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Training & Development For a Professional Workforce

A group of people wearing safety kits in an open location.
Tajikistan drill team recieves an instructional briefing UN photo

Training provides UN personnel with techniques to prevent security incidents and respond appropriately to mitigate the impact when an incident occurs. Training is also a key factor in ensuring that security decision-makers and security personnel are up to date with the latest security policies, approaches, and best practices needed to fulfill their roles and enable mandate delivery safely and securely.

Security Training Global Overview

Every year, security training is delivered to tens of thousands of personnel across the UN Security Management System through a variety of training programmes relevant to the security conditions in which our personnel are working.

BSAFE, for instance, is an online security awareness programme that provides all UNSMS personnel with the basic security awareness needed wherever they are working. It is also accessible to NGOs, diplomatic and other partners at and has been completed by over half a million people since its launch in 2018. In high-risk areas, the Designated Official may require additional in-person training such as Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments (SSAFE) or specific training for medical First Responders.

Whether delivered online or in-person, we aim to provide personnel with the knowledge and skills to adhere to UN security procedures and prevent or react appropriately to security incidents.

Best Practices

UNDSS’s Training and Development Section (TDS) also works to ensure that security training reflects the latest best practices in security and training methods. The SSAFE course was updated in 2019-2020 and includes more practical training drills and a person-centred approach to personal security awareness.

In 2021, the Emergency Training Bag (ETB) course for UN First Responders was updated with the latest medical best practices and UN standards and with more practical exercises, which include greater emphasis on a victim-centered approach. Ensuring that security training is accessible and appropriate for everyone in the UN’s diverse environment, is an important priority for UNDSS.

TDS has issued a compilation of Best Practices in Inclusive Security Training in 2021 and continues to support all trainers across the UNSMS in its implementation. For more information about UN Security Training, please contact undss.learning@un.org