The UAE is gearing up to host the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, attracting global leaders and legal specialists to confront the challenges posed by emerging and transnational crime.
Event Details and Agenda
Scheduled to occur from September 26 to October 1 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), the Congress is set to tackle significant issues, including cybercrime, money laundering, drug trafficking, and organized crime. These discussions will also delve into the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in the realm of criminal justice, aiming to establish effective strategies for response.
A fundamental outcome of the Congress will be the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which aims to serve as a guideline for international collaboration on crime prevention and criminal justice in the coming years. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the UAE Minister of Justice, emphasized that hosting this Congress is not only an international obligation for the UAE but also an opportunity to enhance global cooperation in upholding law enforcement and the rule of law.
Significance of the Abu Dhabi Declaration
Al Nuaimi expressed hope that the Congress will pave the way for a new era of international cooperation. The Abu Dhabi Declaration is expected to transform the commitments made by various nations into actionable strategies, forging meaningful partnerships and initiatives to address crime effectively.
Judge Hatem Fouad, the Regional Representative for the Gulf Region at the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, highlighted the significance of the UAE providing a safe platform for diverse nations to collaborate, even amidst global unrest. He noted that discussions surrounding the Abu Dhabi Declaration have been progressing over the past year, with member states nearing agreement for its adoption at the Congress.
The Role of Technology and AI in Justice
A considerable portion of the Congress will center on the influence of technology in crime and how justice systems can adapt. Abdulrahman Murad Al Balooshi, Assistant Undersecretary for the International Cooperation and Legal Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Justice, shared that the UAE’s contributions will focus on five key areas: children, young people, women, artificial intelligence, and environmental issues.
Al Balooshi stated that there is a dual approach to AI at the event. On one side, discussions will cover how criminals exploit AI for illegal activities. Conversely, there will also be exploration into utilizing AI for improving access to justice, which is encapsulated in the proposed program titled “AI Access to Justice.”
Comprehensive Congress Program
The Congress will feature a robust agenda, including participation from around 93 experts, approximately 15 significant events, 200 meetings, and 38 specialized exhibitions. The discussions will further address critical themes such as the protection of women, children, and youth, along with environmental crime and international collaboration.
Additionally, a Youth Forum will occur prior to the main Congress, aimed at engaging younger generations in dialogue on these pressing issues. The discussions and agreements reached during the Congress, particularly the Abu Dhabi Declaration, are expected to guide the global efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice over the next five years, fostering sustained international cooperation.