Director General/Executive Director
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to pay tribute to the life and work of Judge Giovanni Falcone.
I regret that I cannot join you in person. This week in Vienna, governments from around the world are meeting for the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Twenty-seven years ago, Judge Falcone took part in the very first meeting of this Crime Commission.
Just months later, both he and Paolo Borsellino were assassinated by the mafia.
His enemies committed these loathsome acts of violence to thwart Falcone and Borsellino's success in fighting organized crime.
Little did they know that through his work, Judge Falcone had already helped sow the seeds of international cooperation that continue to bear fruit to this day.
The Palermo Convention finally came into force in 2003. It remains an invaluable instrument in the fight against organized crime, promoting international cooperation, as well as mutual legal assistance to enable financial investigations, witness protection and the return of stolen assets.
The UN Convention against Corruption, in which Judge Falcone's legacy can also be seen, came into force just two years later.
As we attend the Crime Commission session this week in Vienna, we continue to build on the legacy of Judge Falcone.
The international community comes together to coordinate responses to all forms of organized crime.
These range from human trafficking and migrant smuggling, terrorist financing and money laundering, to trafficking in drugs, illicit firearms and cybercrime.
Ladies and gentlemen,
In supporting countries in their collective efforts against transnational organized crime, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime strives to carry on Judge Falcone's commitment.
His legacy will continue to inspire our work to strengthen fair, humane and effective institutions dedicated to the uncompromising pursuit of justice.
Thank you.