The congress provided a platform over two days for ministers, officials, judges, prosecutors, experts and representatives of international organisations, civil society, academia and youth to shape priorities for international action on crime prevention and criminal justice, according to the Emirates News Agency. Discussions focused on transnational organised crime together with rapid technological change that includes the criminal misuse of technology and artificial intelligence. Improving access to justice and strengthening institutions to respond to emerging threats also featured in the sessions.
The Emirates News Agency reported that youth, innovation and international cooperation stood out prominently while the broad participation reflected worldwide interest in the congress outcomes and the UAE’s convening role. The event hosted by the UAE runs through October 1 under the theme of protecting people and the planet in the digital age. United Nations News placed the total number of participants above 5,100 from 119 countries including more than 40 justice ministers.
According to United Nations News the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted by acclamation at the opening brings governments together around challenges ranging from cybercrime and fraud to the growing criminal exploitation of digital technology. Countries are encouraged to implement the framework through the voluntary Pledge4Justice initiative under which governments announce concrete time-bound actions on crime prevention and criminal justice through 2031. The declaration is structured around four pillars that encompass prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, countering evolving crime threats and international cooperation with innovation.
UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi detailed the country’s judicial cooperation system during a high-level session, a report from Khaleej Times stated. The UAE is party to 16 multilateral agreements and maintains more than 140 bilateral agreements with 53 countries covering extradition, mutual legal assistance, asset recovery and evidence gathering. These instruments have produced a sharp rise in judicial cooperation requests between 2021 and 2025 with 576 extradition requests received in 2025 alone.
Ministers and UN officials praised the UAE’s organisation of the congress in statements to the Emirates News Agency. Japan’s Minister of Justice Takashi Yamashita thanked the UAE government for hosting the event and called for building on the legacy of prior congresses. Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, said the gathering offered an opportunity to renew shared commitment to justice and the rule of law while translating it into practical action that helps deliver justice for all and builds safer, fairer and more inclusive societies.
The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will track progress on the declaration’s commitments, United Nations News reported. Future sessions through October 1 will address AI-enabled crime, anti-corruption measures, wildlife trafficking and cybersecurity. The congress, convened every five years since its first session in Geneva in 1955, produces standards and policies that guide global crime prevention and criminal justice efforts.
