'Security Strategies in the Era of Ultra-Uncertainty' 2023 Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference Held

Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, met with police representatives from 35 countries and international organizations (UN, Interpol, Europol) at the 2023 Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference held on the 18th. He listened to the security strategies of various countries' police forces in response to transnational crimes such as cyber financial crimes and drugs, and shared Korea's scientific policing strategies.

Yoon Hee-geun, Commissioner of the National Police Agency. [Photo by National Police Agency]

Since the first meeting in 2015, the Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference has continued to hold face-to-face meetings even during the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, police chiefs and representatives from a total of 82 countries and organizations have attended to discuss topics such as 'Security Strategies in the New Normal Era.'

The 4th conference this time saw the largest number of participating countries and international police representatives in history, continuing discussions under the theme of 'Proactive Security Strategies in an Era of Hyper-Uncertainty.'

President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed gratitude for the dedication of police forces worldwide through a congratulatory message and promised, “The Korean government will strive for freedom, peace, and sustainable prosperity for humanity based on coexistence, cooperation, and solidarity as a responsible member of the international community.”

In his welcoming address, Commissioner Yoon urged cooperation among police forces worldwide facing complex crises such as the rapid digital transformation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of transnational crimes, and environmental disasters. He emphasized the introduction of rapid scientific technologies to overcome the limitations of security activities and the cultivation of flexible talents who can quickly adapt to the digital era.

The event was attended by Yoon Jae-ok, Floor Leader of the People Power Party, and Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, who delivered congratulatory speeches. Christopher Wray, Director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), mentioned the importance of collaboration to counter the rapidly increasing new threats and complex crises in a video congratulatory message.

During the conference, which runs until the 20th, the National Police Agency plans to hold a total of 35 bilateral meetings to exchange security agendas with police delegations from participating countries and international organizations aimed at national safety and protection of overseas nationals. Furthermore, it will serve as a bridge to expand cooperation to strengthen the capabilities of police forces by breaking down the boundaries between developing and developed countries.

Additionally, police delegations from various countries will attend the International Security Industry Expo and Scientific Policing Seminar programs held in Incheon Songdo, organized by the National Police Agency, to directly experience the current status of Korea-style scientific policing. With recent growth in defense exports and increasing interest from police forces worldwide in Korea-style police helicopters, opportunities to test-fly the Surion police helicopter will be provided to countries considering the introduction or replacement of police helicopters, promoting the excellence of domestically produced helicopters and Korea's police helicopter operation capabilities.

Meanwhile, considering that 27 of the participating countries are members of the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE), the National Police Agency will actively request support from participating countries by promoting Busan as the optimally prepared city (Busan is Ready!) for the final vote next month to select the host city for the 2030 World Expo.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.