UAE calls for stronger cross-border justice measures to combat cybercrime and organised crime.
ABU DHABI: The UAE has urged greater international judicial cooperation to confront the rising challenges posed by organised crime, cybercrime, financial offences and environmental crimes, as Abu Dhabi hosts the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
Mubarak Al Neyadi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Justice, said the Congress is taking place at a time when criminal activity is increasingly crossing national borders and evolving alongside rapid technological developments.
Al Neyadi emphasised the need to develop more proactive and resilient justice systems, backed by stronger international cooperation built on trust, faster responses, effective sharing of information and evidence, and continued capacity-building.
He said the Congress provides an important platform for turning international commitments into practical action, helping criminal justice systems become more effective and better equipped to address emerging and evolving threats.
Focus shifts to implementation
One of the key outcomes of the Congress is the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, which the UAE sees as the beginning of a new phase centred on implementation, follow-up and assessing the impact of international commitments.
Al Neyadi said that over the next five years, the UAE will continue to strengthen international legal and judicial partnerships, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices, and support efforts to maintain momentum in implementing the declaration.
Al Neyadi said these efforts would help improve the security of communities, strengthen public trust in justice institutions and reinforce the rule of law as a key foundation for stability and sustainable development.
He added that the success of the Congress would ultimately be measured not only by the declarations and recommendations it adopts, but by how effectively governments and institutions turn those outcomes into policies, initiatives and programmes that deliver tangible benefits to communities and enhance security.
The UAE believes that effective implementation can further build confidence in justice systems, uphold the rule of law and contribute to safer and more stable societies.
Tackling emerging crime threats
The Congress will also focus on the evolving nature of crime and the new challenges arising from rapid technological developments.
Al Neyadi said the increasingly cross-border nature of modern criminal activity makes closer coordination between countries and regional and international organisations increasingly important.
He highlighted the need to strengthen mechanisms for exchanging knowledge, expertise, information and evidence, while expanding capacity-building programmes that enable countries to develop more coordinated and effective responses.
Discussions are expected to explore innovative approaches to combating organised crime, transnational crime and cybercrime, alongside other emerging threats linked to technological change.
Building international consensus
Al Neyadi said one of the Congress’s main objectives is to build international consensus around the key priorities and areas of action for the coming years.
Al Neyadi said building international consensus could help shape stronger policies and legislation while improving the effectiveness of justice institutions and their capacity to address both existing and emerging challenges.
The UAE views the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice as a catalyst for a new phase of global cooperation, with greater emphasis on implementation, follow-up and accountability.
In the longer term, the country hopes the Congress will contribute to building criminal justice systems that are more effective, better prepared and increasingly innovative at both regional and international levels.
