The senior UN official highlighted how the UAE’s hosting of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice provides a platform to address contemporary challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice, the Emirates News Agency reported. This gathering marks a significant moment for renewing global pledges toward accountable institutions and equal access to justice. The official noted that safe societies depend on effective responses to both traditional and emerging threats.
According to the UAE Ministry of Justice, the congress has attracted between 3,000 and 5,000 participants from more than 97 countries. Over 32 ministers are among the attendees, alongside expert speakers and representatives from civil society and academia. The event features more than 250 side events and 35 exhibitions, underscoring its scale as the largest platform of its kind.
The congress operates under the theme of accelerating action on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law to protect people and the planet while advancing the 2030 Agenda in the digital age, a UN document stated. Discussions will cover topics including drug trafficking, offender rehabilitation, access to justice, money laundering and violence against children. Environmental crimes and the responsible use of artificial intelligence will receive particular attention during the high-level meetings.
Judge Hatem Fouad, the UNODC Regional Representative for the Gulf region, told officials that the congress builds on a history dating back to 1955. He described it as one of the most prominent international platforms for developing policies and standards in the field. The representative added that it comes at a time of accelerating change in crime methods, calling for more integrated international responses.
Preparations for the congress included the development of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which the Ministry of Justice said consists of 18 articles and 67 paragraphs covering four pillars. These include prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, evolving criminal threats, and innovation and cooperation. Nearly 98 percent of the text has been agreed upon ahead of its formal adoption on the opening day.
The UAE has confirmed its full readiness to host the event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi announced earlier. The minister called on member states to participate actively in the Pledge for Justice initiative during the congress. This step aims to translate the discussions into concrete commitments that enhance the international criminal justice system.
