On September 28, 2026, during the 15th session of the United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held in Abu Dhabi, Counselor Mahmoud Helmy El-Sherif, Egypt’s Minister of Justice, represented the nation. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with the central theme: “Protecting People and the Planet in the Digital Age.”
Egypt’s Vision for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
In his inaugural address, Minister El-Sherif articulated Egypt’s comprehensive vision and the national strategies aimed at enhancing crime prevention and the advancement of the judicial system. He underlined significant legislative progress, such as the launch of the new Code of Criminal Procedure and the digitization of judicial processes. Other notable advancements include the expansion of remote litigation capabilities and the establishment of improved protection frameworks for vulnerable populations. These initiatives underscore Egypt’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting human rights in society.
Combatting Financial Crimes and Modernizing Penal Systems
The Minister elaborated on the country’s rigorous measures to combat financial crimes, particularly money laundering and terrorist financing. He highlighted the transformation of penal philosophy within correctional facilities, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. These reforms closely align with Egypt’s presidential initiative, “Decent Life” (Hayah Karima), which prioritizes human development and proactive crime prevention strategies. Through these efforts, Egypt aims to foster a safer environment while ensuring justice and equity.
The “Pledge for Justice” Initiative
During the opening session, Minister El-Sherif unveiled Egypt’s “Pledge for Justice” framework, designed for the upcoming Abu Dhabi cycle from 2026 to 2031. This ambitious initiative encompasses a wide range of strategies targeting organized crime and cybercrime. Key components include creating a focused legislative framework aimed at countering organized fraud and enhancing the nation’s digital forensics capabilities. Additionally, Egypt is poised to finalize its ratification of the UN Cybercrime Convention, strengthen its collaboration with Eurojust, and update the Riyadh Arab Agreement for Judicial Cooperation.
Building Institutional Capacity and Strengthening Partnerships
Integral to the “Pledge for Justice” is a commitment to build institutional capacity via the establishment of two vital regional centers. These are the Egyptian-African Center for Training on Cybercrime Prevention and Combating and the Regional Training Center for Combating Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. These centers are expected to become pivotal in training law enforcement and judicial officials in Africa, fostering a cohesive regional approach to combating crime.
Simultaneously, on the sidelines of the congress, Minister El-Sherif engaged in important bilateral discussions with Ghada Waly, the Executive Director of the UNODC. He emphasized Egypt’s pride in having an African leader at the forefront of the UNODC and reiterated the country’s commitment to ongoing collaboration in judicial training. Through specialized regional centers, Egypt aims to fortify its partnerships, thereby enhancing its crime prevention strategies and judicial effectiveness.
In summary, Egypt’s active participation in the Congress demonstrates the nation’s dedication to strengthening its judicial and law enforcement strategies while promoting global cooperation to tackle emerging challenges in crime prevention.