UNICRI Strategic Programme Framework 2023 – 2026

This Strategic Programme Framework sets out the strategic priority areas that will guide UNICRI’s work from 2023 to 2026.

The five strategic priorities are:

• Preventing and countering transnational security threats, terrorism, and points of nexus;
• Countering criminal enterprises, illicit financial flows, and corrupt practices;
• Promoting rule of law and safeguarding access to justice;
• Promoting responsible use of new and emerging technologies to address crime and exploitation; and
• Preventing and countering violent extremism and radicalization

These priority areas reflect - and respond to - trends, risks, and opportunities predicted to unfold over the coming four years: those that have the potential in scope or scale to substantially impact the transnational crime, security, and justice landscape.

This strategic framework also sets out the programming toolkit of approaches, methodologies, and processes that UNICRI will draw upon to realise its strategic agenda. It is the dynamic synergy between its strategic priorities, tactical approaches, and core principles which gives UNICRI its unique comparative advantage and ensures its work is innovative, targeted, and outcome-focused.

Against this backdrop, UNICRI’s mandate remains critical, and it will continue to guide UNICRI’s focus and priorities. This includes supporting Member States in their responsibilities and compliance with UN conventions, including those relating to combatting corruption, organized crime, trafficking, and terrorism.

Working through partnerships will be essential to the success of UNICRI’s Strategic Programme Framework 2023 – 2026. Building complementary, harmonized, and integrated solutions will be important to respond to the complex and interconnected challenges of our times. UNICRI will work across the UN, with Member States, international and regional organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academia so that its work is inclusive and effective, embracing the SDG challenge to leave no one behind.

This framework should be seen as a living document. Like UNICRI, it operates in a landscape of compounding global pressures and evolving geopolitical, economic, environmental, social, and technological shifts. It has been designed to be iterative and adaptable to the latest research insights, horizon scans, and emerging trends and crises.

The Strategic Programme Framework’s core, however, is firmly anchored in UNICRI’s mandate and the SDGs related to peace, justice, and strong institutions. More than vital ends unto themselves, these goals and the collective actions that underpin them will be imperative to realising the entire UN’s vision of future global goals for the enjoyment of human rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice.