The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Department of Public Security of the Italian Ministry of the Interior signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce and expand their collaboration in preventing and countering complex criminal phenomena.
The signing ceremony took place at the Viminale in Rome, where Prefect Vittorio Pisani, Chief of Police and Director General of Public Security, and Mr. Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI, formalised the agreement. The event brought together high-level officials including Mr. Annunziato Vardè, Director for the Coordination and Planning of Police Forces; Mr. Massimiliano Della Gala, Director for International Relations; and Mr. Andrea Portuesi, Director for Multilateral Affairs. Also present were representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as members of the diplomatic and law enforcement communities.
The Memorandum strengthens a longstanding partnership and lays the groundwork for enhanced cooperation in some of today’s most pressing and innovative security domains. These include the use of artificial intelligence for crime prevention, cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime, protection of critical infrastructure, and monitoring illicit financial flows. The agreement also supports joint research and training activities, the exchange of good practices, and the advancement of rights-based approaches to public security and law enforcement.
Prefect Pisani highlighted the strategic value of the agreement, stating: “This Memorandum represents a tool that will allow us to systematise shared experiences, expertise, and visions, with the goal of addressing the increasingly complex challenges of global crime.
The agreement is not merely a formal act but a concrete commitment to developing a solid and effective cooperation, built on the sharing of best practices and aimed at promoting security, legality, and the protection of rights - both nationally and internationally.”
“Today, we proudly sign this agreement, reaffirming a long-standing alliance rooted in shared commitment and a common vision: safer, more just, and cohesive societies. This agreement strengthens our ability to meet today’s challenges and work toward a future where all people can live with dignity, justice, security, and peace.,” said Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI.
For nearly 60 years, UNICRI and Italian law enforcement agencies have worked closely on a wide range of initiatives- from countering terrorism and organised crime to supporting prison reform and protecting vulnerable targets. Italy’s ongoing support has been instrumental in enabling UNICRI to fulfil its mandate as the United Nations’ dedicated research and training institute on crime prevention and justice.
Through this renewed framework, UNICRI and the Department of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior will continue working together to promote security, legality and human rights - both nationally and globally - towards the goal of safer, more just and cohesive societies.