UAE to Champion Global Co-operation Against Cyber and Organised Crime at Upcoming UN Congress

The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is set to establish a comprehensive road map for international co-operation targeting crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law over the next five years. Scheduled to take place at Adnec from September 26 to October 1, the major forum will concentrate heavily on technology-driven offenses alongside emerging threats in financial, environmental, cyber, and organized crime that demand enhanced cross-border collaboration. The high-profile event will culminate in the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, serving as a UAE-led blueprint for future international crime prevention efforts.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Justice, announced that representatives hailing from more than 97 countries—including upwards of 32 justice and interior ministers—will participate in the congress, which is being hosted in the UAE for the very first time. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai on Monday, Mr. Al Nuaimi emphasized that the gathering arrives during a period of rapidly shifting global challenges and conflicts that continue to impact the security and stability of nations worldwide.

“It is also being held amid evolving crimes, including organized crime, cybercrime, environmental crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and crimes targeting children and vulnerable groups,” Mr. Al Nuaimi stated. More than 93 experts are expected to take part in the extensive program, which features 15 major events, approximately 200 meetings, and 38 specialized exhibitions.

Addressing the growing impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on modern criminal justice systems, Mr. Al Nuaimi noted that while these innovations offer vital opportunities to improve law enforcement and crime prevention, they simultaneously introduce significant 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 affirmed. Furthermore, he expressed the UAE's desire for the congress to transition from merely diagnosing challenges to actively developing solutions, shifting away from standard exchanges of expertise toward building tangible partnerships and actionable pathways with measurable impact.

Dr. Hatem Fouad, regional representative for the Gulf region at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, echoed these sentiments, describing the timing of the congress as critical amid escalating global security challenges. He highlighted that the forum will offer an essential platform for countries to join forces against organized crime and terrorism as malicious actors increasingly exploit technology, AI, travel networks, and global supply chains.

“The UAE’s role in supporting the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration would place the country in a leading position in advancing global efforts to prevent crime and strengthen criminal justice systems,” Dr. Fouad remarked. Originally initiated in Geneva in 1955 and convened every five years, the congress remains the premier global platform of the United Nations for addressing crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law.