Rocco Messina

• Head of Border Security and Management Unit
• United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

Rocco Messina is an internationally recognized programme manager in counter-terrorism and border security, with a distinguished record of designing and implementing national border strategies in some of the world’s most challenging environments. As Head of the Border Security and Management Unit at the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), he plays a pivotal role in strengthening the security frameworks of UN Member States. His approach goes beyond policy development—he empowers nations by embedding counter-terrorism measures directly into their border systems through targeted technical assistance and capacity-building programmes. This proactive strategy has been critical in helping countries adapt to and withstand evolving security threats. Messina’s impact has been especially transformative in field missions. At the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), he spearheaded the development of Haiti’s first comprehensive national border policy. His leadership led to the creation of the Haitian Technical Border Commission, the Customs Police, and a specialized branch of the Haitian National Police focused on land border security—initiatives that reshaped the country’s border governance. Earlier, as Training Programme Manager with NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, he designed and implemented the training curricula for the Afghan Border Police, ensuring sustainability and professionalism in one of the world’s most fragile security landscapes. With nearly three decades of field and headquarters experience in counter-terrorism and border security, Mr. Messina has earned both national and international recognition for his strategic vision, leadership, and dedication. His academic background—a master’s degree in literature and a bachelor’s in international law—together with fluency in Italian, English, Spanish, and French, further strengthen his ability to operate in complex, multicultural environments and build trust across diverse stakeholders.