Innovative responses to transnational threats in focus at the 15th Annual Meeting of OSCE Border Security and Management National Focal Points Network

Current transnational threats and challenges for border agencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and innovative responses were the focus of the 15th Annual Meeting of the OSCE Border Security and Management National Focal Points Network held on 21 and 22 September 2021.

”In an increasingly interconnected world, border security and management has become a complex task. While we must protect our borders from the illegal activities and other border violations, we must also facilitate lawful trade and travel, which are essential aspects of human security, economic prosperity and national sovereignty,” said Maria Gratschew, Counselor from the Permanent Delegation of Sweden to the OSCE, on behalf of the 2021 Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship. “We welcome this meeting and the opportunity for focal points to discuss these challenges and explore innovative ways to address them.”

The online and in-person event was organized by the 2021 Swedish OSCE Chairpersonship and the Border Security and Management Unit of the OSCE Transnational Threats Department. It brought together more than 100 border officials from across the OSCE area and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

During the meeting, presentations by international organizations provided an overview of emerging trends in transnational threats and the latest developments in addressing cross-border crimes triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a security scenario we were all unprepared for. It has illustrated the complex nature of security, where multiple actors are involved,” said Alena Kupchyna, OSCE Co-ordinator of Activities to Address Transnational Threats.  “Border security and management agencies play a critical role in understanding the security picture, particularly related to widespread threats like the pandemic.”

International experts also discussed with national focal points the updated OSCE Self-Assessment Tool for Nations to Increase Preparedness for Cross Border Implications of Crises and available mechanisms in addressing cross-border crises.

Participants and experts from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism and INTERPOL also explored ways of strengthening identity management through biometric technologies in the context of cross-border co-operation and information sharing to counter terrorism and related transnational organized crimes.

The meeting concluded with a session on current and emerging transnational threats affecting OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation in Central Asia.