UAE Establishes itself as Global Innovation Leader in Justice and Crime Prevention Technology
The United Nations praises the Emirates' commitment to harnessing technological advancement to strengthen justice systems worldwide, as Abu Dhabi hosts the largest-ever gathering of crime prevention and criminal justice experts.
Abu Dhabi has been recognised as a leading innovation hub by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, particularly for its role in advancing the intersection of technology, justice and crime prevention. Sonya Yee, Chief of the Advocacy Section at UNODC, commended the UAE’s vision and capacity during the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, currently underway in the capital.
The Congress represents an unprecedented gathering of global specialists and leaders in the field, bringing together more than 5,000 participants, including over 540 justice ministers and senior officials from around the world. This exceptional scale of participation underscores the international significance of the discussions taking place and the UAE’s position as a trusted host for world-class forums.
Ms Yee emphasised that the Congress provides an ideal platform for exploring how technological advances can address crime-related challenges whilst strengthening justice systems. The event builds upon the United Nations’ long history of convening such congresses since its earliest years, with the Abu Dhabi 2026 edition marking the largest assembly yet.
A cornerstone of the Congress is the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a comprehensive document adopted by participating nations that addresses multiple dimensions of crime prevention and criminal justice. The Declaration encompasses improving access to justice globally, strengthening justice infrastructure across all nations, and strategically harnessing digitalisation and advanced technology to enhance these systems.
The Declaration also tackles contemporary challenges including cybercrime, human trafficking and organised crime in all its forms. Notably, it balances the need to combat technology-enabled criminal activity with recognition of technology’s positive potential. Rather than viewing technological innovation solely through a security lens, the Declaration promotes collaborative development of solutions that leverage advanced technologies to serve justice objectives.
Ms Yee highlighted this nuanced approach, noting that discussions extend well beyond identifying and combating cybercrime and the criminal misuse of technology. The Congress actively explores how nations can jointly develop and implement technological solutions that advance justice outcomes and strengthen crime prevention capabilities worldwide.
The distinction reflects a sophisticated understanding that technological progress is neither inherently beneficial nor harmful—its impact depends upon implementation and governance. By convening the world’s leading experts and officials, Abu Dhabi has positioned the UAE at the forefront of international efforts to ensure that technological advancement serves the cause of justice and the protection of communities globally.
Source: WAM