UAE Lauded for Leadership as UN Crime Congress Adopts Historic Abu Dhabi Declaration
The United Arab Emirates has been recognised for its exceptional stewardship of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which concluded with the unanimous adoption of a forward-looking declaration addressing global security challenges.
The United Arab Emirates has earned widespread commendation for its distinguished hosting of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, convening Member States in Abu Dhabi during a pivotal moment for international cooperation on criminal justice reform.
Alexandra Souza Martins, representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), commended the UAE’s leadership in facilitating the Congress, which achieved a landmark consensus on the Abu Dhabi Declaration during its opening day. The Declaration establishes a comprehensive framework for international cooperation spanning the next five years, designed to advance crime prevention strategies, modernise criminal justice systems across jurisdictions, and deepen collaborative efforts between nations.
The Declaration reflects a sophisticated understanding of contemporary security challenges. It prioritises evidence-based approaches to crime prevention whilst championing the empowerment of women, young people and communities as essential stakeholders in fostering safer societies. This inclusive approach recognises that effective crime prevention requires the active participation of all segments of society.
A significant dimension of the Declaration addresses the evolving threat landscape presented by digital platforms. It confronts emerging online dangers with particular focus on the recruitment of vulnerable populations, including children and adolescents, by extremist and criminal organisations. The framework also tackles online child exploitation and abuse, and gender-based violence—persistent challenges that demand coordinated international responses.
Ms Martins emphasised the Declaration’s commitment to strengthening community-centred approaches to crime prevention. The framework underscores the necessity of providing technical assistance and building local capacities, ensuring communities possess the resources and knowledge to protect themselves. Importantly, it positions women, young people and children not as passive subjects of protection, but as active participants in shaping secure environments.
The consensus adoption of the Declaration represents a remarkable achievement in multilateral diplomacy, reflecting the capacity of nations to identify shared interests and commit to collaborative solutions despite differing contexts and priorities. The UAE’s role in fostering this agreement demonstrates its commitment to global security and international cooperation on matters of justice and prevention.
Source: WAM