Urban Security Exchange: Data, Design and Innovation for Urban Security

The Urban Security Exchange: Data, Design and Innovation for Urban Security event was held on January 22 and 23, 2018 in San Salvador at a critical time for Central American countries. On one hand, in early 2018, the capitals of the Northern Triangle countries – Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador – reported significant reductions in their high homicide rates; while on the other, these positive results highlighted the complex efforts necessary to maintain this downward trend amidst the struggle against violence. Nevertheless, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras still present some of the highest homicide rates in the world. This context of persistently high homicide rates in spite of reductions was a key element throughout the discussion endorsed by the Urban Security Exchange.

The event’s goal was to gather people and institutions from different contexts and exchange experiences on approaching violence in an integrated and multidisciplinary manner. It was aimed to develop a critical analysis of interventions and their results. The Urban Security Exchange in San Salvador was the fifth of its kind organized by the Igarapé Institute since 2014.

Read the summary of the main takeaway messages and thematic discussions.