The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) recently convened a workshop in Berlin on leveraging data for policing in peacekeeping contexts.
The event was hosted by the Center for International Peace Operations. Representatives from the national police services of the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan attended, alongside UN Police officers serving in MINUSCA, MONUSCO, and UNMISS.
The discussions focused on practical steps to improve the collection, sharing, and joint use of data between UN Police and national police services.
Participants agreed on measures tailored to each country setting, aiming to strengthen operational effectiveness and accountability.
A key recommendation was the deployment of UN Police officers with expertise in data collection and management to bolster their own data systems and build the capacities of national police services.
Participants also called for the creation of a regular exchange forum among UN Police data specialists working in peacekeeping operations to share best practices and address common challenges.
Recognizing shared border management issues in the region, national police representatives emphasized the need for enhanced cross-border data and information exchange to improve coordination and security.
The workshop concluded with participants committing to validating the recommendations with their respective leadership.
Looking ahead, UN Police Week in February 2026 offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation on policing-related data and to showcase progress made since the Berlin workshop.
