IAPTC Annual Conference in Bangladesh

Institutions from more than 52 countries came together during the IAPTC’s* Annual Conference in Bangladesh. The overall theme was “Peace Operations in the Digital Era – Opportunities and Challenges for the Global Training Community”, and the successful conference was hosted by the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) at its superb and tailor-made facilities.

Pernilla Rydén, Director of the Challenges Forum International Sectretariat (CFIS) participated together with Principal Senior Adviser Jonas Alberoth, who was also there in his capacity as a member of the IAPTC’s Executive Committee.

The conference was a manifestation of the importance of multilateral and multifunctional cooperation on peace operations. The working week started with the well-attended UN Police Day and continued with a carefully designed conference programme containing plenary sessions, syndicate discussions, thematic exchanges, an Ideas Bazaar, cultural exhibitions, and a constant flow of bilateral meetings.

Among the many issues explored and discussed were digital transformation’s opportunities and challenges; experiences from the field; e-learning, exercises and simulation; situational awareness and peacekeeping intelligence; performance and accountability; women, peace and security; mission leadership; and key updates from the regional training associations.

The IAPTC concept proved the strength and usefulness of in person interaction and meetings in an increasingly digital era. Both is needed and both will prevail.

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* The International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres (IAPTC) is an open and voluntary association of centers, institutions, agencies and programs dealing with peace operations research, education, and training.

The aim of the Association is to contribute to more effective peace operations, through promoting a better understanding of peacekeeping and its goals, and to facilitate communication, exchange of information and best practices between peace operations and other related education and training centers, and/or among people responsible for, and involved in, training for peacekeeping operations.