UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi to tackle technology's role in criminal networks

The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, set to commence in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, will focus on technology's role in criminal networks and international cooperation. The congress, organized by the UN in collaboration with the UAE, will convene government representatives, international organizations, civil society groups, academics, and experts from October 1 to October 1.

One of the key outcomes anticipated is the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which aims to transform international consensus into a five-year set of priorities for crime prevention and criminal justice. The declaration comprises 18 articles and 67 paragraphs, addressing prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, evolving criminal threats, and innovation and cooperation.

Monica Juma, the executive director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, will participate in the congress for the first time in her new role. She emphasized the need to transition from discussing challenges to committing to practical action, including measures to implement the Abu Dhabi Declaration. Juma stressed that governments, the private sector, civil society, young people, and women should all contribute to developing responses to crime.

She highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between technological advancements and the capacity of governments and justice systems to keep pace.

Technology is anticipated to be a central theme throughout the congress, serving as both a tool exploited by criminals and a means to enhance prevention and law enforcement. Juma pointed out that advanced technology does not shield countries from organized crime groups operating beyond national borders. Criminals now leverage technology and disinformation to promote fake job opportunities, recruit victims, and exploit legitimate business supply chains and banking systems. She emphasized that organized criminals exhibit no regard for borders.

Juma underscored the global nature of such threats, which underscores the value of the UN congress as a platform for bringing together countries and other interested parties. She anticipated a diverse representation from around the world. The congress follows a similar event held in Kyoto in 2021. Delegates in Abu Dhabi will evaluate how the proposals from Japan can be further developed to address emerging threats, particularly those accelerated by technology.

Juma expressed optimism that the convergence of crime's impact on communities and the desire for practical solutions would encourage countries to set aside political differences and agree on actionable measures.