Reflecting on progress, shaping the future: As it reaches the midpoint of its Strategic Programme Framework (SPF) 2023–2026, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, is convening a consultation with Member States on 12 June 2025 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The meeting aims to review key achievements, identify emerging challenges, and initiate a forward-looking dialogue on future priorities in the fields of crime prevention, justice, and security.
A legacy of impact: UNICRI traces its origins to 1965. As the international community marks 60 years since ECOSOC’s landmark call to establish UNICRI, this moment offers a chance to reaffirm shared commitments and shape a path forward together, towards justice, security, and human dignity.
Over the decades, the Institute has evolved into a unique centre for action-oriented research, training, capacity-building, and technical cooperation. It operates across both traditional and emerging domains - from organized crime and terrorism to cybercrime, trafficking in cultural property, illicit trade, and criminal justice innovation.
Working hand-in-hand with Member States, UNICRI supports the development of evidence-based policies and delivers targeted programmes. Its multi-sectoral and adaptive approach ensures that responses are tailored to national, regional, and global needs.
The Strategic Programme Framework: Adopted in 2022 following a robust consultative process - featuring 135 stakeholder consultations, the analysis of nearly 100 sources, and engagement with 49 Member States - the SPF 2023–2026 outlines five strategic priorities.
Strategic priorities:
Preventing and countering transnational security threats, terrorism, and points of nexus
Countering criminal enterprises, illicit financial flows, and corrupt practices
Promoting the responsible use of new and emerging technologies to address crime and exploitation
Preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization
Promoting the rule of law and safeguarding access to justice
These priorities guide UNICRI’s work in addressing complex threats to peace, security, and development.
Adapting to a changing landscape: Today’s global environment is marked by rapidly shifting dynamics. The convergence of terrorism and organized crime, the accelerated development of new technologies and growing geopolitical tensions that challenge multilateral cooperation – all of which require agile and anticipatory responses.
This mid-term consultation provides a vital opportunity for Member States to:
- Reflect on progress and key lessons learned since the adoption of the SPF
- Identify potential recalibrations for the remainder of the current cycle
- Exchange views on emerging priorities and concerns in the fields of crime prevention and criminal justice
- Initiate dialogue on UNICRI’s strategic direction beyond 2026