UAE to call for global co-operation in combatting crime at UN congress

The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will convene international leaders to forge a roadmap for cooperation in crime prevention and criminal justice over the next five years. Held in Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 1, the conference will emphasize technology-enabled offenses and emerging threats such as financial, environmental, cybercrime, and organized crime. The event's climax will be the Abu Dhabi Declaration, a UAE-led initiative for global efforts to combat crime in the years ahead.

Over 97 countries, including more than 32 justice and interior ministers, are expected to participate in the congress, which is being hosted in the UAE for the first time. Abdullah Al Nuaimi, the UAE's Minister of Justice, underscored the urgency of the gathering, stating that it comes amidst rapidly evolving security challenges and conflicts affecting nations worldwide.

He highlighted the rise of organized crime, cybercrime, environmental crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and crimes targeting children and vulnerable groups.

Al Nuaimi also pointed to the growing impact of AI and emerging technology on criminal justice systems, emphasizing their potential to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement while presenting legal and ethical challenges. "Technology must be at the service of justice and of people, who are at the heart and purpose of justice," he stated.

The UAE aims to move beyond merely diagnosing challenges to developing actionable solutions, fostering partnerships, and creating measurable impact during the congress. Dr. Hatem Fouad, the regional representative for the Gulf region at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, emphasized the critical nature of the congress as security threats continue to escalate globally.

He said it would provide a platform for nations to collaborate in addressing organized crime and terrorism, particularly as criminals exploit technology, AI, travel, and global supply chains.

Al Nuaimi concluded that the UAE's leadership in supporting the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration would position the country as a key player in advancing global crime prevention and strengthening criminal justice systems. The congress, which traces its roots back to 1955, will be the UN's premier forum for discussing crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law every five years.