In Vienna on 28.11.2023, the 91st session of the annual INTERPOL General Assembly commenced, marking a century since the organization’s establishment in the Austrian capital. Karl Nehammer, the Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria, inaugurated the conference, bringing together over 1,000 police and law enforcement leaders from more than 160 countries. The focus of this year’s gathering is to strengthen international police cooperation in response to the unprecedented surge in transnational crime.
Chancellor Nehammer, in his address to delegates, expressed his honor in welcoming INTERPOL to its 100th anniversary in Vienna, emphasizing the increasing importance of international collaboration in combating crime without borders. The General Assembly, described by INTERPOL’s President and Secretary General as a “tipping point” in the fight against transnational organized crime, will span four days (November 28 to December 1), examining the evolving threat landscape in various world regions and crime areas. The emphasis will be on utilizing technology and fostering new cooperation mechanisms.
Ahmed Naser al-Raisi, the President of INTERPOL and chair of the General Assembly, stressed in his opening remarks that every country must actively participate in the fight against crime, highlighting the need for collective empowerment in addressing the constantly changing criminal landscape.
The General Assembly, serving as INTERPOL’s supreme governing body, will determine the organization’s program of activities and financial policy for the upcoming year. Specific reports will be presented on disrupting environmental crime, preventing the circulation of child sexual abuse, and intercepting the proceeds of financial crime.
Reflecting on INTERPOL’s history, Secretary General Jürgen Stock noted that the organization’s revolutionary idea, born in a time of geopolitical tension in 1923, remains relevant today. He emphasized the common conviction that collective efforts are essential to effectively confront emerging crime threats.
The inaugural day of the General Assembly centered on connecting INTERPOL’s past and future, featuring discussions among five former INTERPOL Presidents on collaboration and innovation lessons learned. Additionally, a session on INTERPOL’s Vision 2030 initiative, launched last year to guide the organization’s strategic direction for the next decade, took place, culminating in the formation of a dedicated group of experts tasked with implementing the initiative’s recommendations.
