NEW ORGANISATION AIMS TO STRENGTHEN GLOBAL BORDER SECURITY

A former UK Border Force head is behind a new organisation that aims to strengthen border management globally.

The International Border Management and Technologies Association (IBMATA) is the brainchild of Tony Smith, who also led the UK government’s border security programme for London 2012 which saw three million athletes, coaches, spectators and officials processed at the UK border on top of business as usual.

IBMATA, which has its official launch at the Border Management & Technologies Summit Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur, aims to promote best practice in border management principles and the intelligent use of new and emerging technology.

Tony Smith, who chairs IBMATA, believes better collaboration and joint working at both national and international level is the main factor that will determine the successful management of international border controls.

He said:

“Border controls have never been under greater pressure, and things will only get tougher for the agencies managing them.

“More people are crossing international borders than ever before. Air traffic is due to double over the next 20 years, and freight is set to triple over the same period. Terrorism and cyber threats are global and fluid.

“It is time for another radical shift in the way we manage border controls.

“The introduction of technologies into future borders will be a huge part of this, but regardless of the capabilities the real change will only come through collaboration.

“That means bringing together the eco-system of border management. Control agencies, airlines, airports, rail and sea carriers, port control authorities, academics, policy makers and technology providers big and small all have a role to play.”

A not-for-profit organisation, IBMATA intends to:

• Build a platform for communication and collaboration;
• Develop and manage international events and workshops for members and partners;
• Build a library of relevant materials on the principles of modern day border management and latest advances in technology; and
• Work with its members and partners to identify models of best practice.

Membership is open to any department, agency, organisation or company that has a role or interest in border management or the safe and secure movement of goods and people internationally.