Egypt's Minister of Justice, Mahmoud Helmy Al-Sharif, has participated in the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The congress, themed "Protecting People and the Planet in the Digital Age," is organized by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. In his opening speech, Al-Sharif reviewed Egypt's national experience in crime prevention, development of the criminal justice system, and consolidation of the rule of law.
Al-Sharif emphasized that Egypt is moving forward with confident steps in developing its legislative and judicial infrastructure, as well as digital transformation. This includes the new Criminal Procedure Law, the digitization of justice departments, expansion of remote litigation, and development of a protection system for vulnerable groups. He also highlighted efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and update the punitive philosophy in correctional and rehabilitation centers.
During the congress, Al-Sharif announced Egypt's commitment to justice during the Abu Dhabi cycle (2026-2031). This includes launching strategies to combat organized crime and cybercrime, establishing a legislative framework to combat organized fraud, and setting up the Egyptian-African Center for Training on Cybercrime Prevention and Combating. Other initiatives include the establishment of a regional training center for combating illicit trafficking in cultural property and expansion of digital forensic laboratories.
On the sidelines of the congress, Al-Sharif held a meeting with Monica Guma, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and head of the UN Office in Vienna. He expressed Egypt's pride in leading African efficiency in the UN office and affirmed continued coordination in judicial training and establishment of specialized regional centers.
Al-Sharif also participated in a high-level side event attended by ministers of justice from France and Belgium, and representatives of participating delegations. The meeting discussed mechanisms to enhance international judicial cooperation, exchange of best national practices, and reviewed the UAE's experience in coordinating judicial authorities and facilitating legal assistance requests.
In a separate meeting with the UAE Minister of Justice, Al-Sharif discussed enhancing cooperation frameworks and exchanging expertise in judicial and legal fields. He also met with Egyptian judges and members of the judicial bodies assigned to work in the UAE, expressing his pride in their high judicial model that reflects the dignity of the Egyptian judiciary.
The Egyptian Minister of Justice concluded his participation in the congress by emphasizing Egypt's commitment to supporting international justice and cooperation in the fight against corruption and organized crime. The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice provided a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences among participating countries.
Key points
- Egypt's Minister of Justice outlines vision for legislative and judicial development at UN conference.
- Egypt commits to justice during Abu Dhabi cycle (2026-2031).
- Egypt and UAE discuss enhancing cooperation frameworks in judicial and legal fields.
