New York, November 13, 2024 – The Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) held a high-level event at the UN Headquarters to mark the International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime. This day, established by General Assembly resolution 78/267, gathered representatives from member states, UN organizations, and other global and regional entities to address the significant threat posed by organized crime to international peace, security, and sustainable development.
Global Solidarity Urged in Opening Remarks
Ms. Delphine Schantz, Representative of the UNODC Liaison Office in New York, opened the event by emphasizing the urgent need for global solidarity in combating transnational organized crime (TOC). She highlighted the UNODC’s comprehensive campaign to raise awareness, foster international cooperation, and leverage technology to enhance responses to TOC.
Keynote Addresses Highlight National and International Efforts
H.E. Ambassador Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations, underscored the pervasive impact of TOC on societies, economies, and security worldwide. He advocated for investments in education and job opportunities to empower communities and praised Italy’s innovative approach to repurposing assets confiscated from criminal networks for social initiatives.
Ms. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of UNODC, in a video message, outlined the various forms of TOC and stressed the importance of regional cooperation in addressing these challenges.
Civil Society Perspective
Ms. Clara Luz Álvarez, Executive Director of Consejo Ciudadano para la Seguridad y la Justicia de la Ciudad de México, discussed the organization’s community-focused interventions and the importance of partnerships between society and government in tackling organized crime.
Closing Remarks
H.E. Ambassador Maurizio Massari concluded the event by reiterating the multifaceted nature of the fight against TOC, emphasizing its impact on economic development, social equity, and community well-being.
