New Agreement UNICRI & SICPA 

Security through Research, Technology and Innovation (SIRIO)

On 29 January 2019 UNICRI and SICPA signed a multi-year agreement for the new phase of the UNICRI project on Security through Research, Technology and Innovation (SIRIO). The project aims at increasing knowledge and information sharing on technology features in key security areas such as: supply chain security; chemical, biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) management; cyber-security; biotechnology and nano-technology, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics. The project is focused on enhancing awareness on emerging risks and possible policy responses; fostering cooperation, exchange and sharing of good practices and informational resources through the network of members.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Philippe Amon CEO and Ms. Christine Macqueen Director Corporate Affairs of SICPA and Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas, Director a.i. of UNICRI.

Managing today’s volatile international security environment is an increasingly difficult and complex challenge. While global economic integration and the technological revolution in communication and transportation offer new opportunities to achieve global prosperity, new global potential security risks are emerging with actors such as criminal organizations and terrorist groups taking advantage of the exponential growth of technological advances. Traditional and new and more insidious threats can easily cross borders, expand criminal markets, infiltrate vulnerable States and generate massive violation of human rights. To prevent and mitigate these threats no State can act in isolation. States must be on the front line to combat today’s threats by sharing responsibilities and know-how. Equally important, security should directly involve a broad cross-section of civil society, the private sector as well as the economic and scientific communities.

Technologies are being continuously developed and improved to meet the changing requirements of the “market” and to meet evolving needs. Promoting knowledge of relevant risks and bridging the gaps between users and developers is therefore fundamental to ensuring the security of the supply chain – especially in high risk sectors such as CBRN materials, agrochemicals and precious metals. This is essential to protecting citizens from the  criminal exploitation of technological innovation.

This new agreement will allow UNICRI to complete the evaluation of technology responses to biotechnology and blockchain risk scenarios; finalize risk scenarios and identify possible technology responses in the area of supply chain security with a focus on food frauds, illicit pesticides, excisable products and illicit trafficking of precious metals.
UNICRI will develop strategic recommendations and propose concrete follow-up actions for capacity building aimed at developing and piloting technology-based countermeasures matched to the needs of Member States.

About UNICRI

With 50 years of experience, the mission of UNICRI is to advance justice, security and the rule of law in support of peace, human rights and sustainable development. The Institute designs and implement holistic and innovative policies and actions to confront traditional and emerging threats. UNICRI works in specialized niches and selected fields of crime prevention, justice, security governance, risks and benefits of advances in technologies, counter-terrorism and social cohesion. UNICRI serves as a platform for consultation and cooperation among Members States, local governments, research institutions, international organizations, private entities and civil society at large to enhance cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation. The Institute has developed extensive expertise in the areas of CBRN risk mitigation, supply chain security, cyber-security; biotechnology and nano-technology, Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics. The project Sirio started in 2016 with the aim of promoting knowledge and technology solutions to address emerging security risks.

About SICPA

SICPA is a leading global provider of secured authentication, identification and traceability solutions and services and a long-trusted advisor to governments, central banks, high security printers and industry.  Founded in 1927, headquartered in Switzerland and operating on five continents, SICPA’s mission is to Enable Trust through constant innovation. Based on core expertise in high security inks, the company protects the majority of the world’s banknotes, security and value documents from the threats of counterfeiting and fraud. SICPA also integrates material covert features and cutting edge digital technology to offer sophisticated traceability and supply chain protection solutions and services, enabling governments to optimize tax revenues and enforce regulations.
www.sicpa.com