UAE assumes Chair of INTERPOL Committee on Governance

The United Arab Emirates secured a significant position in global law enforcement Saturday as it was elected to chair the International Criminal Police Organization's (INTERPOL) Committee on Governance, a key advisory body that shapes the organization's strategic direction and operational framework, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office at the UAE's Ministry of Interior, clinched the chairperson role with 67% of votes from INTERPOL member states during the committee's session at the organization's headquarters in Lyon.

The election comes less than six months after the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly in Glasgow established the Committee on Governance as a permanent standing committee, elevating it from its previous status as a working group. The UAE becomes the first country to chair this newly formalized body.

"This achievement demonstrates the UAE's growing influence in international policing and security cooperation," said a Ministry of Interior spokesperson. "The chairmanship reflects our nation's commitment to fostering global partnerships in combating transnational crime."

The Committee on Governance serves as INTERPOL's primary advisory mechanism for examining and enhancing the organization's governance structures. Its mandate includes reviewing INTERPOL's Statute and General Regulations, advising on potential amendments, and ensuring the organization meets its strategic objectives while maintaining operational effectiveness.

The INTERPOL headquarters, Wednesday, November 22, 2023. INTERPOL serves as a global hub for police cooperation. Shutterstock

As chair, the UAE will lead the committee for a two-year term, directing discussions, facilitating decision-making processes, and representing the committee in reports to INTERPOL's General Assembly and Executive Committee.

The committee comprises high-level experts in governance and public international law from various member states, ensuring diverse geographical representation and inclusive participation in the committee's work.

INTERPOL, with 195 member countries, coordinates international police cooperation and provides technical and operational support to national police forces in combating transnational crime. The UAE has been increasingly active in INTERPOL operations, particularly in areas related to cybercrime, human trafficking, and counterterrorism initiatives.