Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honour for me, on behalf of the Prison Service of the Czech Republic, to participate in and lend our patronage to the Future Forces Forum 2026 international conference.

The Future Forces Forum is a place where experience meets innovation, bringing together state security forces, academia, and the private sector. It provides a unique platform for sharing knowledge and expertise, exploring new approaches, and collectively strengthening the resilience of democratic institutions. In today’s turbulent times, marked by numerous armed conflicts, hybrid threats, and dynamic technological developments, cooperation and inspiration are crucial for effective progress and development.

Events such as this help highlight, promote, and reinforce values such as the rule of law, unity, partnership, and solidarity. This forum also supports the formation of new ties and alliances, fosters new agreements, and contributes to increasing resilience against external aggressors.

The current dynamic international environment naturally affects the prison system as well. Whether it involves unmanned aerial vehicles or new communication technologies, miniaturization, the possibilities offered by 3D printing, synthetic psychotropic substances, cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, or rising commodity prices and energy crises, all these factors are reflected in the day-to-day reality of the prison system’s operations. However, the very technologies that pose a threat to the prisons can also serve to enhance security. Unmanned aerial vehicles are a prime example. While they present risks such as the smuggling of contraband, they can also be employed for perimeter surveillance and the immediate, detailed monitoring of security breaches in restricted areas.

In response to these emerging challenges, we continue to improve the Czech prison system, pursue its innovation, and implement modern communication and security technologies, equipment, and gear. Last but not least, we are intensively focused on investing in human capital, starting with initial professional training. Investments in our personnel strengthen the cohesion of the service, and only with a stable and professional workforce can we fully harness the potential offered by today's technologies and knowledge.

The Prison Service Development Strategy until 2035, our key strategic document, clearly defines our direction for the coming period. The strategy is based on the modernization of security systems, the digitization of processes, the enhancement of professional training, the modernization of equipment, as well as new approaches to working with inmates and supporting their reintegration into society. We are continuously piloting these innovations, and we are already gradually implementing some of them into practice.

I am convinced that events such as the Future Forces Forum help us find inspiration, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships without which modern state security services cannot effectively function. I believe that the FFF will contribute to the further development of cooperation among experts from different countries and professional backgrounds, and that together we can strengthen the security environment that protects the values upon which our society is built.

I would like to thank the organizers for the opportunity to be part of this important forum. I wish all participants many productive discussions, valuable insights, and truly inspiring meetings.