UN chief calls for increased capabilities to meet global policing needs

United Nations | Xinhua | UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday warned of challenges for peacekeeping operations, while calling for increased capabilities to meet global policing needs.

Addressing the third UN Chiefs of Police Summit, Guterres said the gathering comes at a critical time for the United Nations Police, for peacekeeping as well as for the global community.

Coming from more than 90 different countries, the United Nations Police women and men contribute their individual expertise, skills and commitment towards the greater good, in the service of peace, in UN operations around the world, he said.

“But they are deployed in an increasingly complex and challenging environment — sometimes in places where there is no peace to keep,” the UN chief said.

The world now faces the highest number of violent conflicts since 1945, he said, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis and geopolitical tensions mean conflicts are more complex and prolonged, and UN peacekeeping operations are increasingly targeted by violent extremists and peace spoilers.

In response, the United Nations has designed the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, which is aimed at making its missions stronger, safer and more effective, and has taken and is planning other measures.

Guterres pointed out that more than ever, specialized policing expertise is needed to keep the peace, maintain public order, fight increased organized crime and natural resource trafficking, and advance environmentally responsive policing practices.

“I therefore urge all of you to help us increase our capabilities, including technological enablers, to keep pace with the needs of today and tomorrow,” he told the summit delegates.

The third UN Chiefs of Police Summit from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 at the UN headquarters gathers chiefs of police and senior representatives of regional and professional policing organizations to engage on strengthening international peace, security and development through the unifying power and enabling role of national and UN policing.