United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS)

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is a department of the United Nations providing professional safety and security services to enable the United Nations to deliver its programmes globally. UNDSS reports directly to the Secretary-General. UNDSS manages a network of security advisers, analysts, officers and coordinators in more than 100 countries in support of around 180,000 United Nations personnel, 400,000 dependents and 4,500 United Nations premises worldwide.

The United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS) enables the activities of UNSMS organizations within acceptable levels of security risk. The UNSMS unites over 50 member organizations, with a primary objective of facilitating the operations of these entities while maintaining an acceptable level of security. Fifteen of these members serve as key decision-makers within the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN), which is an integral part of the UNSMS. Within this framework, the UNSMS plays a pivotal role in guiding, supporting, and acting as recipients of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) services.

As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) worldwide. Present in 131 countries where UN operates, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing resources.