51吃瓜

Marking the bicentenary of the Spanish National Police, the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) co-organized, in Madrid on 19 December 2024, a high-level workshop to advance international efforts in protecting vulnerable targets against terrorist threats. 

The event, held under the Global Programme on Countering Terrorist Threats against Vulnerable Targets, brought together experts from the Spanish National Police, international law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to share insights and good practices. The activity was attended by approximately 100 participants including members of the diplomatic community based in Madrid, as well as representatives of the national law enforcement and security community, academia, and think tank. 

During panel discussions, the Spanish National Police, represented by its General Commissariat of Information, presented their long history of innovation in counter-terrorism. From pioneering measures against anarchist groups in the 19th century to dismantling ETA’s network and responding to the 2004 Madrid train bombings, Spain’s approach has evolved into a model of intelligence-led policing focused on prevention. Today, the National Police continue to confront emerging threats in cyberspace, including radicalization and disinformation. They also highlighted the importance of promoting close collaboration and training with private security forces.

Speakers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Germany, and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) provided insights into international good practices and shared experiences on topics such as vehicle-ramming mitigation, public-private partnerships, and emerging technologies. 

The sessions emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration and the exchange of strategies for protecting public spaces and critical infrastructure. Discussions also focused on resilience-building strategies, behavioral insights for risk assessment, and innovative approaches to securing high-profile public spaces, such as tourist and religious sites, major events, and critical infrastructure sectors like aviation and energy. Participants underscored the vital role of international cooperation in early warning procedures and information-sharing, in order to tackle emerging forms of terrorism. The event concluded with actionable recommendations to enhance prevention and response mechanisms globally.

This event reaffirmed the shared commitment to fostering safer urban spaces and building resilience against terrorism. 

The event was generously funded by the State of Qatar and the National Police of Spain.