UAE Hosts UN Congress, Adopts Landmark Abu Dhabi Declaration on Criminal Justice
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is currently hosting the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which commenced on September 26, 2026, at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The prominent international event, scheduled to run until October 1, has convened representatives from nearly 100 nations, including more than 30 justice and interior ministers, alongside a broad spectrum of senior legal officials, judges, prosecutors, and experts from across the globe.
A significant outcome of the opening session was the formal adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration. This crucial document is set to serve as the Congress’s primary political and strategic output, designed to guide global priorities and foster international cooperation in the realms of crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law over the forthcoming five-year period.
Pillars of the Abu Dhabi Declaration
The Abu Dhabi Declaration is structured around four core pillars: prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, evolving and converging criminal threats, and innovation and cooperation. These pillars underpin 18 articles and 67 paragraphs, collectively forming a comprehensive framework for addressing contemporary challenges in criminal justice.
Among the key priorities advocated by the UAE within the Declaration are advancements concerning women and children’s rights, the ethical application of artificial intelligence, and environmental protection within justice systems. The Declaration also addresses critical legal and regulatory issues such as organised crime, cybercrime, and the responsible integration of modern technologies into criminal justice processes. Furthermore, it outlines provisions for the protection of victims, witnesses, and vulnerable groups, alongside robust measures for asset recovery, combating illicit financial flows, and strengthening anti-corruption efforts. The document also reiterates the importance of international cooperation, mutual legal assistance, and extradition mechanisms, while promoting women’s increased participation in criminal justice systems and intensified efforts to combat violence against women and establish child-sensitive justice frameworks.
Launch of Pledge4Justice Initiative
The Congress also marked the launch of Pledge4Justice, an innovative platform designed to transform the political commitments made in the Declaration into actionable initiatives. This platform aims to galvanise practical support for the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration and contribute to the global advancement of crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law.
In a strong demonstration of its commitment to these international endeavours, the UAE announced an initial pledge of up to USD 5 million to the initiative. This will comprise annual contributions of up to USD 1 million over the 2026-2031 period, underscoring the nation’s dedication to supporting international efforts to bolster justice systems, enhance capacity building, and ensure the Congress’s outcomes deliver sustained impact across communities worldwide.
The Congress, themed “Accelerating Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice and the Rule of Law: Protecting People and Planet and Achieving the 2030 Agenda in the Digital Age,” features a robust agenda including 15 major events, 93 speakers, 200 side meetings, and an exhibition showcasing 38 stands.