UN, Interpol heads discuss global security priorities, strategies to strengthen cooperation

Threats posed by ISIS fighters returning home as the terrorist organization loses territory were a focus of recent discussions between the heads the United Nations (UN) and Interpol about global security issues and priorities.

UN Secretary General António Guterres and Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock identified areas of common concern and strategies to enhance cooperation during their first meeting in New York. Previous UN resolutions identified protecting critical infrastructure, curbing travel of terrorist fighters and all forms of transnational crime as areas for enhanced coordination.

Stock highlighted the ability of Interpol’s communication system and databases to serve as a “global early warning system,” saving time and best using resources in today’s complex security landscape.

“We are all too well aware of the threats which face us, and indeed for the foreseeable future, these threats are increasing rather than diminishing,” Stock said. “The partnership between Interpol and the UN provides a unified response in supporting law enforcement and the maintenance of international peace and security.”

Interpol’s databases contain information submitted by law enforcement agencies across its 192 member countries, including more than 43,000 foreign terrorist profiles. Law enforcers around the world entered conducted 4.5 billion searches against Interpol databases in 2017, resulting in more than 1 million hits.