ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–28 March, 2017

As terrorism, organized crime and cybercrime become increasingly intertwined, government, police and industry leaders are meeting to identify a more effective path to meet these challenges.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Unity for Security is an INTERPOL forum organized in partnership with the Government of the UAE and the INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World. The three-day (28 - 30 March) forum is aimed at focusing the thoughts and efforts of ministers, police chiefs and the private sector on their roles and responsibilities in improving global security.


Discussions will be centred around seven INTERPOL projects - funded by a EUR 50 million contribution by the United Arab Emirates - focusing on counter-terrorism, cybercrime, cultural heritage, vulnerable communities, vehicle crime, drugs and illicit goods.


Areas for action within the projects include;

  • the development of a new mobile application for police, customs and private collectors to check if a work of art has been reported stolen to INTERPOL;

  • the creation of regional counter-terrorism nodes to assist member countries in the identification of terrorists, their travel and mobility, online presence, weapons and materials and finances;

  • identifying areas for increased cooperation with the private sector in combating vehicle crime, particularly in relation to 'connected cars';

  • the establishment of a real-time information sharing and analytical platform enabling INTERPOL and authorized users worldwide to conduct research and analysis on cybercrime.


Training, capacity building and establishing specialist networks are part of all seven projects to maximize the exploitation of INTERPOL's global reach and policing capabilities.

Officially opening the event, Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior said: "The late Sheikh Zayed understood the importance of cultivating human resources through comprehensive development and achieving quality of life, prosperity and well-being for the people, by establishing a modern and advanced infrastructure, promoting education and health, prospecting the future and encouraging an environment conducive to creativity and innovation." 

His Highness also underlined the UAE's commitment to the success of the forum and urged delegates to support INTERPOL in its efforts to combat crime.

With INTERPOL's role in global policing recognized by international and regional bodies such as the United Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council, ASEAN, the African Union and the European Union, the world police body provides a unique platform to unite efforts in combating transnational crime threats and terrorism.

"The threats we face today are fast, mobile, self-reinforcing and interconnected, stretching and straining policing resources as never before," said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

"We are witnessing unprecedented complexity in our criminal and terrorist threat landscape which presents significant challenges to law enforcement.

"We need to better unite the efforts and streamline the processes between the public and private sectors and this Forum provides the ideal environment for reassessing our respective roles and defining the path for enhanced cooperation in the future," concluded the INTERPOL Head.

President of the INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World, Elias Murr, insisted that security was an issue for all sectors.

"Terrorism has no religion, no country, no cause and no identity. The world, represented by every nation, state and religion, has no choice but to confront and eliminate terrorism," said Mr Murr.

"Today, the time has come to take action and move as part of a new global strategy. The time has come for the world to shift from being reactive to proactive," he concluded.

While the event is not open to the public, live updates will be provided throughout the event on social media using #UnityForSecurity. More information on the Forum can be found at: https://www.unityforsecurity.com/en/ 

-Ends-

About the UAE Ministry of the Interior
The UAE Ministry of Interior, with the support of the country’s leadership, has strived since its establishment to elevate policing to the highest international standards, regionally and globally. Leading globally in competitiveness indices in the areas of public security, safety and civil defense services, the Ministry provides security for economic and tourism activities. In line with the UAE’s National Vision 2021, the Ministry plans to make the UAE the safest place in the world by enhancing the sense of security and safety of the country's citizens, residents and visitors, through state-of-the-art facilities for police services, road safety and preparedness for emergencies. The Ministry fosters an environment of innovation in order to save lives, property and assets under the guidance of values that include justice and teamwork, excellence and innovation, good conduct, integrity, loyalty and positive citizenship.

About INTERPOL
INTERPOL is the world’s largest international police organization with a network of 190 member countries. Drawing on a range of policing capabilities, including databases, response teams, training and forensics, its activities are focused on the three areas it considers to be the most pressing today: counter-terrorism, cybercrime, and organized and emerging crime. INTERPOL’s global network helps police on the ground to coordinate their efforts to make the world a safer place.

About the INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World
On 29 October 2013, INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World was established to promote international cooperation in criminal matters, help prevent crime by raising awareness of security issues and support organizations that contribute to the fight against global crime. The laws of the institution have been established in accordance with article 80 of the Swiss Civil Code.

INTERPOL Foundation for a Safer World works to ensure:

  • Strong and connected law enforcement guided by visionary leaders to face the emerging challenges of international crime.

  • Safe and accessible travel led by an industry that prevents criminals and terrorists from crossing borders without unduly impeding legitimate flows.

  • Open and secure cyberspace that connects individuals, families, entrepreneurs and companies, while countering the threats targeting them online.

  • Vibrant and sustainable societies free of violence, in equilibrium with the environment, able to recover from conflict or disasters – built by citizens and law enforcement together.

  • Clean and prosperous businesses which operate uncorrupted, where investors can nurture emerging economies in confidence, and consumers are empowered to make smart decisions.

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Mustachi                                        
+971 54 307 0039                                                                             
Stephanie.Mustachi@edelman.com       

© Press Release 2017