UN warns of rising, technology-driven transnational crime
Juma said UNODC must strengthen its ability to translate its technical expertise into practical interventions capable of responding to rapidly evolving criminal threats.
The United Nations (UN) has called for stronger global cooperation to tackle increasingly sophisticated transnational organised crime, warning that criminal networks are exploiting technology and converging with threats linked to drugs, corruption and terrorism.
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Executive Director Ambassador Monica Juma said the changing nature of organised crime requires a more coordinated, agile and technology-focused international response.
Juma made the remarks today, Friday, September 11, 2026 while addressing more than 1,000 UN staff from across the world, where she outlined her strategic priorities for UNODC and urged staff to focus on the growing convergence of security threats.
“For UNODC, I laid out our strategic focus and how we can turn our expertise into greater impact on the ground through more integrated and agile programming,” she said.
Juma said UNODC must strengthen its ability to translate its technical expertise into practical interventions capable of responding to rapidly evolving criminal threats.
She also called for the agency to reinforce its role as an integrated and modern UN hub, describing it as a vital centre for expertise, coordination and support in the global fight against organised crime.
The UNODC chief stressed the importance of closer cooperation across the UN system and among countries as criminal networks increasingly operate across borders and make use of emerging technologies.
She said a more integrated approach would enable the organisation to respond more effectively to interconnected threats involving organised crime, drug trafficking, corruption and terrorism.
The meeting brought together UN personnel working in different parts of the world and provided a platform for Juma to outline how UNODC can improve its impact on the ground through more coordinated programming.
Her call comes as transnational criminal networks continue to adapt to technological advances and exploit increasingly sophisticated methods to facilitate illicit activities across jurisdictions.
Juma urged UN staff to remain focused on strengthening prevention, international cooperation and institutional capacity to confront these evolving threats and protect communities from the growing impact of organised crime.
