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On November 14, 2025, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Department of Safety and Security (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a high-level hybrid event co-hosted by Brazil, Japan, and Switzerland. The gathering brought together Member States and partners to recognize two decades of enabling critical Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ work in the world's most dangerous environments. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Chef de Cabinet Courtenay Rattray, speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, emphasized that without Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS, "vital work of development, human rights, climate action and peace could not take place." Switzerland's Ambassador Pascale Baeriswyl reminded attendees of the often-invisible nature of this work: "behind every convoy that reaches a besieged community, there is a chain of dedicated professionals who made it possible." A Foundation for Global Operations Brazil's Ambassador S¨¦rgio Fran?a Danese described how "Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS has evolved into a cornerstone of the organization's ability to deliver on its mandates, even in some of the world's most complex and high-risk environments." Japan's Ambassador Yamazaki Kazuyuki reinforced that "security is a shared responsibility," calling for continued collaboration across regions, mandates, and cultures to build systems that are "both robust and adaptable." Partners in Action Representatives from across the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Security Management System shared concrete examples of collaboration. Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵICEF's Principal Security Coordinator, Mr. Paul Farrell praised security personnel who work "hand-in-hand, each day, on the ground, where their advice and expertise is most needed." OCHA's Edem Wosornu illustrated this cooperation with examples from Haiti, Nigeria, and Sudan. A Crisis of Resources A stark warning emerged about growing funding gaps. Humanitarian Outcomes' Abby Stoddard cautioned that reduced resources have left aid workers increasingly exposed even as casualty numbers rise. The European Union expressed strong support for Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS reforms, while Austria highlighted complementary initiatives including Security Council resolution 2730 (2024). Israel inquired about security efforts supporting locally recruited personnel. The Path Forward Under-Secretary-General Michaud launched the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵDSS 2026 appeal, urging support to help the Department "get across the goal line" and "respond better to crisis, to innovate now in order to be better prepared for the future." The appeal ensures operational continuity, strengthens security capabilities, and drives digital innovation across the system¡ªcritical investments as threats multiply globally.