Just days after assuming office as Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), Kenyan diplomat Monica Juma has highlighted the role of the agency’s global field teams in combating transnational organised crime.

In a post on X dated June 20, 2026, Juma said she had met UNODC representatives at the Vienna International Centre, where field team leaders had completed a five-day retreat focused on sharpening programmatic orientation, aligning strategies, and improving operational impact across member states.

“Had to confer with our @UNODC representatives, who lead our field teams across the world, at the Vienna International Centre. These team leads have, for the past five days, been engaged in a retreat to sharpen our programmatic orientation, align and focus on strategies to scale our impact on the ground,” Monica Juma X post.

She noted that the engagement centred on strengthening coordination of field operations and enhancing delivery of programmes aimed at addressing transnational crime challenges.

Focus on crime prevention and justice systems

Juma described frontline personnel as central to UNODC’s mandate, noting their role in supporting member states to build capacity in crime prevention and strengthen criminal justice systems.

“Our frontline teams are UNODC’s greatest asset – supporting Member States every day to build their capacities for crime prevention and strengthen their criminal justice systems, in order to effectively fight compounding transnational organised crimes, including trafficking, illicit financial flows, cybercrime, corruption, and terrorism,” she stated.

She added that many teams operate in complex and challenging environments while assisting governments in addressing evolving security threats. Juma said the discussions reinforced confidence in UNODC’s operational direction and its ability to expand its impact globally.

Assumption of office and leadership priorities

The remarks follow Juma’s formal assumption of office as Executive Director of UNODC and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV). She took her oath of office on Thursday, June 11, 2026, before United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

She began her duties in May 2026 after her appointment was announced earlier in the year. During her swearing-in, she emphasised the principles guiding her tenure.

“Today, I had the honour of taking my oath of office before Secretary-General António Guterres as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna and Executive Director of UNODC,” she said. “In taking this oath, I am reminded that international civil service is, above all, a commitment to people.”

She pledged to execute her responsibilities with integrity, impartiality, humility, and a strong sense of duty in line with United Nations principles.

Career background and UNODC mandate

Juma has held senior roles in government and diplomacy, including Kenya’s National Security Adviser, Secretary to the National Security Council, and Cabinet positions in Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Energy. She has also served as Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti, and as Permanent Representative to the African Union.

UNODC and UNOV are mandated to support global efforts against drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and related transnational threats. Juma’s early focus on field operations is aligned with ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination, enhance criminal justice systems, and improve implementation of programmes across member states.