The conference, themed ‘The Future of Borders and Borders of the Future—Accelerating Seamless and Secure Cross-Border Travel and Trade with Technological Solutions and Re-Engineered Identity Management Processes,’ emphasised the integration of innovation and international cooperation to meet emerging migration challenges. 

As part of its active participation in BMIC7, the RSO’s Co-Manager (Australia), David Scott, chaired Workshop 4: “Information Sharing and International Cooperation: Overcoming the Boundaries of Border Management Ecosystems.” The workshop featured contributions from panelists representing regional bodies, international organizations, national governments, and the private sector, including CARICOM IMPACS, Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC), International Organization for Migration, International Civil Aviation Organization, Frontex, the Government of the Republic of Korea and Innovatrics.

Workshop 4 focused on overcoming barriers in information sharing and fostering international collaboration. Key topics included: 

• Building Trust: Addressing the fundamental challenge of trust in sharing sensitive information across borders. 

• Leveraging Technology: Utilising biometric systems, predictive analytics, and secure digital travel authorisation systems to enhance border management. 

• Regional Platforms: Highlighting initiatives such as the Asian Network for Document. Examination (ANDEX), the Reporting and Information Sharing Platform (RISP), and the Data Exchange Solution to Counter Smuggling (DESC) to facilitate cooperation and combat migration related transnational crime. 

• Policy Alignment: Advocating for standardised international agreements and practices to ensure data security and interoperability. 

Throughout Workshop 4, speakers presented practical examples and innovative approaches to addressing border management challenges: 

• CARICOM IMPACS showcased its regional multi-agency approach, emphasising the importance of structured frameworks, seconded officials, and champions within national governments to drive trust and collaboration. 

• PIDC introduced its Reporting and Information Sharing Platform (RISP), which provides real-time analysis and intelligence on migration patterns in the Pacific, overcoming challenges such as legislative barriers and capacity gaps. 

• Innovatrics highlighted the potential of biometric technology in pre-travel risk assessment, enabling more effective responses to migration challenges. 

• IOM demonstrated the DESC system, which uses AI-powered dashboards to predict irregular migration trends and support country-led initiatives to counter smuggling and transnational crime. 

• ICAO and Frontex discussed the role of international standards and capacity-building initiatives in enhancing document security and fostering global interoperability. 

• The Government of Korea highlighted the opportunities for collaboration and information sharing facilitated by the ANDEX Network which is enhancing regional cooperation through the sharing of non-sensitive data. 

The workshop culminated in identifying critical challenges and actionable recommendations: 

Challenges: 

1. Building trust among focal points for secure information sharing. 

2. Addressing disparities in data collection, analysis, and technological adoption. 

3. Overcoming legal and regulatory barriers to cross-border information exchange. 

4. Enhancing collaboration between law enforcement, border management, and international bodies. 

5. Protecting sensitive data while upholding privacy and human rights. 

Recommendations: 

1. Develop secure frameworks for trusted information sharing with clear data use protocols. 

2. Invest in data analytics, biometric verification, and AI-driven migration solutions. 

3. Foster bilateral and multilateral agreements to support standardized practices. 

4. Promote the use of interoperable digital travel authorization systems. 

5. Uphold human dignity and protect vulnerable populations through targeted policies. 

6. Actively engage with platforms like ANDEX, DESC, and RISP to strengthen cooperation. 

BMIC7 provided a platform for the RSO to highlight its role in advancing migration management through multilateral collaboration and innovative solutions. The event underscored the importance of collective action in addressing global migration challenges while balancing security, efficiency, and humanity in border operations.

The insights and outcomes from BMIC7 will inform upcoming initiatives, including the Third RSO Border Forum. The RSO remains committed to fostering international cooperation, enhancing technical capacity, and advancing solutions to ensure safe, orderly, and dignified migration. These efforts include leveraging Artificial Intelligence and biometric technologies, expanding digital travel authorisation systems, and continuing to build trust among stakeholders through structured engagement and dialogue.