GMCN and Motorola Foundation

In 2010 the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) received a grant from the Motorola Foundation to review the current Global Missing Children's Network (GMCN) framework and to engage in recruiting new member countries.

In July 2010, ICMEC brought 4 GMCN member countries to Alexandria, Virginia to help evaluate the current website and database needs. The group discussed the use of new and evolving technologies, such as the use of social networking sites and a private GMCN member portal, to assist in the recovery of missing children and to encourage closer collaboration between GMCN member countries.

In November 2010, ICMEC hosted two workshops - in Albania and Brazil - in an effort to bring new countries on board.

In Albania, ICMEC hosted a workshop with the support of an NGO called the Children's Human Rights Centre of Albania - CRCA and the helpline ALO 116. The workshop brought together over 30 representatives from law enforcement, government ministries, and civil society to discuss the issue of missing children in Albania and current initiatives in place. At the conclusion of the workshop, ICMEC welcomed Albania as the 18th member of the GMCN.

In Brazil, the state of Distrito Federal - through the Social Development Ministry - has been a GMCN member since 1998. During the November workshop in Brasilia, nearly 30 representatives from around the country were brought together to share expertise and information about current projects aimed at helping children. As a result of this workshop, several additional Brazilian states have expressed an interest in joining the GMCN.