Illicit trade represents one of the most complex global challenges of our time, affecting not only economic stability but also broader issues of safety, security, and sustainability. From illegal markets and trafficking networks to cyber-enabled forms of illicit activities, these phenomena increasingly transcend national borders and require coordinated international responses. Understanding these dynamics is therefore essential for developing effective governance frameworks, strengthening regulatory mechanisms, and promoting sustainable and secure societies.
These important themes were at the center of the Final Workshop, GLITSS Trilogy, Volume 1: Illicit Trade and its Consequences for Safety, Security and Sustainability, held on 19–20 February at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Informatics.
The workshop brought together researchers and experts from different fields to discuss the evolving nature of illicit trade and its wide-ranging implications. The exchange of perspectives among participants created a highly stimulating academic environment and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing illicit trade and its consequences. Such discussions contribute not only to academic debate but also to the development of practical approaches that can support policymakers and institutions in responding to these complex challenges.