Senior law enforcement officials and ministers from around the world have come together at INTERPOL’s General Assembly to address current and future organised crime threats.
The four-day conference (24 – 27 November), attended by more than 800 delegates from 179 countries, including 82 police chiefs, is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body and sets the global agenda for law enforcement.
“Our willingness to host the General Assembly stands from our firm commitment to strengthening multi-lateral security cooperation, and its importance in combating transnational organised crime,” Morocco’s Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance Abdellatif Hammouchi said. “Because security challenges transcend national borders, it has become imperative for us to create joint and indivisible security structures, in which national partners cooperate with INTERPOL and international stakeholders.”
Global security challenges
The General Assembly will focus on a broad range of global security challenges, including efforts to identify and disrupt transnational organized crime networks, and dismantle transnational scam centres.
“In Marrakech this week, we celebrate what we have built together, the beginning of the future we are building together,” INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said. “The next phase of our journey starts here, guided by the roadmap we have crafted collectively, a framework that will steer our efforts over the next five years.
“I have worked closely with the Executive Committee and both Secretaries General, to drive this transformation, and I trust they will continue to advance this path.
“Let this General Assembly remind us that service never ends, and that in every border crossed, every life protected, and every act of courage, INTERPOL thrives in all of us.”
Police leaders
“The General Assembly is the only event in the world that can bring together this level of police leadership,” INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said. “These four days are a chance for us to assess the evolving threats of organised crime together, and chart a united path forward – so that police worldwide are stronger and INTERPOL can stand even more firmly behind every frontline officer.
“Cooperation is no longer optional; it’s the only way forward.”
Strengthening INTERPOL’s global policing capabilities
As part of INTERPOL’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational support to member countries, two new capabilities – Nexus and AVA – will be launched to support more efficient information-sharing and analysis across borders.
Nexus is a web-based messaging platform that uses artificial intelligence to help structure and deliver police information in a clearer, more accessible format, designed to help frontline officers receive critical intelligence faster.
AVA is the first AI virtual assistant for law enforcement that operates entirely within INTERPOL’s protected cloud environment. It can rapidly process lengthy or complex material, translate instantly and summarize information to provide officers with actionable insights.
A collaborative path forward
INTERPOL’s programme of activities and new strategic framework will be presented to delegates, who will also be updated on the Silver Notice pilot project.
The General Assembly will also vote for new members of the Executive Committee, including the President, as their respective mandates come to an end.
The General Assembly is made up of representatives from its 196 member countries.
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