Deeply concerned and saddened by the recent kidnapping of four Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti after being ambushed by armed gangs. I join all those calling for their immediate release and safe return. This deplorable incident is a stark reminder that Haiti’s security crisis is intrinsically linked to transnational criminal networks that sustain gang violence through illicit arms flows, trafficking and other criminal enterprises. Criminal networks facilitate gang logistics and finance their operations, enabling them to entrench control over territory, threaten and violate civilians, and sabotage public institutions and the delivery of essential services. We must match our concern with action. The international community must mobilize the resources needed for the Gang Suppression Force to fulfil its mandate and to help restore security and State control. This must go hand in hand with sustained humanitarian assistance, stronger criminal justice institutions and support for Haitian-led efforts to rebuild security and the rule of law. Haiti’s people cannot be left to face this crisis alone. We must stand by their side.

Proud to have brought #UNTOC2026 to a close, with a record turnout of 2,100 participants from 140 countries, alongside representatives from 320 NGOs having converged in Vienna over the past week. Member States adopted six important substantive resolutions that speak directly to the changing nature of transnational organized crime, from drug trafficking and firearms to crimes that affect the environment and the trafficking of cultural property, to ensuring that the mechanisms we have in place evolve and serve States Parties effectively and efficiently. These outcomes are a testament to the continued relevance and importance of this Conference and the Convention which it services, as well as countries’ determination to work together against organized crime. Thank you to all colleagues across @UNODC and UNOV for all their hard work in making it possible!

Peace remains humanity’s greatest aspiration, and one of our most demanding tasks that we must work at every day. As conflicts grow deadlier, organized crime more ruthless, and millions seek a safe, dignified life, the @UN’s mission is more vital than ever. Here in Vienna, the UN family works to tackle these challenges - from crime, corruption, drugs and terrorism to advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and industrial development. As we mark #UNDay, let us renew our commitment to the Organization’s founding promise that even in a divided world, we can bridge differences through dialogue and diplomacy, and build a safer, more peaceful world for all of humanity.

Haiti is facing multiple, overlapping crises; from political instability, socio-economic fragility, escalating violence, and mass displacement. Behind the guns on the streets lie the money and financial flows that sustain them. These networks connect illicit markets and draw on supply chains and criminal associations that extend beyond Haiti’s shores into the wider Caribbean. Today, at #UNTOC2026, I spoke about the need for an integrated, regional response, working together with the Haitian authorities and with our regional and international partners, to build a safer future for all Haitians. We cannot afford to let Haiti become another forgotten crisis, nor can we afford to treat it as an isolated one. Importantly, Haiti’s stability is inextricably linked to that of its neighbourhood and to the world at large. The world has a duty to stand with Haiti.

I was delighted to engage in a discussion with civil society at #UNTOC2026, with more than 1,000 representatives from over 300 civil society organizations present here this week. Civil society bring unique and important perspectives, which help strengthen criminal justice and the rule of law, and have a positive impact on people’s lives. @UNODC is committed to continuing to engage with civil society and ensure their voice is heard. Grateful to @IanTennant9, Chair of the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, for convening this dialogue.

It was a real pleasure to welcome @BMeinl, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria 🇦🇹, @claudiabauer_at, Minister for the EU, Integration and Family, and @jleichtfried, State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, to the Vienna International Centre to discuss Austria’s priorities as an incoming @UN Security Council member for 2027–2028. The UN family in Vienna brings a wealth of expertise on today’s security challenges. We discussed how to connect this expertise with the Council’s central responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, and to build on Austria’s strong commitment to multilateralism. By bringing Austria’s leadership together with @UNODC’s expertise and work on the ground, we can strengthen international efforts to tackle transnational organized crime and other evolving threats to peace and security. I look forward to working together to advance this agenda and to deliver greater security for people and communities around the world.