As technology reshapes our lives at unprecedented speed, its misuse is fueling a surge of digital violence, especially against women and marginalized groups. "It is our duty to ensure that online spaces do not become the new frontiers of violence and exclusion," said Gerd Trogemann, Manager, Regional Programme and Global Policy Network, UNDP.
UNDP and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) convened the 2025 Global Policy Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) and cybersecurity. The two-day event in Bangkok brought together governments, law enforcement, civil society, UN partners and private sector actors to translate global commitments into survivor-centred policies and specific multi-stakeholder action.
"One of the key aspects of UNDP partnership with the Korea National Police Agency is facilitating the deployment of experts from the Korean police to 12 partner countries. Such knowledge transfer enables police agencies to adopt and customize solutions that prevent and address violence in digital sphere," said Revai Makanje Aalbaek, UNDP's Global Lead on Rule of law, Justice and Security.
While digital transformation offers immense benefits, its intersection with political and economic instability can pose serious risks, including profound implications for gender equality and women's rights. Online harassment, cyberstalking and digital abuse disproportionately target women and marginalized groups. A recent survey reveals that more than 38 percent of women have experienced online violence. Yet fewer than half of countries have laws against online abuse, and enforcement remains weak, leaving survivors without remedies and perpetrators unpunished.
UNDP and the KNPA are working to change this. In 2025, the partnership expanded to twelve countries across the globe, aiming to strengthen law enforcement and multi-stakeholder responses to protect survivors and prevent abuse. The collaboration has introduced a range of solutions including advanced cyber investigation tools, legal reforms, specialized police training, and public awareness campaigns. Drawing on KNPA's expertise and adapting it to local contexts, these efforts promote stronger inter-agency coordination and whole-of-society action.
"Our cyber investigators employ advanced investigation techniques that surpass those used in many other countries. Given that digital sex crimes are transnational in nature, we are well-positioned to conduct effective investigations in collaboration with numerous international partners," said Gyeong-Uk Min, Director of Juvenile Crime and Gender-based Violence Investigation Division, KNPA.
At the Global Policy Dialogue, participants explored ways to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance law enforcement capacity and foster multi-stakeholder collaboration. Discussions emphasized survivor-centred policing, trauma-informed responses, and laws that keep pace with technology. Sessions also addressed emerging threats such as politically motivated digital violence and the misuse of artificial intelligence for harassment.
The event concluded with a shared commitment to scale up integrated approaches that combine technology, law enforcement and community engagement. With generous contributions from the Republic of Korea, UNDP and KNPA are transforming digital threats into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development.
