How to improve human security in light of emerging threats in the 21st century

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched last month a Special Report on Human Security. The report, entitled, “New threats to human security in the Anthropocene: Demanding greater solidarity” finds a development conundrum. Despite people on average living longer, healthier, and wealthier lives, these advances have not succeeded in increasing people’s sense of security. This is true for countries right across the development spectrum, with perceptions of insecurity worsening most in several high-income countries, even before the Covid-19 pandemic. The report links new threats with the disconnect between people and planet in pursuit of development, arguing that they are deeply entwined with increasing planetary pressure. The report examines a cluster of threats that have shifted to become more prominent in recent years including those from digital technologies, inequalities, conflicts, and the ability of healthcare systems to tackle new challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this context, the Geneva Center for Security Policy (GCSP) and the UNDP Office in Geneva are joining forces to present the Report in Geneva, bringing in a diverse set of voices and perspectives from the security, health, climate and digital and diplomatic communities – in line with the spirit of the report – with the aim of kicking off a global conversation on human security. The event - open to all- will take place on 17 March 2022 at 2pm Geneva time in the Maison de la Paix and will be livestreamed online.

GCSP Director Amb. Thomas Greminger will be joined by UNDP Director of the Human Development Report Office, Pedro Conceicao and UNDP Geneva Director Agi Veres, as well as high-level experts and Permanent Representatives from the International Geneva community.

More information on the report can be found here: https://www.hdr.undp.org/en/2022-human-security-report