On Friday, April 19, 2024, at 11:30 a.m., at the Grand Hotel Vanvitelli, the new project of the Consortium for Industrial Development Area (ASI) Caserta and UNICRI will be presented. The initiative aims to promote and implement a sustainable social development path in the industrial area of the province of Caserta.
The project arises from the need to promote cooperation between the public and private sectors in the development and implementation of effective measures for crime prevention and strengthening the resilience of communities in addressing the challenges posed by organized crime. In particular, the initiative aims to identify and promote best practices to reduce the impact of criminal groups on the social and economic systems. Following the identification of the territory's vulnerability elements, types of illicit activities, and criminal modus operandi, the development and implementation of focused counter-strategies through awareness and training actions will follow.
The opening event of the initiative will involve: Carlo Marino, President of Anci Campania; Raffaela Pignetti, President of the Asi Caserta Consortium; Leif Villadsen, Acting Director of UNICRI; and Hon. Edmondo Cirielli, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The event will be moderated by Vincenzo Di Vincenzo, ANSA journalist.
"This project stems from the recognition of the commitment of the Asi Consortium in implementing the social reintegration program for detainees," stated President Pignetti, adding: "The previous initiative we carried out 'Mi riscatto per il futuro' (I redeem myself for the future) is considered a model of good governance practices to be examined in order to make it operational and exportable internationally. The initiative is based on promoting a culture of legality and the development of policies for the sustainable growth of territories.
With the work plan we are starting with UNICRI, which I am proud to present, we will activate programs aimed at creating new approaches to crime prevention, strengthening justice, and local development. Creating a network of excellence through which institutions, companies, and communities can collaborate is the first step towards greater involvement of productive realities in the activities of protection and shared development of the territory, ultimately contributing to improving the quality of life in our land."
According to Leif Villadsen, the Acting Director of UNICRI, the project holds crucial significance. “This initiative originates locally and aims to develop a community-based response to criminal infiltrations through the involvement of public entities, private sectors, and civil society. To combat organized crime effectively, it is essential to engage in actions that impact the economic and social fabric, creating opportunities (especially for the youth) based on a truthful examination of what allows criminal groups to thrive.”
The UNICRI Director highlights the significance of the local dimension of the project: "Each area has its unique story, presenting specific vulnerabilities that criminal groups exploit. While UNICRI contributes to developing national, regional, and international counter-strategies, ultimately, it is the local dimension where efforts must culminate and be most intensely focused. This is why the initiative to be conducted in Caserta is so crucial.
I hope the local community will support this project, knowing that those most impacted by organized crime, those who want development, inclusion, and security will be among our foremost allies.
Furthermore, we aim to use or replicate the lessons learned from this project in other parts of the world, enhancing our global fight against organized crime. We are grateful to our partner ASI Caserta, the Campania Region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Justice for supporting this project."
