Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the world as it hosts the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice from tomorrow. The event will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and will run until October 1, 2026. An anticipated attendance of between 3,000 and 5,000 individuals is expected, including ministers, senior officials, experts, and representatives from governments, international organisations, civil society, academia, and youth from 97 countries. Among those present will be 32 ministers of justice and interior, along with 93 expert speakers.
A Vision for the Future of Justice and Crime Prevention
This congress will facilitate a global dialogue aimed at shaping the next five years in crime prevention and criminal justice. Its focus will be on reinforcing the rule of law, placing human beings at the heart of justice systems, and converting dialogue, cooperation, innovation, and responsible technology into actionable partnerships and sustainable solutions for individuals and the planet.
The UAE’s Role in Global Justice Initiatives
The UAE’s hosting of this prestigious international conference underscores the global confidence in its position and role in enhancing international cooperation, strengthening the rule of law, and promoting community safety and stability. It aims to contribute to the development of more efficient, flexible justice systems capable of adapting to rapid changes, especially in areas linked to modern technology and artificial intelligence.
Key Objectives of the Congress
Abdullah Sultan bin Awwad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice and President of the Federal Judiciary Council, highlighted that the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice represents a pivotal moment for international dialogue. It shifts discussions from assessing challenges to formulating solutions, from sharing experiences to building partnerships, and from recommendations to actionable pathways that positively impact human lives and protect the planet.
He emphasised the significance of the inaugural day as it witnesses the adoption of the “Abu Dhabi Declaration,” which they hope will serve as a strategic reference for international work in the coming five years. This declaration aims to translate the consensus of nations into actionable priorities and commitments that enhance crime prevention, evolve criminal justice systems, and strengthen the rule of law.
Focus on Youth Participation
The preparatory meetings for the congress included the inaugural “Youth Forum: Voices for Justice,” held in the UAE over two days of discussions and interactive sessions. This forum highlighted practical ideas and solutions to the challenges related to crime prevention and criminal justice that young people face. A total of 62 young participants from various regions, including 31 Emirati youth from youth councils across the UAE, collaborated with the Federal Youth Foundation to share their experiences on an international platform focused on shaping the future of crime prevention and justice.
The forum concluded with the drafting of a joint youth statement, based on an initial draft prepared by members of the “Justice Generation” initiative. Participants worked collectively to unify their messages, priorities, and recommendations to present to the UAE, which is chairing the 15th UN Congress, aiming to contribute to the development of policies and international solutions, as well as sustainable youth initiatives in the fields of criminal justice, rule of law, and crime prevention.
Significance of the UN Congress
The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is one of the foremost international platforms dedicated to developing policies, standards, and global trends in crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law. This event takes place every five years in different regions around the world, gathering policymakers, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, experts, and various stakeholders to work on effective responses to current and future challenges.
The 15th session marks the continuation of a global process that has spanned over seven decades since the inaugural congress in Geneva in 1955. Previous sessions have significantly contributed to developing international principles and standards related to judicial independence, victims’ rights, prisoner treatment, juvenile justice, international judicial cooperation, extradition, mutual legal assistance, and combating organised and transnational crime.
International Dialogue for Sustainable Solutions
Focusing on accelerating international efforts in crime prevention and enhancing criminal justice and the rule of law, the conference’s main theme is: “Accelerating Action in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: Protecting People and the Planet and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 in the Digital Age.”
The congress will address four primary pillars: developing innovative and evidence-based strategies for crime prevention that support social, economic, and environmental development; enhancing human-centred criminal justice systems that are inclusive and responsive to changing circumstances; addressing organised crime, terrorism, and emerging forms of crime; and fostering cooperation and partnerships, providing technical and material assistance and training at national, regional, and international levels.
Additionally, the discussions will encompass transnational organised crime, cybercrime, drug trafficking, money laundering, environmental crimes, and offenses against children and other vulnerable groups. Participants will also explore the rapid evolution of technology and artificial intelligence, which offer opportunities for improving justice systems while posing legal and ethical challenges requiring global cooperation and legislative frameworks that keep pace with technological advancements.
Agenda and Expected Outcomes
The 15th session is the largest in the history of the congress, featuring 62 high-level participations, including 46 in-person and 16 virtual contributions, alongside general sessions, committees, and thematic workshops. The agenda includes 15 high-level events and over 200 in-person and virtual side meetings, in addition to an accompanying exhibition with 38 showcase platforms, reflecting the diversity of expertise, issues, and initiatives represented. The total space for the congress and the accompanying exhibition is 30,381 square meters, with ADNEC providing 30 meeting rooms and a main hall with a capacity of 1,600 attendees, along with a dedicated media centre accommodating over 400 journalists.
The “Abu Dhabi Declaration” is expected to be one of the significant outputs of the conference, set to be adopted on the first day. This declaration aims to translate international consensus into actionable priorities that will nurture the development of crime prevention and criminal justice systems, delineating collaboration and international efforts during the next five years under the UAE’s presidency of the congress.
The main themes of the declaration will include prevention and resilience; justice and the rule of law; evolving and converging criminal threats; innovation and cooperation. It will address combating organised crime and cybercrimes; the responsible use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies in criminal justice; protection for victims, witnesses, and vulnerable groups; asset recovery and combating illicit financial flows; as well as anti-corruption and financial crimes.
The declaration will also incorporate discussions on enhancing international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and extradition; empowering women and increasing their participation in the criminal justice system while combating violence against them; and protecting children and developing justice systems that cater to their needs.
In preparation for this congress, the UAE has adopted several key initiatives within the “Abu Dhabi Declaration” related to women, children, artificial intelligence, youth, and the environment, further supporting the establishment of more inclusive and sustainable justice systems that can respond to future transformations.
The preparatory consultations held prior to the congress included a ceremonial raising of the United Nations flag and the official handover of the conference halls to the international organisation at ADNEC, signalling the completion of preparations for commencing the 15th session. The UAE aims to collaborate with the UN and partners to establish a platform that fosters extensive international dialogue, prioritising solutions and future development while contributing to the creation of joint responses to current and emerging criminal challenges.