Representatives of 142 countries at the conference affirmed their commitment to the global action plan. The plan acknowledges that the ability of UN member states to prevent and control organized transnational crime depends largely on the availability of reliable information on characteristics of organized transnational crime and on structures and methods of organized criminal groups. The plan notes that the capacity to collect, process, and evaluation information and intelligence on organized crime at the national level and across borders requires careful planning and consistent implementation of relevant strategies and policies. In addition, the plan emphasizes the importance of adopting a generally agreed upon concept of organized crime as a basis for more compatible national responses and more effective international cooperation. The plan recommends that the UN help member states increase the international community's knowledge of criminal organizations and their dynamics, provide assistance in legislative and regulatory fields, and offer advisory services and training.