With representatives from 38 countries from around the world, the event was opened with keynote speeches from; Mark Harper MP, Minister of State for Immigration, UK. Mr Philip Astel, Director of National Operations and Command Centre, Border Force UK. & Mr Mansur Umarov Gafurovich, First Deputy Head, Tajikstan National State Security Committee.

With a 30 % increase in delegates this year, on last, from across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia and North America, London’s World Borderpol Congress is a platform where international policy makers, practitioners and front-line decision makers are challenged, share and expand their knowledge of each others working practices, problems and solutions.

Thomas Tass, Executive Director Borderpol highlighted in his opening speech that border management and protection is no longer a local or regional issue, but a global challenge. He said, “There are many issues that continue to challenge the international community including more effective ways to counter trafficking in human beings especially that which target women and minors, preventing the corruption of border agency officials by organised crime groups, better cooperation, communications and consultations among services and agencies, and finding solutions to standardise systems and procedures.”

Mr Tass welcomed the delegates by adding that The 2nd World Borderpol Congress will also provide a forum for the new challenges faced by border security to be discussed, including the impact on growing numbers of displaced persons and refugees on border operations, piracy and maritime port security, expanded use of biometrics at the border, multi-agency data collections, privacy protection and analysis, and the problems of managing super border agencies.

Before handing over to the Honourable Mr. Mark Harper, UK Minister of State for Immigration to officially open the 2nd Annual Borderpol Congress, he concluded by saying “With the business of border security and traveller migration management constantly evolving, we are already preparing for the 3rd Borderpol Congress providing a platform for global cooperation, consultation and communication in order to make our borders smarter and safer.”