ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The UAE's hosting of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice - Abu Dhabi 2026 represents a strategic milestone in advancing international cooperation at a time when crime increasingly transcends national borders and organised, cyber, financial and environmental threats are becoming more closely intertwined with rapid technological change, said His Excellency Mubarak Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice.
"Responding effectively to these challenges requires the development of more proactive, resilient and future-ready justice systems," Al Neyadi said in a statement, adding that these systems should be supported by international judicial cooperation founded on trust, rapid response, the exchange of information and evidence, and sustained capacity-building efforts, while upholding the rule of law and safeguarding rights.
The gathering of representatives from more than 97 countries in Abu Dhabi, including over 32 ministers of justice and interior, underscores the international community's confidence in the UAE as an active partner in building international consensus and translating it into practical and actionable solutions, he said.
Al Neyadi highlighted the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which reflects the UAE's belief that "the true value of international commitments lies in their ability to deliver tangible and lasting impact for people and communities".
Five-year implementation phase
"The Abu Dhabi Declaration marks the beginning of a new phase focused on implementation, follow-up and measuring impact," Al Neyadi said.
"Over the next five years, the UAE will continue to support international legal and judicial partnerships, promote the exchange of expertise and leading practices, and sustain global momentum behind the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration.
"These efforts will contribute to strengthening the security of societies, enhancing public confidence in justice institutions, and reinforcing the rule of law as a fundamental pillar of stability and sustainable development," he added.
The Congress represents an important opportunity to translate shared international resolve into practical measures that enhance the effectiveness of criminal justice systems and strengthen their ability to respond to evolving challenges.
The dialogue and deliberations taking place throughout the Congress are expected to contribute to the development of more innovative approaches to addressing emerging issues, while enhancing the capacity of countries to combat organised crime, transnational crime, cybercrime and other threats associated with rapid technological change.
International consensus
"Achieving international consensus on priorities for action in the years ahead remains one of the Congress's principal objectives," Al Neyadi said.
"Such consensus will support the development of policies and legislation, strengthen the effectiveness of justice institutions, and enhance their ability to respond to both current and future challenges."
The transnational nature of many contemporary crimes further underscores the need for deeper coordination and integration among countries and regional and international organisations.
It also highlights the importance of strengthening mechanisms for the exchange of knowledge, expertise and information, and expanding capacity-building efforts to support more effective and coordinated responses to shared challenges.
Measuring success through impact
"The true success of the Congress will not be measured solely by the documents and recommendations it produces, but by the ability of governments and institutions to translate those outcomes into policies, initiatives and programmes that deliver tangible benefits for people and enhance the security of societies," Al Neyadi said.
"From this perspective, the UAE views the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice - Abu Dhabi 2026 as a catalyst for a new phase of international cooperation and a platform for strengthening implementation, follow-up and accountability."
"The UAE also hopes the Congress will foster sustainable international partnerships that reinforce the rule of law and drive criminal justice systems towards greater effectiveness, readiness and innovation at the regional and global levels," he added.