The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was held in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant gathering of specialists and leaders in crime prevention and criminal justice. Sonya Yee, Chief of the Advocacy Section at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), described the UAE as a leading hub for innovation. The congress provided an ideal platform to discuss technology, justice, and crime prevention.
The UN congress, which took place on September 28, 2026, represents the world's largest gathering of its kind. It brought together more than 5,000 participants, including over 540 justice ministers and senior officials. Yee noted that the scale and diversity of international participation provided an opportunity to address crime prevention, improve access to justice, and tackle emerging threats.
A key outcome of the congress was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a comprehensive document that addresses various aspects of crime prevention and criminal justice. The Declaration focuses on improving access to justice, strengthening justice systems around the world, and harnessing digitalization and advanced technology to develop these systems. It also addresses cybercrime, human trafficking, and organized crime.
Yee highlighted the Declaration's focus on the positive uses of technology while addressing its exploitation for criminal purposes. Discussions extended beyond cybercrime and the criminal use of technology to include solutions that can be jointly developed by harnessing advanced technologies. The congress provided a unique opportunity for participants to share experiences and best practices in addressing crime-related challenges.
The UAE's hosting of the congress underscores its commitment to advancing justice and crime prevention. The event demonstrated the country's capabilities in organizing large-scale international gatherings. The UAE's efforts to promote innovation and technology in justice were also highlighted during the congress.
The congress also provided a platform for countries to share their experiences and challenges in addressing crime prevention and justice. Participants discussed ways to strengthen justice systems and improve access to justice, particularly in the face of emerging threats. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing crime-related challenges through international cooperation.
The outcomes of the congress are expected to have a lasting impact on global efforts to prevent crime and promote justice. The Abu Dhabi Declaration serves as a roadmap for countries to enhance their justice systems and address emerging challenges. The UAE's hosting of the congress has set a new standard for international cooperation in crime prevention and justice.
Key points
- The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice was held in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 5,000 participants to discuss technology, justice, and crime prevention.
- The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted during the congress, comprehensively addressing various aspects of crime prevention and criminal justice.
- The congress provided a platform for countries to share experiences and best practices in addressing crime-related challenges.
