Over 50 stakeholders from civil society, academia, and the private sector across South and Southeast Asia joined forces at a UNODC capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC).
The workshop, held under the Stakeholder Engagement for UNTOC (SE4U) project and supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), provided a collaborative platform for participants to share strategies in combating organized crime.
Organized crime remains a major threat to security, justice, and development, undermining the rule of law and eroding public trust. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-stakeholder approach, where civil society plays a critical role from raising awareness and supporting victims to monitoring illicit activities and advocating for stronger policies.
Throughout the workshop, UNODC experts led interactive sessions, equipping participants with tools to advocate for change, refine strategies, and foster cross-border collaboration. Discussions tackled key issues, including human trafficking, cybercrime, corruption, and organized fraud.
Participants shared valuable insights:
- A Thai representative on cybercrime: “Cybercrime is evolving rapidly. Without collaboration between civil society and authorities, we will always be struggling to keep up.”
- A Nepali participant on human trafficking: “Survivors must be at the heart of our efforts. They should help shape policies that truly address their needs.”
One of the key outcomes of the workshop was the launch of the Asia Regional Civil Society Network (NET4U), a UNODC-supported initiative that will strengthen regional cooperation, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and empower civil society groups to enhance UNTOC implementation across Asia.
With an emphasis on youth engagement, innovative solutions, and cross-sectoral collaboration, the workshop reinforced the crucial role of non-governmental stakeholders in the fight against organized crime, promoting a more secure, just, and peaceful future for the region.
