The International Security Ligue has been stepping up efforts to forge alliances to improve the industry and enhance global security. Many different groups do important work that impact the security services industry, and the Ligue—as its international representative—is working to align interests and catalyze coordination. Director General Stefan Huber recently shared a brief overview of the Ligue’s work and what he sees as a path forward for a stronger, more professional industry.  

Question: From your extensive outreach efforts, what do you perceive as the private security industry’s greatest hurdle?

Stefan Huber, Director General, International Security Ligue: Fragmentation. Stakeholders often work in isolation; some are even disengaged within their own trade associations. This lack of coordination slows down real progress despite extensive efforts. To change this, I’ve reached out to over 60 associations, building bridges to find common ground in projects and themes that can elevate industry standards and positively impact society.

We’ve often found different organizations working separately on the same issue. We are working to act as a bridge between groups when working together will yield a bigger impact for the industry.

The Ligue is working hard to break down silos at the security organization level and making a call for unity in private security services. — Stefan Huber, Director General

In an era of rising authoritarianism—where citizens often feel that restrictive governance “works”—it’s more important than ever for “the good” to unite, actively pushing for values of inclusion, democracy, and collaboration. We need more than words; we need action to counter these trends and protect our societies.

Question: What are you finding in efforts to improve alignment between private security services and public safety?

SH: It’s clearly an untapped area. There is much to be gained from utilizing the powerhouse potential of private security firms.

Unlike traditional law enforcement, private security firms have the advantage of operating across borders, with efficient information-sharing and rapid technology adoption that public agencies can’t always match. This flexibility enables private firms to stay resilient and responsive, serving clients and society more effectively.

Despite this, many still view law enforcement as superior, overlooking the unique, complementary strengths private security brings. The top private firms, large or small, offer expertise and innovation that enhance public safety in ways that state entities alone cannot achieve. It’s time to recognize the power of this partnership and the vital role private security plays in a comprehensive approach to public safety.

Question: What do you see as a principal mission of the Ligue’s outreach to stakeholder organizations?

SH: We are looking to unite forces to forge tailored solutions for a complex world. Around 200 global organizations—ranging from associations to NGOs, research bodies, and more—focus on security. Yet, many work in isolation, serving specific “clients” without a broader view of society and the industry’s common needs. Addressing today’s security challenges—rapid geopolitical shifts, tech advances, and social fragmentation—demands cross-sector collaboration and solutions tailored to each region’s unique demands.

This means creating region-specific strategies and forging strong public-private partnerships to tackle critical issues like infrastructure security, cybersecurity, and AI. In a complex regulatory landscape, one-size-fits-all approaches don’t work. We need adaptable frameworks and a unified private security sectorial voice at global forums like International Labour Organization roundtables (Governments, Unions, and Employers) and those at the International Organisation of Employers, so we can influence policies in ways that truly safeguard and strengthen safety in society.

It is critical for international bodies to think about the work and role of private security. In many countries, the number of private security officers outnumbers police, with firms protecting assets, securing vital parts of public and private infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of average citizens. Imagine any economy without safety and security! Is there prosperity without?