Youth and organized crime

In 2022, it is estimated that the youth accounts for over 15% of the global population. Young people are vulnerable to organized crime, as potential perpetrators and victims. For some people, youth are even seen as a threat: as drug users, hooligans or foot soldiers for organized criminal networks. But youth are also part of the engine of innovation and economic growth. They can be voices of positive change in politics and they bring life and energy to communities.

Supporting youth and younger generations affected by or fighting against organized is critical to address transnational organized crime worldwide effectively and in a sustainable manner. This panel will present the recent initiatives led by the GI-TOC to promote the role of younger generations of researchers, activists, and practitioners in this context, and propose an open conversation around the tools and new opportunities that can be explored to help them.