Abu Dhabi Convenes 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

The UAE has opened a landmark six-day international forum bringing together over 5,000 participants from 97 countries to shape global crime prevention priorities for the next five years.

Abu Dhabi has welcomed the opening of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, a significant gathering that underscores the UAE’s commitment to advancing international justice and security cooperation.

The Congress, which commenced at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on 26th September 2026, will run for six days and convene approximately 5,000 participants representing governments, international organisations, civil society, academia and research institutions from around the globe. This substantial assembly reflects the gravity of the issues under examination at this premier United Nations forum.

The breadth of international engagement is particularly noteworthy. Representatives from more than 97 countries are in attendance, including more than 32 ministers of justice and interior ministers, alongside 93 expert speakers and specialists. This constellation of high-level officials and distinguished experts demonstrates both the scale of participation and the importance attributed to the Congress’s deliberations by the international community.

Over the coming week, Abu Dhabi will serve as the venue for an extensive global dialogue designed to establish international priorities in crime prevention and criminal justice for the succeeding five years. The Congress is guided by a unified international vision centred on strengthening the rule of law and ensuring that people remain at the heart of justice systems.

The forum seeks to translate dialogue, cooperation, innovation and the responsible deployment of technology into substantive partnerships and solutions that will generate enduring benefits for people and the planet. This emphasis on practical outcomes and collaborative approaches reflects a contemporary understanding of how international cooperation can address the complex challenges of crime prevention and criminal justice in an interconnected world.

The hosting of this significant UN Congress reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for international cooperation and dialogue on matters of global consequence, and demonstrates the UAE’s leadership in promoting justice, security and the rule of law on the world stage.

Source: WAM