Senior ministers attending the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi held a series of meetings aimed at converting collective commitments into practical co‑operation on cross‑border criminal threats.
Focus on turning declaration into action
His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, met with justice and interior ministers from several countries on the sidelines of the congress, where delegates adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration on the opening day.
The talks centred on mechanisms to implement the declaration’s priorities over the coming five years, including strengthening national capabilities and enhancing mutual assistance between states to tackle evolving criminal threats.
"The talks focused on issues of common interest and ways to turn the principles of the Abu Dhabi Declaration into practical cooperation between countries."
Delegates emphasised the need for pragmatic partnerships to address a range of matters described in the declaration, from organised crime and cybercrime to corruption, illicit financial flows, extradition and mutual legal assistance.
Items on the international agenda
The congress, taking place at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi until 1 October, brought together representatives from more than 97 countries. Discussions highlighted several cross‑cutting themes that participants said require coordinated responses:
- Organised crime — improving joint investigation and intelligence sharing;
- Cybercrime — building capacity to investigate and prosecute offences that cross borders;
- Responsible use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice — setting safeguards and standards;
- Corruption and illicit financial flows — enhancing tracing, seizure and recovery of proceeds;
- Extradition and mutual legal assistance — streamlining co‑operation while respecting due process.
Officials underlined that the declaration is intended to guide international priorities on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law for the next five years and to act as a framework for practical co‑operation rather than a legally binding treaty.
| Congress detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Event | 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice |
| Location | ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi |
| Duration | Continuing until 1 October |
| Participants | Representatives from more than 97 countries |
Alongside the ministerial meetings, the UAE also used the congress to launch an international initiative addressing environmental crime, signalling a widening of the agenda beyond traditional organised crime to include offences affecting natural resources and biodiversity.
Delegates noted that criminal networks have increasingly diversified activities and revenue streams, with some exploiting environmental crime, corruption and illicit financial systems to conceal proceeds. Participants therefore argued for integrated responses that combine law enforcement, judicial co‑operation and capacity building.
Discussions at the congress also considered technological and ethical questions arising from the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice systems. While acknowledging potential benefits — for example, in case‑management and analytical capacity — ministers emphasised the importance of safeguards to protect fairness, transparency and human rights.
For national authorities, the outcomes of the Abu Dhabi meetings could influence future bilateral and multilateral arrangements on extradition and mutual legal assistance, the sharing of operational intelligence, and support for training and technical assistance to strengthen investigative capacities.
As the congress proceeds, participating states will be watched for concrete proposals on implementing the declaration’s priorities, and for commitments to operational co‑operation that can be translated into investigative and prosecutorial results across jurisdictions.
