Under the theme “Security in Transition – Responsibility, Resilience, Future”, the Federal Association of the Security Industry invited representatives from the security sector, politics, public authorities and partner organisations to Berlin to discuss the future challenges for internal security, the protection of critical infrastructure and the role of the private security sector in Germany and Europe.
In his speech, BDSW President Werner Landstorfer made it clear that security today is no longer a static state, but a dynamic process that requires responsibility, resilience and a forward-looking approach in equal measure. In view of geopolitical tensions, hybrid threats, technological upheavals and growing demands on the protection of critical infrastructure, the private security industry is playing an increasingly important role within Germany’s security architecture.
Landstorfer emphasised that security can only be guaranteed through close cooperation between the state, the private sector and society. The security industry sees itself as a reliable partner to the public sector. Responsibility today means identifying risks at an early stage, taking preventive action and jointly developing sustainable solutions. His speech focused on five core elements of the security industry, or rather of a modern and resilient security architecture: politics as a reliable framework and strategic partner; security as a core mission to protect people, data, processes and trust; communication as the basis for information exchange and crisis management; cooperation between state and private actors as a practical public-private partnership; and diversity as the strength of a modern and adaptable industry. In particular, Landstorfer emphasised the importance of functioning networks and trust-based cooperation. Security today, he said, could not be organised by the state or the private sector alone. What was crucial, he argued, was the interaction of all stakeholders. “We are better together” was the central conclusion of his speech.
Member of the Bundestag Stephan Mayer sent a strong political signal with his welcoming address. Mayer highlighted the particularly important role of the private security sector for Germany’s overall security. Private security companies, he said, have long been a quality-oriented and indispensable partner in the national security architecture and make a significant contribution to the resilience of the state, the economy and society.
In this context, Stephan Mayer expressly spoke out in favour of the reforms called for by the BDSW and supported, in particular, the demands for a modernisation of security guard legislation, higher and uniform quality standards, further professionalisation of training and further education, and closer cooperation between state security authorities and private security service providers.
The other speakers also addressed key future issues facing the security industry.
Florian Graf, State Secretary and Head of the State Chancellery of the State of Berlin, emphasised in his welcoming address the importance of the security industry for Berlin as a hub for security and events.
Dr Timo Hauschild, Head of the Department for Cybersecurity in the Economy at the Federal Office for Information Security, spoke about resilient NIS2 supply chains and the increasing demands on cybersecurity and crisis preparedness.
Steffen Kampeter, Chief Executive of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations, addressed the challenges facing the labour market and the importance of reliable economic conditions.
Alexander Frank, Deputy Director General of CoESS – Confederation of European Security Services, highlighted the European perspective on crisis preparedness and the role of the security industry within the European security architecture.
The 9th BDSW Employee Award was also presented during the event. In addition, companies and institutions showcased innovative products and services for the security sector.
The General Assembly made it clear: the private security sector is ready to continue actively fulfilling its responsibility for the protection of Germany and to further develop the security architecture in a future-proof manner in collaboration with politicians and authorities.
