[Column] Solidarity and cooperation for a safer future

Kim Chang-yong

By Kim Chang-yong, Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency

The New York Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman argued that the history of humanity would be divided into “BC” and “AC” — “before COVID-19,” and “after COVID-19.” The world is now endeavoring to respond to the multifaceted social changes and new challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought.

Policing is at the frontline of these changes as it must be sensitive to risk factors affecting public safety. The police should be proactive in understanding the emerging circumstances and putting forward new approaches to protect public safety everywhere all the time.

As we enter the AC era, the Korean National Police Agency is gathering global leaders to propose a new blueprint for policing at the International Police Summit 2021 Seoul (IPS 2021), which will run from Oct. 20-23 under the theme of “Policing Strategy for New Normal Era.”

The summit will provide a forum for the global police leaders to share their experiences and achievements in responding to the current crisis and going beyond with preventative and advanced policing strategies. In particular, the renowned futurist scholar Jim Dator will give a keynote presentation on “Fluid Policing in the Shape-Shifting World,” followed by a panel discussion among police chiefs and representatives of international organizations on the changing environments, newly required roles, future-oriented strategies, and global cooperation of the police.

Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, delegations from 38 countries and organizations will participate in IPS 2021.

Further, the Korea Police World Expo will take place at Songdo Convensia in Incheon with approximately 110 participating companies to introduce various systems, equipment and technologies to solve policing problems in the field. The 2021 International Symposium on Cybercrime Response, one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and CSI Korea 2021, an international conference on forensic science will be held simultaneously to collate global voices on policing.

The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, "No single country can address pandemics and global health emergencies alone." The Korean National Police Agency would like to lead an effort to break down barriers between international police communities to foster dialogue and cooperation in this post-COVID era. We believe that it is high time to resort to collective intellect and mutual trust. Please join us in this forum of solidarity and cooperation for a safer future.

By Kim Chang-yong, Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]