World Police Chiefs Gather in Seoul... 'Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference' Held for Four Days

'Police Activities in the New Normal Era' Theme
Police Leaders from 38 Countries and International Organizations Gather
Kim Chang-ryong, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, Proposes "Humanism-Based Police Activities"

On the 21st, the heads of police from around the world attending the '2021 Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference' held at Lotte Hotel Seoul are taking a commemorative photo pledging cooperation.
[Photo by National Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Police chiefs from around the world are gathering in Seoul to discuss current issues and the future of international security. The National Police Agency announced on the 21st that it will hold the '2021 Seoul International Police Chiefs Conference' at the Lotte Hotel Seoul from the 20th to the 23rd.

Under the theme "Policing Strategy for New Normal Era," this conference will have high-ranking security officials such as ministers of the interior and police chiefs from 24 countries attending in person, with an additional 14 countries participating online, bringing together police leaders from a total of 38 countries and international organizations. It is particularly notable as the first international conference of police chiefs held worldwide since the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the afternoon plenary session, congratulatory messages will be delivered by President Moon Jae-in, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and INTERPOL President Kim Jong-yang, followed by a welcome address from National Police Agency Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong. President Moon welcomed police representatives from various countries, stating, "We expect measures to protect socially vulnerable groups in a hyper-connected society and to respond to transnational crimes to be established," adding, "Korea is committed to global cooperation in the security field through dispatching security experts, inviting foreign police for training, and security cooperation projects, and will continue to strive for peace and safety of humanity as a responsible advanced country in the international community.”

Commissioner General Kim Chang-ryong highlighted the new normal phenomena that police should pay the most attention to, mentioning ▲changes in crime patterns and rapid transmission as risk factors brought by the hyper-connected society ▲security polarization and safety gaps experienced by socially vulnerable groups, proposing a new security strategy based on 'humanism-centered policing' that is proactive, preventive, and problem-solving with consideration for the vulnerable. Commissioner Kim emphasized, "Under leadership of harmony and balance, let us share insights from each country to overcome today's crises and promote sustainable safety."

Additionally, the plenary session featured a keynote speech by Jim Dator, a renowned futurist and professor at the University of Hawaii, on the topic of "Flexible Policing in a Changing World," which attracted much attention. Following this, police chiefs from various countries and representatives of international organizations delivered speeches and engaged in discussions focusing on changes in the security environment, the roles required of police, future progressive policing strategies, and the enhancement of global security cooperation.

Considering the COVID-19 situation, the National Police Agency established an online metaverse (3D virtual world) event venue, enabling police agencies worldwide to watch the main event live in real time from the online conference hall and share knowledge and experiences to overcome global crises together.

Police representatives attending the conference expressed agreement with the timing and theme of the meeting and expressed gratitude to the Korean police for providing a platform for international security cooperation despite difficulties caused by COVID-19. Gwen Boniface, a Canadian senator and former Chief of Police of Ontario, Canada, said, "I appreciate the insight and forward-looking vision of the Korean police for leading essential discussions at this critical time," adding, "This conference will serve as a catalyst for police agencies worldwide to work together and achieve changes for everyone's safety."

Meanwhile, bilateral meetings between police chiefs will be held separately on the 22nd and 23rd alongside the World Police Chiefs Conference. Commissioner Kim plans to engage in in-depth discussions on country-specific security cooperation issues such as responses to transnational crimes, promotion of security official development assistance (ODA) projects, and protection of overseas nationals.