Abu Dhabi hosts global summit on crime prevention and criminal justice
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice convenes at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together international ministers, justice officials and security experts to address evolving criminal threats through enhanced cooperation and innovation.
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice has opened at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, hosting a gathering of ministers, senior officials and international experts from governments and organisations around the world. The five-day congress, running from 26 September to 1 October 2026, represents the latest convening of the world’s largest specialised forum dedicated to this critical field, which assembles once every five years.
Lieutenant General His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, attended proceedings on the opening day alongside His Excellency Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, senior UAE government officials, representatives from Member States, and leadership from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Strategic priorities and international cooperation
In remarks addressing the congress, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed emphasised that modern forms of crime, characterised by growing complexity and cross-border dimensions, cannot be addressed through isolated national efforts alone. He underscored that protecting societies and the planet constitutes a shared responsibility requiring unified commitment, strengthened judicial and security cooperation, deeper exchange of information and expertise, and the development of capabilities to anticipate risks before they materialise.
His Highness stated: “The convergence of national expertise and the UAE’s proven model in justice and the rule of law with international experience and best practices here in Abu Dhabi creates a unique opportunity to translate international consensus into meaningful and lasting action.”
He highlighted the responsible application of advanced technologies and artificial intelligence in advancing justice, protecting rights and strengthening public trust in institutions. A principal expected outcome of the congress is the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which aims to establish foundations for a more integrated and effective phase of international cooperation—shifting emphasis from responding to crime after occurrence towards anticipating and preventing it before it emerges.
Congress themes and objectives
The congress operates under the theme “Accelerating Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law: Protecting People and Planet and Achieving the 2030 Agenda in the Digital Age.”
Its primary focus encompasses advancing innovative, evidence-based strategies for crime prevention, strengthening more inclusive and responsive criminal justice systems, addressing emerging and evolving forms of crime, and enhancing international partnerships, technical assistance, training and capacity-building programmes.
The event brings together a broad spectrum of participants: Member States, international organisations, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement authorities, policymakers, experts, private-sector representatives, civil society organisations, academic and research institutions, and young people engaged in shaping global responses to crime and justice challenges.
His Highness affirmed that under the vision of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to fulfil a strategic international role in advancing security, justice and the protection of human dignity. He expressed confidence that the congress outcomes will provide essential frameworks supporting safer, more secure and more resilient societies globally, with security and justice positioned as cornerstones of national prosperity.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office