Abu Dhabi Hosts Global Forum on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened in Abu Dhabi, drawing ministers, judges and experts from 97 countries to address contemporary challenges including artificial intelligence, cybercrime and transnational organised crime.
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice commenced at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the distinguished patronage of H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Running through 1 October, the Congress represents a landmark gathering for the international justice community, convening ministers of justice and interior affairs, senior judicial officials, prosecutors and leading experts from across the globe.
The opening ceremony, graced by representatives from more than 97 nations including over 32 justice and interior ministers, established Abu Dhabi as a centre for advancing global cooperation on justice and rule of law. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, articulated the nation’s vision, emphasising that the Congress arrives at a pivotal moment when emerging technologies and artificial intelligence demand careful integration within criminal justice frameworks.
The Minister highlighted the multifaceted challenges confronting the international community: the proliferation of organised transnational crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering and terrorism financing. He underscored that addressing these challenges requires international cooperation underpinned by comprehensive legal frameworks and strategic partnerships—commitments the UAE has cultivated through decades of judicial collaboration and bilateral agreements.
A defining feature of the opening session was the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a principal strategic outcome document comprising 18 articles and 67 paragraphs. The Declaration structures international priorities around four pillars: prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, evolving criminal threats, and innovation and cooperation. Priorities championed by the UAE within the Declaration include protection of women and children, responsible artificial intelligence deployment and environmental protection.
Notably, the Congress launched Pledge4Justice, an initiative designed to translate political commitments into tangible programmes. The UAE announced its inaugural pledge of up to US$5 million, through annual contributions of up to US$1 million from 2026 to 2031, supporting capacity-building, justice system strengthening and implementation of the Declaration’s commitments across nations and institutions worldwide.
The Congress’s comprehensive programme encompasses 15 major events, 93 expert speakers, approximately 200 side meetings and 38 exhibition stands. Discussions will address organised crime, cybercrime, online fraud, trafficking, money laundering and environmental crime, with particular emphasis on the responsible integration of artificial intelligence and virtual assets within criminal justice systems.
By providing a platform for knowledge exchange, partnership development and policy coordination, the Congress exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s role as an active participant in shaping the future of international justice and rule of law, advancing practical solutions to protect communities and advance the 2030 Agenda in an increasingly digital world.
Source: WAM