DEVELOPING countries need greater access to technology, specialised training and sustainable funding if they are to effectively respond to evolving security threats, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond told delegates at the Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS) on Wednesday.
Delivering Guyana’s statement during the session on Innovation and New Technologies in United Nations Policing, Walrond said while technology is reshaping modern policing, many developing nations continue to face significant barriers to adopting advanced tools needed to combat increasingly sophisticated criminal activity.
“Guyana therefore recommends increased international support for technology transfer, sustainable funding mechanisms, specialised training, and the development of common standards and safeguards for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in policing,” the minister said.
She added that developing countries often contend with resource constraints, limited access to emerging technologies, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and shortages of specialised expertise needed to ensure the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence and other advanced policing tools.
According to Walrond, bridging the digital divide while maintaining public trust, accountability and respect for human rights must remain a global priority.
She also called on the United Nations Police Division and its partners to expand knowledge-sharing and technical assistance among member states, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing countries.
Highlighting Guyana’s own efforts, Walrond said the Government has prioritised the modernisation of law enforcement through the Guyana Police Force Strategic Plan 2022–2026, with a focus on digital transformation, intelligence-led policing and strengthened cybersecurity.
She noted that ongoing initiatives include expanding electronic crime reporting systems, deploying digital forensic tools, improving criminal intelligence management and enhancing cybersecurity capabilities to address emerging threats.
The minister also underscored the importance of international partnerships, noting that Guyana continues to collaborate with CARICOM IMPACS, INTERPOL, the Regional Security System, the United Nations and bilateral partners to strengthen information-sharing, build institutional capacity and enhance technological capabilities to combat transnational organised crime, cybercrime, trafficking in persons and other emerging security threats.
“Through collective action and innovation, we can build safer, more resilient and more effective policing institutions for the future,” Walrond said.
The Fifth United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit brings together ministers, chiefs of police, and senior representatives from around the world to advance international peace and security through stronger co-operation and innovation in policing.