Information and intelligence cooperation in multifunctional international operations

TransConflict is pleased to recommend a course, entitled “Information and intelligence cooperation in multifunctional international operations”, organized by the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), which includes a lecture by TransConflict Advisory Board member, Julian Harston.

Conflict Background

GCCT

One of the longest running courses at the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the Information and Intelligence Cooperation in Multifunctional International Operations course is being held for the 8th consecutive year next year on Sandö. The course is aimed at participants across the entire spectrum of international field environments including Civilian, UN, EU, Military, Police and NGO communities.

The primary aim of this course is to improve collective mission environment security and multifunctional effectiveness through developing and improving cooperation and controlled sharing of information and intelligence. Key to achieving this aim is equipping senior officers and professionals with core knowledge and skills including foundation understanding of the nature of information/intelligence; how to build functioning networks and systems for collection; ‘open source intelligence’ (OSINT) and data mining skills; information security awareness; classification standards; basic analysis and strategies for controlled information dissemination.

Among the lecturers we are pleased to have confirmed are:

Arno Reuser – Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) teacher/trainer and workshop organizer;
Karin Sharma – intercultural communication;
Prof. Wilhelm Agrell – professor of social intelligence, Research Policy Institute, Lund University;
Julian Harston – former UNSRSG and retired as an Assistant Secretary General in the United Nations.

Participants will learn how to improve communication and cooperation between the wide spectrum of mission area actors. They will also learn how information and intelligence is essential to all governmental and non-governmental actors, for increasing both mission security and operational effectiveness. They will develop their understanding of different actors’ respective information needs and the caveats necessary for enhanced cooperation and coordination.

Collection of information through the building of human networks, and the use of internet-based open source data mining techniques, will form the primary, practical, skills-based training modules within the course. These modules can be built on guided by the needs and special conditions of participants.

Further information:

Target group – 25 participants with relevant work experience, preferably from international missions. Participants should either already work in a related field or be designated for such work in the future. The course is for participants from governmental and non-governmental organizations, business communities, police and military organizations.
Date – 17-23, February 2014;
Application – Applicants are kindly asked to use the electronic application form. For instructions on using the application form, please click here.
Closing date for applications – 13 December 2013;
Location – Sando, Sweden – The course is held at the Folke Bernadotte Academy campus, located on Sandö Island, 450km north of Stockholm. The closest airports are Sundsvall and Kramfors airports.
Course fee – 10500 SEK including VAT 25%. The fee covers full board and accommodation. Costs for travel will be at the expense of the participant.

About the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA)

The Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) is a Swedish government agency dedicated to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of international conflict and crisis management, with a particular focus on peace operations. The overall objective is to contribute to lasting peace and development. FBA functions as a platform for cooperation between Swedish agencies and organizations and their international partners. Its main areas of responsibility are:

Civilian personnel contribution to international peace operations
Education, training and exercises
Policy, research and development
National and international cooperation and coordination
Funding of civil society peace projects

FBA has a preparedness to offer good offices for conflict resolution initiatives, such as talks between parties to a conflict. Within its mandate, it serves as a national point of contact with international organisations, including the UN, EU, AU, OSCE and NATO.

FBA coordinates the International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations and is an active member of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres (IAPTC), Europe’s New Training Initiative (ENTRi), and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

The agency is named after Count Folke Bernadotte, the first official UN mediator, and its mission reflects Sweden’s commitment to international peace, security and development.