The problem of human trafficking is an increasingly disturbing phenomenon in Europe with terrible consequences for victims, the majority of whom are forced into various forms of sexual and labour exploitation. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 20.9 million people worldwide were trafficked between 2002 and 2011, and numbers are not likely to decrease.Human trafficking is widely recognised as a serious crime but progress in prosecution and conviction remains limited because of the complex nature of cases. This confirms the need to raise public awareness of trafficking, improve training in order to better identify victims, and develop better co-operation and multi-agency working – all are critical in the fight against trafficking. The modus operandi of criminal groups and traffickers is always evolving, and the increased use of the internet as a means of recruitment and trafficking poses serious challenges to police and other relevant services.At the EU level, there are two tools to act as guidance. The EU Directive 2011/36 lays down provisions to prevent trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers. To underpin this, the EU Strategy towards the Eradication of Trafficking in Human Beings 2012-2016 sets out concrete and practical measures to be implemented over the next few years, placing victims at the forefront. At a global level, the Group of Experts on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA) is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Council of EuropeConvention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings. The United Nations Office on Drug and Crimes (UNDOC) also published tools and training material to help in tackling human trafficking. International, national and local organisations must join forces to improve multi-agency cooperation to better help victims of human trafficking, track perpetrators and share information.In order to encourage greater political will, facilitate policy discussion and explore comprehensive solutions to properly recognise the needs of all victims of human trafficking, Public Policy Exchange is proud to host this annual symposium and welcomes the participation of all key partners, responsible authorities and stakeholders. The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate.Delegates will:Discuss current policy initiatives and priorities in Europe in the field of human traffickingRaise awareness of the various dimensions of human trafficking and examine the needs of victims of traffickingExplore possible solutions for creating more robust and integrated multi-level structures to improve co-ordination and information exchange between relevant agenciesShare best practices and establish recommendations for future actions at policy and practical levels