Key Highlights
- United Arab Emirates was elected Chair of INTERPOL’s Committee on Governance with 67% of member‑state votes.
- Lt. Col. Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau, will steer the committee for a two‑year term.
- The appointment marks the UAE’s first victory on a senior INTERPOL platform, enhancing its diplomatic clout in policing policy.
- The Committee, created in late 2024, advises on constitutional reforms and procedural transparency across the organization.
Detailed Insights
The election took place at INTERPOL’s headquarters in Lyon on 11 April 2025. By securing a decisive two‑thirds majority, the UAE demonstrated broad confidence among the 195 member states in its capacity to promote inclusive and accountable governance. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, hailed the result as a testament to the Emirates’ growing reputation for reliability in international security cooperation.
As Chair, the UAE will convene committee sessions, present recommendations to INTERPOL’s General Assembly and Executive Committee, and act as a liaison among member nations to ensure the smooth adoption of policy reforms. The role is expected to amplify the Emirates’ soft‑power influence, positioning it as a catalyst for global law‑enforcement modernization.
The Committee on Governance, a permanent standing body established by the 92nd General Assembly, scrutinises the organization’s internal statutes, legislative framework, and operational procedures. Its mandate includes proposing amendments, interpreting existing rules, and fostering best practices for transparency and fairness.
Key Concepts
- INTERPOL Committee on Governance: A permanent committee that reviews and advises on the internal legal and procedural architecture of INTERPOL.
- Soft Power: The ability of a state to shape outcomes through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion, often exercised via diplomatic and cultural channels.
- Governance Transparency: Openness in decision‑making processes, ensuring that policies are formulated and implemented in an accountable manner.
- Chairmanship Term: The fixed period—two years in this case—during which the elected nation leads the committee’s activities.