Dr. Stefan Blättler, Attorney General of Switzerland, commended the exceptional organization of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which concluded in Abu Dhabi on October 1, 2026. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Blättler expressed appreciation to the United Arab Emirates and its Ministry of Justice for their substantial efforts in hosting the gathering. The congress succeeded in uniting participants from around the world to discuss strategies for combating crime, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency.
Blättler described the week-long meeting as highly successful and exceptionally well organised, noting the logistical achievements in managing a large-scale international forum. He pointed to the effective coordination that allowed for meaningful exchanges among delegates focused on crime prevention and criminal justice reforms. The Attorney General’s assessment underscores the role of strong organizational frameworks in enabling productive global dialogues on security challenges.
The Swiss official voiced confidence in the ongoing relevance of such conferences, recalling that the inaugural international congress on crime was held in Geneva in 1955. More than seven decades later, he observed that the world has grown increasingly aware of the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation to develop joint approaches against organized crime. Blättler emphasized that addressing these threats demands persistent engagement at the international level.
Continued meetings and direct communication among specialists and officials are essential for tackling organized crime, Blättler stated in remarks carried by the Emirates News Agency. Such interactions facilitate the building of professional relationships, the exchange of perspectives, and a deeper understanding of varied national positions. They also aid in pinpointing shared priorities that can inform global strategies moving forward.
The congress, hosted by the UAE from September 26 to October 1 under the theme of protecting people and the planet in the digital age, adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration by consensus, a development reported by UN News. This framework sets out measures to confront rapidly evolving crimes, including those exploiting digital technologies such as cybercrime and online fraud. It builds on five regional preparatory meetings held throughout 2025 to identify key priorities for member states.
More than 5,100 participants from 119 countries attended the event, including delegations led by over 40 ministers, according to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The gathering featured over 200 side events, workshops and exhibitions, marking it as the largest congress of its kind to date. Emphasis was placed on youth involvement, with dedicated forums and contributions from young participants alongside civil society and private sector representatives.
UNODC Executive Director Monica Juma thanked the UAE for its leadership and meticulous preparations in a statement at the opening session. The hosting arrangement positions the UAE to oversee implementation of the congress outcomes and related international cooperation for the next five years. This aligns with the country’s broader contributions to strengthening the rule of law and global security initiatives.
