International Police Organization (IPO) Participates in the United Nations Conference Against Organized Crime in Vienna

Vienna, Austria | 19–23 October 2026

The International Police Organization (IPO) is participating in the activities of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), taking place at the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria. The conference represents an important international forum for addressing the challenges of transnational organized crime, strengthening cooperation among States, and developing joint mechanisms for crime prevention and combating organized criminal activities.

At this international event, IPO is represented by a delegation comprising participants from Italy, Germany, Bulgaria, Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia, led by Prof. Ilija Životić, Executive President of the International Police Organization, and Dr. Mareglen Tomori, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Permanent Representative of IPO Headquarters to the United Nations.

Participation in the conference forms part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to promoting international cooperation, exchanging professional expertise, and developing initiatives in the fields of security, criminology, crime prevention, and professional education. Through its presence at such events, IPO seeks to strengthen dialogue with international institutions, partner organizations, and professionals working to address shared security challenges.

As part of its activities in Vienna on 19 October, IPO Headquarters also organized and conducted a specialized one-hour training programme for its delegates, focusing on institutional representation procedures, professional responsibilities, and standards of conduct when participating in conferences and activities at the United Nations.

The training covered key topics, including accreditation procedures, diplomatic protocol, codes of ethics, institutional communication, compliance with United Nations rules, and the individual responsibilities of delegates. Particular attention was given to the distinction between the roles of non-governmental organizations and official State diplomatic representation, as well as the limits of authority that must be respected when carrying out representative functions.

At the conclusion of the training, participants received certificates of participation and relevant professional materials as part of IPO’s internal education and professional development programme.

For the International Police Organization, the training and professional preparation of its members and delegates are among the organization’s principal institutional development priorities. IPO recognizes that representation at international conferences and significant institutional events requires more than attendance. It demands a clear understanding of procedures, responsibilities, ethical principles, and professional communication and conduct standards.

For this reason, IPO places particular emphasis on training and preparing its delegates before they undertake representative assignments or participate in major international conferences and activities. Credible and responsible representation begins with the knowledge, integrity, and professionalism of the organization’s own members.

This principle is central to IPO Headquarters’ vision of building a sustainable, transparent, and professional international organization committed to continuously strengthening its capacities, beginning with its internal structures, members, and delegates, and extending to broader cooperation and knowledge-sharing with international institutions and partners.

IPO, which has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 2022, continues to expand its international engagement through its national structures, delegations, and institutional partnerships across Europe, the Balkans, and beyond.

Through educational programmes, professional training, conferences, scientific research, and joint initiatives, the organization contributes to promoting the rule of law, respect for human rights, crime prevention, and stronger cooperation among professionals and institutions.

IPO’s participation in the United Nations Conference in Vienna, together with the activities conducted during these days, represents another concrete commitment to strengthening its international presence and developing professional capacities.

For IPO Headquarters, international cooperation and professional education are inseparable. A credible organization is built upon well-prepared members, responsible representatives, and institutions that continuously invest in knowledge, integrity, and professionalism.

Guided by this vision, the International Police Organization remains committed to advancing international cooperation, strengthening professional capacities, and promoting initiatives that contribute to crime prevention and the development of safer societies.

International Police Organization – IPO Headquarters