Workshop Reflections: “The Business of Security – New Frontiers and Persistent Challenges in Regulating Private Military and Security Companies”

On Monday, 3 November 2025, the Geneva Peacebuilding Platform, in collaboration with DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance and TRIAL International, hosted a workshop on the symposium “The Business of Security: New Frontiers and Persistent Challenges in Regulating Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs).”

The workshop brought together experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the evolving role of PMSCs across high-risk sectors and to explore avenues for advancing accountability and good governance in the private security industry.

This workshop followed the online Opinio Juris Symposium, co-organized by TRIAL International, the Global Survivors Fund, and REDRESS, which examined the expanding activities of PMSCs in areas such as extractive industries, humanitarian aid distribution, and digital security. Building on those discussions, this workshop provided a space to deepen dialogue around the persistent regulatory and accountability gaps that continue to shape the sector.

The event took place within the broader United Nations framework, as the Human Rights Council’s Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group (IGWG) continues its work towards an international regulatory framework for PMSCs. Through three thematic discussions and concluding remarks, participants reflected on emerging challenges and shared insights to inform ongoing global efforts aimed at strengthening oversight and responsibility in the private security field.

• Panel I – The Growing Role of PMSCs in Emerging Sectors
  This session explored the expanding presence of PMSCs in humanitarian operations, resource extraction, recruitment, weapons procurement, and other new domains of activity, highlighting the implications for governance and oversight.
• Panel II – Closing the Gaps: Regulation, Accountability, and Access to Justice
  Participants addressed issues of criminal and State responsibility, jurisdictional challenges, and examined case studies and emerging legislation aimed at strengthening regulation and accountability mechanisms for PMSCs.
• Panel III – The Future of Warfare: Technology, AI, and Oversight Mechanisms
  This panel examined the rise of AI-driven surveillance, cyber operations, and the use of biometric data, as well as the role of corruption in enabling opaque PMSC operations—discussing their implications for transparency, accountability, and human rights.

The Geneva Peacebuilding Platform extends its appreciation to all partners and participants for contributing to this timely and forward-looking conversation on the business of security and the future of accountability in the private sector.