultural skills. We are convinced that the United Nations could further benefit from more flexible deployment models, especially through short-term missions entrusted to highly specialized experts in fields such as cybercrime, digital investigations, artificial intelligence, data analysis, or emerging technologies. Such an approach would allow member states to more easily provide their expertise while strengthening local capacities thanks to targeted trainings and knowledge transfer. Secondly, innovation requires more cooperation and coordination. Throughout the world, police organizations, international institutions, and member states States are investing heavily in innovation. The Belgian Federal Police, by the way, recently received the Belgian Federal Innovation Award for strategic integration of innovation in its various bodies and organizational culture. Similar initiatives have— are being developed within the UN, Interpol, Europol, as well as many national police services. However, Far too often still, these initiatives are siloed. In a context of budgetary limitations, we cannot afford duplication. Belgium therefore encourages UN police to deepen its cooperation with international organizations and regional organizations as well, as well as member states which have developed recognized expertise in this area. Innovation must be shared. Not fragmented. Thirdly and lastly, we believe that police expertise within the UN ought to be further consolidated. Many UN entities are facing challenges in which police and peacekeeping missions play a vital role. This expertise, however, is often dispersed between different bodies. Belgium believes that in the current situation, greater coherence would allow us to improve both effectiveness and efficiency in our collective action. This is why we support a strengthened role of UN Police in the coordination and orientation of police expertise throughout the UN system. A more integrated approach would strengthen operational impact, foster innovation, and improve the assistance provided to host countries as well as national police institutions. Distinguished U.S. GNI Excellencies, the future of UN Police must be innovative, adaptable, and based upon robust partnerships. Belgium, faithful to its multilateral tradition, is prepared to work together with UNPOL and all of its partners to build this common future together. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency, for your insightful statement. Now I'd like to invite Mr. Betty Asomoah to deliver his statement. The floor is yours, Your Excellency.

Thank you, moderator of the panel for giving me the floor. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, ministers, ambassadors, heads of police and gendarmerie, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to convey the sincere congratulations and appreciation of the Cameroonian delegation for the excellent organization of this 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit. I would also like to express our deep appreciation to the United Nations Secretariat for the quality of the statements put forward on a subject of strategic importance for the future of peace operations. Cameroon solemnly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the ideals of the United Nations and its steadfast dedication to the maintenance of peace, international security, and the strengthening of the rule of law. We remain convinced that the multidimensional challenges facing the international community today call for collective responses based on enhanced international cooperation. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished delegates, the global security landscape in our view is undergoing unprecedented Transformation. Technological advances, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, big data, digital systems and communications technologies, are profoundly reshaping policing practices. They offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen capacities for prevention, analysis, operational response, and the protection of people and property. At the same time, these developments have given rise to new forms of crime, the impacts of which largely extend beyond national borders. Cybercrime attacks against critical infrastructure of states, disinformation campaigns, illicit financial flows, trafficking in persons, and the illicit trafficking of arms and narcotics, together with the increasing use of digital technologies by terrorist groups and organized criminal networks, clearly illustrate the complexity of the threats that our institutions are now facing. In this context, innovative technologies constitute an essential tool for enhancing the operational effectiveness of police services and United Nations peace operations. The responsible use of data, predictive Analytical capabilities, early warning systems, secure information sharing platforms, as well as decision support tools can all contribute to better situational awareness, to an improved anticipation of risks and more effective protection of civilian populations, particularly those in vulnerable situations. These innovations, however, will only achieve their full potential if they are accompanied by appropriate governance mechanisms. Cameroon believes that it is essential to ensure the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of new technologies in full compliance with international law. Human rights, the protection of privacy, as well as data security. It is equally important to remain vigilant with regards to the risks associated with algorithmic bias, the engineering of chaos, and discriminatory practices that could undermine public trust in the institutions responsible for ensuring their Mr. President, Mr. Secretary, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, for Cameroon, this discussion has a very concrete dimension. Our country is indeed facing security challenges that clearly illustrate the growing interconnection between climate change, humanitarian crises, organized crime, and terrorism. In the Lake Chad Basin in particular, the dramatic reduction in water resources as a direct consequence of climate change has profoundly disrupted the region's ecological, economic, and social balance. Population displacement, tensions over access to natural resources, and the erosion of livelihoods have created an environment conducive to the expansion of terrorist armed groups and transnational criminal networks. At the same time, criminal organizations are increasingly exploiting digital technologies to extend their harmful and violent activities beyond physical borders, making more integrated and innovation-driven international police peace cooperation indispensable. In the face of this broad spectrum of threats, my country believes that fragmented responses are no longer suited to today's realities. We therefore call for a new momentum in international cooperation based on three priorities. The first concerns capacity building and the sharing of expertise. The second priority relates to the harmonization of legal frameworks, and the third priority is enhanced information sharing. In a security environment characterized by rapidly evolving threats, real-time access to to strategic intelligence is a decisive factor in prevention and in operational effectiveness. This is why Cameroon fully supports the development under the auspices of the United Nations of secure digital platforms that facilitate information exchange, interoperability of systems, and cooperation between national police services for peacekeeping forces and peace operations. Ladies and gentlemen, beyond these tools themselves, true innovation lies in our collective ability to place technology in the service of humanity. Innovation cannot replace the fundamental values that underpin the work of the United Nations. Much rather, innovation must strengthen public confidence, reinforce community policing. Cameroon remains convinced that the digital transformation of peace operations represents a major opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of mandates, to strengthen national capacities, and provide sustained support to states in the modernization of their police institutions. Cameroon makes available to the international community its training centers for peace operations. In conclusion, Moderator, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen, My country, a ward of the United Nations under the leadership of His Excellency Paul Biya, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence and Security Forces, reaffirms here its commitment to continue working alongside the United Nations and all member states to promote policing that is more modern, more effective, more accountable and fully respectful of fundamental rights. By combining innovation, international cooperation, and collective responsibility, we will be able to, I'm sure, build security institutions capable of responding effectively to the complex challenges of our time and of making a lasting contribution to peace, stability, security and development. I thank you for your kind attention, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, Excellency, for your insightful statement. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, we appreciate our distinguished panelists. We will now begin interventions from member states, and I would kindly remind to keep your statements within the 2-minute limit. We shall end our session and resume Please note that this session will end at 12:45 for the luncheon and we resume our session at 3 PM exactly. I now will begin by calling on the distinguished representative of the Dominican Republic, the Honorable Minister of Interior and Police, to deliver his statement. Excellency, you have the floor. Honorable Minister, you have the floor.

