UAE Set to Host 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi.
AbuDhabi(News Desk):: The United Arab Emirates is set to welcome the international community tomorrow for the opening of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice – Abu Dhabi 2026, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from September 26 to October 1.
The major international gathering is expected to bring together between 3,000 and 5,000 participants, including ministers, senior government officials, legal and criminal justice experts, representatives of international organisations, civil society, academia, research institutions and youth from around the world.
Representatives from more than 97 countries are expected to attend, including over 32 justice and interior ministers, alongside 93 expert speakers and specialists.
The Congress will provide a global platform for discussions on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law, with participants seeking to develop international priorities and practical approaches for the coming five years.
UAE Highlights Shared International Vision
UAE Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Federal Judicial Council, Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, said the Congress represents an important international platform for moving from identifying challenges towards developing solutions, building partnerships and translating recommendations into practical action.
He highlighted the expected adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the opening day as a significant milestone, saying it is intended to provide a strategic reference for international action over the next five years.
The Minister also stressed the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border criminal challenges and strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice systems.
Youth Forum Produces Joint Statement
Preparatory activities for the Congress included the inaugural “Young Voices for Justice” Youth Forum, held on September 24 and 25.
The two-day forum brought together 62 young people from around the world, including 31 young participants representing Youth Councils across the UAE, in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority.
Participants discussed practical approaches to crime prevention and criminal justice challenges affecting younger generations and worked together to develop a Joint Youth Statement.
The statement, based on a zero draft prepared by members of the Generation Justice (GenJust) initiative, will be presented to the UAE in its capacity as President of the 15th UN Congress. It is intended to contribute youth perspectives to international policies, solutions and partnerships in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.
Seven Decades of UN Cooperation
The UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is held every five years and is one of the leading international forums for developing policies, standards and strategic approaches in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.
The first Congress was held in Geneva in 1955. Since then, the forum has contributed to the development of international principles and standards covering areas including judicial independence, victims’ rights, treatment of prisoners, juvenile justice and international cooperation against organised and transnational crime.
Focus on Justice in the Digital Age
The overarching theme of the Abu Dhabi Congress is:
“Accelerating Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law: Protecting People and Planet and Achieving the 2030 Agenda in the Digital Age.”
Discussions will cover innovative and evidence-based crime prevention, inclusive and people-centred justice systems, organised and emerging forms of crime, and stronger international cooperation, partnerships and technical assistance.
Key issues on the agenda include cybercrime, drug trafficking, money laundering, environmental crime, organised and transnational crime, terrorism, and crimes affecting children and vulnerable groups.
The Congress will also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in justice systems, including their potential to improve prevention, analysis and response capabilities, alongside the legal, ethical and governance challenges associated with their use.
Largest Congress in Its History
The 15th Congress is described as the largest edition in the history of the event.
Its programme includes a high-level segment featuring 62 participants, including 46 attending in person and 16 virtually. The programme will also feature plenary meetings, committee sessions, specialised workshops, 15 high-level events and more than 200 in-person and virtual side meetings.
An accompanying exhibition will feature 38 stands, while the overall event will cover more than 30,381 square metres at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The venue will provide 30 meeting rooms, a main hall with seating for up to 1,600 participants, and a dedicated media centre capable of accommodating more than 400 media representatives.
Abu Dhabi Declaration Expected to Guide International Action
A central outcome of the Congress will be the expected adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the opening day.
The declaration is designed to translate international consensus into practical priorities and commitments during the five-year period of the UAE’s presidency of the Congress.
Its four principal pillars are prevention and resilience; justice and the rule of law; evolving and converging criminal threats; and innovation and cooperation.
Among its priorities are combating organised and cybercrime, promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence and modern technologies, protecting victims and vulnerable groups, recovering criminal assets, tackling illicit financial flows, combating corruption and financial crime, and strengthening international cooperation.
The declaration also addresses mutual legal assistance and extradition, women’s participation in criminal justice systems, violence against women, and child-sensitive justice systems.
The draft declaration follows extensive consultations and negotiations among UN Member States and builds on the Kyoto Declaration adopted at the 14th Congress, while reflecting developments in digital technology, emerging forms of crime and wider social, economic and environmental challenges.
The UAE has supported priorities within the draft relating to women, children, artificial intelligence, youth and the environment, with the aim of advancing more inclusive and future-ready justice systems.
Preparations for the Congress formally concluded on Friday with the raising of the United Nations flag and the handover of the Congress facilities to the United Nations at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
The UAE, in cooperation with the United Nations and international partners, is now set to host six days of high-level discussions aimed at strengthening international cooperation and developing coordinated responses to current and emerging challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice.
