This year marks the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations. On Oct 25th, 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the United Nations General Secretary Mr.António Guterres co-hosted the conference Marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations.
After multiple rounds of negotiation, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute was signed on Dec 3rd, 2021. The MoU signing ceremony was held online. The signing of this MoU is the realization of directives made by President Xi Jinping and General Secretary Guterres at the conference.
Professor Liu Xiaohong, president of SHUPL pointed out that, this year is the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China restoring its legal seat at the United Nations. President Xi Jinping and General Secretary Guterres delivered important speeches. In the past 50 years, the world has had witnessed China’s peaceful development and its commitment and dedication to the welfare of all humanity. China has worked closely with countries around the world to safeguard international justice and promote peace and development of the world, contributing significantly to world peace and development. In the backdrop the COVID-19 pandemic, China actively provides assistance to other countries: sharing experiences on combating the pandemic, supporting other countries with medical supplies, contributing to the scientific origin-tracing of the Corona-virus. China is devoted to standing with the world in overcoming the impacts brought by the pandemic. As President Xi Jinping has pointed out in his speech, the world today is faced with problems of regional disputes, terrorism, climate change, cyber security and bio-security. In signing this MoU with UNICRI, SHUPL, as one of the first institutes in China to conduct research on international law, international multilateral mechanisms, transnational crime and other global governance issues, is making a positive effort to contribute “Shanghai wisdom” to building a more inclusive global governance system. In the future, the two institutions will be working together to build a research and training center in Shanghai, co-establish a scientific journal and initiate internship and visiting scholar programs.
Ms.Antonia Marie De Meo, the Director of UNICRI pointed out that, there is a certain degree of complementarity in the work and focus areas of UNICRI and SHUPL: while UNICRI is focusing its attention on the criminal investigative and preventive aspects to support the Member States developing advances policies and technical tools SHUPL provides background research and theoretical knowledge and is able to identify practical solutions on all aspects related to Justice, Judicial Cooperation and the Rule of Law. This important partnership can make a difference by bridging the gap between criminal justice academic research and the law enforcement community. Director De Meo looks forward to the next practical steps and activities for its implementation.
Other guests attending the ceremony include Professor Ouyang Meihe, Director of Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Dean of School of International Communication and Exchange; Professor Mei Jianming, Vice Dean of Shanghai Institute of Global Security and Governance; Professor Peng Wenhua, Dean of School of Criminal Justice; Professor Cai Yijun, Dean of School of Policing Studies; Professor Wang Lai, Director of SHUPL Anti-money Laundering and Financial Security Research Center; Dr.Wang Yajuan, Deputy Director of China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation (CNISCO) Cooperation Department; Deputy Director of the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, Mr. Leif Villadsen; UNICRI Associate Public Communication Officer, Ms. Marina Mazzini; UNICRI Programme Officer, Mr.Duccio Carlo Mazarese and UNICRI Team Assistant, Ms.Alice Roberti. The signing ceremony was hosted by Professor Zhang Shaoying, Director of CNISCO Literature and Information Department.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute - UNICRI - was created in 1965 to assist intergovernmental, governmental and non-governmental organizations in formulating and implementing improved policies in the field of crime prevention and justice. UNICRI acts with its partners in the international community to advance understanding of crime-related problems; foster just and efficient criminal justice systems; support the respect of international instruments and other standards; facilitate international law enforcement cooperation and judicial assistance.
UNICRI provides applied research, training programs and technical cooperation. Their current priorities include, inter alia, activities related to justice reform, prevention and control of international terrorism, transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking, counterfeiting, cybercrimes, and crimes against the environment.