Thank you. Thank you, Chair. Guyana welcomes this opportunity to contribute to the discussion on innovation and new technologies in United Nations policing. Guyana recognizes that technology is transforming the security landscape and creating new opportunities for more effective, accountable, and citizen- community-centered policing. Through the Guyana Police Force Strategic Plan 2026-2030, the Government of Guyana has prioritized digital transformation, data-driven policing, enhanced intelligence capabilities, and the modernization of law enforcement infrastructure. Current initiatives include expanding electronic crime reporting systems, using digital forensic tools, improving criminal intelligence management, and strengthening cybersecurity capabilities to address emerging threats. Guyana also values regional and international partnerships in advancing innovation through collaboration with CARICOM IMPACT, Interpol, the Regional Security System, with the RSS, United Nations, and bilateral partners, we continue to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and technological capabilities to combat transnational organized crime, cybercrime, trafficking in persons, and other evolving threats. Notwithstanding these advancements, significant challenges remain. Developing countries often face resource constraints, limited access to emerging technologies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the need for specialized training to ensure the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and other advanced policing tools. Bridging the digital divide while maintaining— trust, accountability, and respect for human rights remains a critical priority. Guyana therefore recommends increased international support for technology transfer, sustainable funding mechanisms, specialized training, and the development of common standards and safeguards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in policing. We further encourage the United Nations UN Women's Police Division and its partners to facilitate greater knowledge sharing and technical assistance among member states, particularly small island developing states and developing countries. Through collective action and innovation, we can build safer, more resilient, and more effective policing institutions for the future. I thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Honourable Minister, for your statement. Now we call upon the Minister of Interior, Mozambique. The floor is yours, Honourable Minister.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, Mozambique is honoured to join this summit at a moment when the demands placed on national and United Nations policing have never been greater. Transnational organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and disinformation no longer respect borders or operate in isolation. They exploit weak institutions, digital vulnerabilities, and social grievances simultaneously. In Cabo Delgado, our defense and security forces, including the Police of the Republic of Mozambique, have confronted terrorism and violent extremism in cooperation with regional and international partners. That experience confirmed the simple truth: effective policing today must combine operational readiness, investigative capacity, community trust, and an unwavering commitment to human rights and the rule of law. The evolution of criminal networks' modus operandi also requires the evolution of our own institutions. We must strengthen forensic capacity, cyber investigation, financial intelligence, border cooperation, data analysis, and the legal protections necessary to ensure that new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are used responsibly, lawfully, and without undermining the rights of the people we serve. Mozambique strongly supports United Nations Police. UNPOL advises, mentors, and forms police units. Are indispensable: protecting civilians, supporting political transitions, and rebuilding trust between communities and the state. Within that effort, the women, peace and security agenda is not peripheral. Women police officers improve access to vulnerable communities, strengthen responses to gender-based violence, and reinforce public confidence in security institutions. We reaffirm our commitment to increasing women's participation across all policing functions in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Against this backdrop, Mozambique calls for stronger cooperation in 3 priority areas: information sharing, timely, secure, and cross-border connecting national, regional, and international law enforcement institutions; capacity building, particularly in investigation, forensics, cybercrime, border management, community policing, and technology and financing, ensuring police institutions are modern, accountable, equipped to respond to evolving threats. No country can confront today's security threats alone. Mozambique stands ready to contribute to a more modern, humane, accountable policing architecture nationally, regionally, and globally in support of peace, security, and dignity for all. I thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Honourable Minister. I now call upon the distinguished representative of Vietnam. The floor is yours, sir.

