Interpol concludes 93rd general assembly in Marrakech with pivotal security resolutions

Friday 28 November 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Interpol concludes 93rd general assembly in Marrakech with pivotal security resolutions

The 93rd General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) concluded on Thursday in Marrakech, following four days of discussions that led to key resolutions aimed at enhancing the organization’s operational strategies and addressing global security challenges.

The event brought together over 800 delegates from 179 countries, including 82 police chiefs, solidifying its reputation as the largest annual gathering of law enforcement leaders. This year’s assembly focused on emerging transnational threats and the need for innovative international policing strategies.

Tackling global security challenges

One of the primary concerns raised during the assembly was the rise of transnational scam and fraud centers, which were described as a growing global menace. Delegates also emphasized the importance of combating cybercrime, advancing work on the United Nations Cybercrime Convention to address the increasing threat of digital crimes.

The assembly introduced the pilot phase of “silver notices,” a new alert classification aimed at improving international information-sharing in specific operational contexts. Additionally, structural reforms were discussed, including enhancing Interpol’s regional presence and refining the legal framework for data processing.

The session culminated with the adoption of Interpol’s Strategic Framework for 2026–2030, which outlines long-term priorities to address evolving global security challenges.

Leadership elections and executive appointments

In a significant leadership change, French candidate Lucas Philippe was elected as Interpol’s new president for a four-year term, succeeding Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi of the United Arab Emirates. The assembly also appointed five new members to the Executive Committee, including a vice president for Asia and representatives from Africa, Asia, and Europe, each serving three-year terms.

Hong Kong to host next assembly

During the closing ceremony, Morocco officially handed over the Interpol flag to representatives of Hong Kong/China, which will host the 2026 General Assembly. The handover was led by Morocco’s Director General of National Security and Territorial Surveillance, Abdellatif Hammouchi, in the presence of outgoing president Al-Raisi, newly elected president Philippe, and Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and the Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Interior Ministers, Mohamed Ben Ali Koman, among others.

A platform for international police cooperation

As Interpol’s highest decision-making body, the General Assembly meets annually to address global crime trends, set policies, and strengthen international police collaboration. Resolutions adopted during the assembly shape the organization’s operational and financial strategies for the years ahead.

Founded in 1923, Interpol now comprises 196 member countries, serving as a crucial platform for global police cooperation, enabling the sharing of information, coordination of investigations, and the fight against cross-border security threats.