The MDF holds a side event at the United Nations on the role of national regulatory authorities and the importance of information sharing

On 28 April, the MDF held a side event at the United Nations in Geneva on “Enhancing the Implementation of International Standards through Information Sharing Between National Regulatory Authorities”.

On 28 April, the Secretariat of the Montreux Document Forum and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) co-organised a side event during the 7th Session of the Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) on Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs), whose objective is to elaborate the content of an international regulatory framework over the activities of PMSCs.

The practical experience of national regulatory authorities constitutes a valuable reference for international policy processes such as the IGWG. To support the ongoing diplomatic discussions, the side event provided practical insights into how different countries implement international standards into domestic practice. It also provided an opportunity for diplomats to engage directly with national authorities responsible for regulating PMSCs.

At the same time, information sharing and collaboration among national regulatory authorities play an important role in strengthening national capacities to implement international standards –whether these are existing ones, such as those contained in the Montreux Document, or future ones, such as those under development by the IGWG. The side event presented different national approaches to knowledge sharing, focusing on the value of peer-to-peer learning in improving regulatory practices and addressing emerging challenges.

A representative from the French National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS) opened the discussion by outlining the role of the Council in the oversight of private security companies operating on the French territory. He shared examples of the CNAPS’ recent knowledge sharing efforts with national counterparts, emphasizing the importance of exchanging on good practices to help inform France’s and other countries’ regulatory efforts.

The Secretariat of the Montreux Document Forum then presented the role of the MDF as a bridge between international policy and national practice, linking the Montreux Document –which originated as a diplomatic initiative– with the day-to-day work of national regulators responsible for implementing national legal frameworks. It also introduced the MDF’s toolbox for information sharing and wider cooperation between national regulators, drawing attention to its new online Regulator’s Community of Practice and mapping available on the MDF website.

Finally, the Swiss regulator –the Export Controls and Private Security Services Section of the FDFA– presented Switzerland’s national regulatory system to participants. It also shared its positive experience within the MDF Community of Practice, highlighting lessons learned that could help inform the IGWG’s own process.

The event, which brought together 24 participants, was attended by permanent missions from MDF participants as well as representatives from civil society organisations involved in the IGWG negotiation process.