{TESS+} webinars transform global telecommunications security support

Since 2018, the UN Telecommunications Security Standards {TESS+} webinar series has steadily grown into a cornerstone of global field support. Delivered monthly, these sessions have reached over 8,000 participants across humanitarian sectors.

Each webinar is designed to enhance understanding of Security Communications Systems (SCS) with direct applications in both routine and emergency environments. The series consistently draws IT, telecommunications, and security professionals from Somalia to the Philippines. Sessions serve as a technical resource and as a gathering point for practitioners who share challenges and develop practical solutions together.

“The {TESS+} training helps IT and telecommunications officers understand general Security Communications Systems in a way that’s practical and empowering,” says Salma Farouque, {TESS+} Training Officer. “It’s not just about learning protocols—it’s about giving the confidence to make informed decisions in high-stakes environments.”

The webinars illuminate the work of professionals who manage secure and reliable systems behind the scenes. Their efforts—whether resolving connectivity issues in conflict settings or applying updated equipment standards—are essential to the success of humanitarian operations.

{TESS+} sessions are responsive to real-world needs. Content evolves based on participant feedback and reflects updates to SCS protocols issued by the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN). This adaptive approach ensures relevance and builds a culture of shared learning grounded in operational realities.

Faitoa, an IT Operations Officer for WFP in Madagascar, emphasizes the practical benefit:

“The {TESS+} webinar is very important for us. New technologies are coming every minute, and we know that {TESS+} is testing new telecommunications equipment with providers to apply them as standards for UN use. Without the webinars, I wouldn’t understand the new standard equipment or how to configure it for our users.”

“To improve my work with the telecommunications equipment we use here, I always refer to the {TESS+} webinars and consult their documentation for configuration standards. I strongly recommend that {TESS+} continue these webinars because they give us the valuable information that we need to improve our work on the ground,” Faitoa continues.

Galal Saeed, a UNDSS Security Operation Centre (SOC) supervisor in Yemen, also explains:

“{TESS+} webinar helped me in understanding and applying the UN Security Communications Standards (SCS), enabling secure, efficient, and resilient operations. From deploying SOCs in complex environments to training end-users and maintaining systems, the standards empower me to build communications infrastructure that supports field missions and protects lives.”

These insights illustrate the real-world value of the initiative. As {TESS+} continues to grow, its objective remains clear: to provide every IT, telecommunications, and security professional within the UN and NGO networks with timely knowledge, standard tools, and connections to a wider community. The webinars reinforce consistent practices and foster informed decision-making—one session at a time.