UN Crime Congress advances criminal justice through technology and international cooperation
The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice reached its fifth day in Abu Dhabi with substantive discussions on harnessing artificial intelligence, strengthening global partnerships and safeguarding victims' rights in an evolving digital landscape.
The fifth day of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice – Abu Dhabi 2026 witnessed intensive deliberations focused on addressing emerging criminal threats whilst advancing international cooperation and the responsible deployment of technology within justice systems.
Morning sessions continued examination of organised crime and terrorism, whilst Workshop 4 explored the critical balance between technological innovation and the protection of fundamental rights, privacy and public trust. The afternoon programme marked the beginning of substantive discussions on strengthening partnerships and technical cooperation at national, regional and international levels, with particular emphasis on capacity-building and institutional development.
A significant highlight was the “Future of Criminal Justice 2045” session, organised by the UAE Public Prosecution, which examined how artificial intelligence and digital evidence are fundamentally reshaping justice systems. Rather than attempting to predict a single future, the study develops multiple scenarios by analysing global trends and identifying potential disruptions. The session emphasised that the central challenge lies not in whether artificial intelligence should be used, but rather how its capabilities can be harnessed whilst preserving legality, the presumption of innocence and accountability. As participants noted, “Technology strengthens justice, the law governs it, and humans remain the ultimate decision-makers.”
The study introduced an integrated “Prosecution of the Future” model built on four interconnected pillars: constitutional and legal safeguards; advanced digital capabilities harnessing data and artificial intelligence; ethical governance ensuring algorithmic transparency and human oversight; and data sovereignty protecting judicial systems. The overarching conclusion was that future justice systems must modernise their tools without abandoning their foundations, expanding capabilities whilst preserving procedural safeguards.
Discussions on strengthening international cooperation emphasised advancing beyond dialogue towards practical capacity-building and institutional mechanisms. Participants highlighted the importance of aligning technical assistance with national priorities whilst fostering partnerships among governments, international organisations, law enforcement, judicial institutions, academia and civil society. This integrated approach ensures programme sustainability and effective responses to shared challenges.
The “Smart Cities, Safe Cities” fireside chat examined how artificial intelligence infrastructure and integrated digital systems enhance public safety and urban resilience, with emphasis on secure digital infrastructure, data governance and protective safeguards ensuring technology serves communities effectively.
Victims’ rights featured prominently, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime. Sessions addressed strengthening access to justice, integrating victim experiences into reform efforts, and examining particular vulnerabilities including labour exploitation, trafficking and conflict-related sexual violence. Additional discussions explored coordinated responses to cyber scam centres, human trafficking networks and online fraud targeting vulnerable populations including older persons.
The programme further examined illicit financial flows, transnational organised crime trends across regions, and alternatives to detention promoting non-custodial measures. Sessions on local governance and civic education emphasised crime prevention and inclusive justice, whilst discussions on environmental design and women’s leadership addressed broader approaches to community safety and ecosystem protection.
The Congress continues until 1 October 2026, with participants working to finalise outcomes supporting development of effective, inclusive and future-ready criminal justice systems capable of protecting people and the planet whilst upholding the rule of law.
Source: WAM