Abu Dhabi hosts landmark UN Crime Congress with 121 nations and 205 organisations
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice concludes at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi following six days of international dialogue, establishing a comprehensive framework for global cooperation on justice and the rule of law through 2031.
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice has concluded at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, marking a significant achievement in international cooperation on criminal justice and the rule of law. The congress brought together more than 9,000 participants representing 121 countries and over 205 international and non-governmental organisations, underscoring the UAE’s strategic role in shaping global approaches to crime prevention.
The six-day gathering convened more than 40 ministers and minister-level officials, alongside 137 experts and 97 speakers, who examined evidence-based approaches to crime prevention, inclusive justice systems, emerging criminal threats, and expanded international cooperation. Through plenary meetings, workshops and specialised sessions, participants addressed the complex challenges facing modern criminal justice systems in an increasingly digital world.
The Abu Dhabi Declaration
The congress adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, comprising 18 articles and 67 paragraphs, as its principal political and strategic outcome. This comprehensive framework establishes international reference points for accelerating progress in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law over the next five years. The Declaration addresses four interconnected priorities: strengthening prevention and community resilience against emerging risks; addressing evolving criminal threats amid complex crime patterns; supporting fair and inclusive justice systems; and harnessing innovation whilst expanding international cooperation.
The framework recognises four transformative forces shaping the future of crime and justice: digital transformation, evolving forms of crime, socio-economic change and environmental challenges. The UAE’s priorities reflected in the Declaration include women, children, youth, environmental protection and artificial intelligence.
Pledge4Justice Initiative
Alongside the Declaration’s adoption, the UAE launched Pledge4Justice, the first pledging initiative in the history of the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. This initiative translates international commitments beyond political consensus into measurable, practical action. The congress concluded with 61 pledges, including 58 from Member States and three from intergovernmental organisations, each representing specific, time-bound commitments to support implementation through 2031.
Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice of the UAE and Congress President, remarked in his closing address that whilst the congress concludes, its mission continues. He emphasised that criminal threats transcending borders require genuine international cooperation rather than isolated efforts, and that the Abu Dhabi Declaration must translate from agreed principles into meaningful action that advances justice and strengthens societal security.
The Congress featured more than 170 events and ancillary meetings, over 27 exhibition stands, and launched five major initiatives. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi provided facilities exceeding 30,300 square metres, representing a 31 per cent increase compared with the previous Congress in 2021.
Source: WAM News Agency