Excellency Chair, distinguished delegates, dear international friends, In the digital age and an era of globalization, the security of no country can stand alone. Transnational organized crime ranging from drug trafficking and human trafficking to cyber fraud has become a global non-traditional security challenge. The Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam has always regarded international cooperation as a key solution Through Interpol, ASEANAPOL, and other multilateral and bilateral mechanisms, the Vietnamese police have proactively coordinated in exchanging hundreds of investigative requests, dismantling criminal networks, and directly arresting, handling over numerous dangerous international wanted fugitives. However, The differences in legal systems and mutual legal assistance mechanism, together with Cumberstone's procedures for collecting evidence and sharing cross-border electronic data, remains major obstacles. Today, we would like to propose several points. First of all, we should accelerate the negotiation and conclusion of mutual legal assistance and extradition authorities, thereby establishing a smooth and effective international legal corridor, leaving no safe havens to criminals to hide. And the second, we should establish early warning system and mechanism for real-time crime information sharing while strengthening joint operation and coordinated actions campaign. The third, we should to enhance support training, technology transfer, and law enforcement capacity building for police. Distinguished delegates, Vietnam will commit to be a trusted partner and a responsible member of international policing community, stand ready to work closely with the international community. And I would like to wish you all the best, and I wish the summit every day success.

Thank you so much, Excellency, for your insightful remarks. I now call upon the Director General of International Affairs and Foreign Nationals of Spain. Director General, the floor is yours.

Presidente. Chair, Ministers, Heads of Police, distinguished colleagues. Spain would like to thank the United Nations and Australia for organizing this 5th United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit, an indispensable forum for reflecting together on the future of United Nations policing in an increasingly complex complex international environment. Spain remains firmly and consistently committed to peacekeeping operations. For more than 7 decades, we have actively contributed with nearly 3,000 Spanish police officers and members of the Civil Guard and have served in 44 UN missions. We also want to continue to include more and more women in these missions. Convinced as we are of the importance of the police being more representative and more diverse, but our goal and our commitment cannot be measured simply in figures, but also in terms of the quality of our participation and with regard to the way that we understand the policing function. Understood as being close to the communities it serves, respectful of human rights, dedicated to public service, and committed to strengthening the institutions of host countries. The three sessions of this summit highlight the principal challenges that we face. We must strengthen international cooperation to address threats that know no borders, whilst at the same time harnessing the enormous potential offered by innovation and new technologies. Technological transformation indeed represents an extraordinary opportunity to improve the effectiveness of policing, strengthen security, to promote decision-making that's based on data, increase prevention, and increase the protection of both civilian populations as well as the personnel employed in the field. These advances, however, must necessarily be accompanied by strong ethical principles, respect for proportionality and ethical principles, as well as appropriate human oversight and full respect for fundamental rights. Finally, Spain is fully committed to this goal in the United Nations. We would like to move towards the practical guide with regard to the responsible use of police technology in peacekeeping operations. We are convinced that effective multilateralism in innovation and respect for the rule of law constitute the best response to the security challenges that we face. Thank you very much.

