INTERPOL hosts inaugural partners conference focused on global security

LYON, France - INTERPOL has kicked off its first-ever Partners Conference, Investing in a Safer World. The two-day event brings together representatives from ministries of interior and foreign affairs, justice authorities and international development and cooperation agencies aiming to address rising security challenges.

The conference will showcase INTERPOL's role in supporting its 196 member countries through targeted programmes designed to counter global threats.

Over the past two decades, INTERPOL has received close to EUR 400 million in voluntary contributions, primarily from public donors, supporting major INTERPOL initiatives spanning the full range of the organization's activities: from counterterrorism and border security, to fighting crimes against children, cybercrime, environmental crime, drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crime.

In his opening remarks, INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi said:

"Contributing to INTERPOL not only enhances the effectiveness of our global operations, it supports capacity-building, the development of digital tools, and events that benefit the wider policing community. It also ensures that under-represented countries have the resources and representation they need and deserve. As we look to the future, the growing complexity and scale of global crime will require even greater support."

INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in navigating an increasingly complex threat landscape:

"From the rise of cyber-enabled crime to the national security threat posed by organized crime, INTERPOL's partners are more important to the Organization's work than ever before. This event is a key opportunity to explore how continued collective investment can help achieve our common goal: a safer world.

Through a series of plenary discussions, breakout sessions and bilateral meetings, participants will have a unique opportunity to engage with INTERPOL subject-matter experts. Central to discussions will be INTERPOL's Global Policing Goals and their alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Agenda, underscoring the critical intersection between international security and sustainable development.