Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted as blueprint for global crime prevention efforts
The opening day of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, establishing the strategic framework for international action over the next five years.
Abu Dhabi hosted the opening proceedings of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, bringing together an unprecedented gathering of global leaders and experts. The Congress, running until 1 October at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, attracted participation from more than 97 countries, including over 32 ministers of justice and interior, alongside senior government officials, judges, prosecutors and representatives of international organisations.
H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended the inaugural sessions, which culminated in the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. This principal outcome document establishes the priorities and strategic direction for international action on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law, translating global consensus into actionable, measurable policies and partnerships.
Comprehensive agenda addressing contemporary challenges
The first day featured 62 high-level addresses, with 46 delivered in person and 16 presented virtually, alongside contributions from 93 experts and specialists worldwide. Discussions encompassed criminal justice reform, the treatment of offenders and progress since the previous Congress held in Kyoto.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening international judicial cooperation, with Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, conducting bilateral meetings with counterparts from France, South Africa, Egypt, Vietnam and Italy to explore enhanced legal collaboration and the exchange of best practices.
Emerging concerns featured prominently throughout the proceedings. Sessions addressed artificial intelligence applications in crime prevention, cybercrime implementation frameworks and neurotechnology risks. Environmental crime received sustained attention, with discussions focusing on legislative strengthening and coordinated enforcement responses to wildlife trafficking, illegal waste management and resource exploitation.
Protecting vulnerable populations
The Congress examined multifaceted approaches to protecting women, children and youth. Sessions explored technology-facilitated gender-based violence, barriers to legal aid access and pathways enabling disengagement from organised crime networks. Youth engagement was particularly emphasised, with dedicated sessions examining juvenile delinquency prevention, violence reduction and youth participation in policy development.
The accompanying exhibition showcased 38 stands demonstrating initiatives from Member States, United Nations entities and civil society organisations. The UAE presented six dedicated pavilions highlighting national achievements in victim protection, counter-trafficking efforts, youth development, cybersecurity frameworks and institutional integrity mechanisms.
The Congress programme continued to run through committee sessions, workshops and youth activities, with proceedings scheduled to conclude on 1 October, establishing the Abu Dhabi Declaration as the cornerstone of global crime prevention strategy for the ensuing five-year period.
Source: WAM