Madam— Dear Excellencies, distinguished delegates, let's try to keep to 2 minutes. I wish to call upon Deputy Inspector General of Burundi to give his statement. The floor is yours, please.

Madame— Madame USG, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I thank Secretary-General of the United Nations for holding this important session on innovation and new technologies in police activities at the UN. The Republic of Burundi believes that technological innovation has become an indispensable element of modern policing. Emerging technologies— AI, digital platforms, data analysis systems, and biometrics, and advanced ICTs— provide considerable potential for combating crime, conducting investigations, as well as strengthening operational capacity. They also open up new possibilities for cooperation between national police and UN police in peace operations. However, this progress should never take place at the expense of the human dimension of police action. And effective policing requires the consent of the population. We ought to therefore be supplemented and strengthened by local police and communities. Parundi also believes that it is crucial to recognize that criminal organizations are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their use of new technologies. They use digital communication, digital financing, as well as AI to plan and carry out their actions. Even more concerning is that some of these organizations are benefiting from support from foreign actors or entities, which strengthens their capacities and poses a serious threat to international peace and security. This situation requires strengthening international cooperation as well as establishing an international legal framework that is robust and legally binding, allowing us to prevent and punish all forms of support to terrorism and criminal groups which weaken the authority of states. Cybercrime is also a major challenge and raises a key question: Where do we draw the line between security imperatives and protection of privacy? Technologies help us better prevent and detect infractions, but its use must respect international law, guaranteeing the privacy of personal data. We must protect fundamental freedoms, and these technologies must be appropriately overseen. For their part, criminals don't care about any rules or international law, or national law for that matter. In addition, cybercrime knows no borders. No state can single-handedly address this problem. Therefore, we must strengthen international cooperation through exchanges of information, through judicial mutual assistance, through joint training, through strengthening of expertise and capacity building to combat this global threat. Lastly, Burundi believes that the UN has a crucial role to play in establishing common norms, practices, guidelines, and training for the responsible use of new technologies. Peace operations must also contribute to the transfer of skills, to the sustainable strengthening of the capacity of police— of national police. Lastly, technological innovation must remain a tool that is used for a more effective, more responsible police force that is closer to its citizens. International cooperation, respect for human rights, and capacity building will help us be better prepared to address the security challenges of today and tomorrow. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you very much, Deputy Inspector General Burundi. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, we stick on 2 minutes. The moment the mic starts blinking, kindly summarize. I wish to call upon the Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie Djibouti. The floor is yours, sir.

Monsieur. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Excellencies, Chiefs of Police and Gendarmerie, I am honored to take the floor in this august assembly bringing together so many police services of the world. And I would like to first of all express my thanks to the Department of Peace Operations for its invitation and for organizing this exceptional event devoted to the ideals of peace and security to which we all aspire. The emergence of new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which is transforming the world today, offers police and gendarmerie services unprecedented opportunities to enhance their effectiveness, especially in crime prevention and control, risk analysis, and the conduct of investigations. However, their use must necessarily be controlled and regulated with responsible management of data and artificial intelligence systems, which must always remain subject to human oversight. The United Nations The United Nations system and specialized international organizations could usefully support states, particularly agencies responsible for law enforcement, in strengthening their technical, institutional, and legal capacities so that they can fully harness these technologies in a safe, ethical manner and in accordance with international standards. And finally, given the rapid pace of technological change, international cooperation remains indispensable. The sharing of knowledge, good practices, and expertise will help promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the service of security, justice, and sustainable development. Development. It is in this spirit that the Djiboutian National Gendarmerie is pursuing its efforts and relying on its network of partners. I am convinced that this distinguished gathering will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation among our respective institutions. Thank you for your attention.

Thank you very much.

Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie Djibouti. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, this marks the end of part 1 of our session on innovation and new technologies in UN policing. I thank the panelists and member state representatives for your statements for your presence and attention. I now give the floor to our protocol for brief explanation of the procedures for the luncheon. Thank you. Over to you, protocol.

Thank you, the moderator.

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, We would now like to invite you to the lunch.

We use the two exits on your left. My colleagues will guide you to the location. Then we'll come here after the lunch. Mesdames et messieurs, distinguished invitees, nous vous invitons maintenant—

We now would like to invite you to lunch. We will be using the exit to your left. My colleagues will help you. Will help guide you to the correct room. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you so much.