From Kyoto to Abu Dhabi: UN Crime Congress opens with pledge-backed Declaration to strengthen digital-age criminal justice
UAE leads UN crime forum, pushing global justice reforms for the digital era
Abu Dhabi: The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice officially opened today in Abu Dhabi with the election of a new President and the establishment of organizational procedures.
The Secretary General of the UN Congress for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, Monica Juma, handed over the presidency to the UAE’s Minister of Justice and Chairman of the federal Judicial Council, Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi. The presidency was handed over from Japan who led the hosting of The 14th United Nations Congress.
“I would like to thank you for the trust you have placed in me, by electing me as the president of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Crime Justice," the minister said and added:
"I look forward to working with all delegations in a spirit of consensus, cooperation, and a mutual respect, the challenges facing the criminal justice system today increasingly transcend borders. They require us to strengthen international cooperation, make effective use of technology, and ensure that our institutions remain capable of responding to both existing and emerging forms of crime."
Legacy of Kyoto to Abu Dhabi
Takashi Yamashita, Minister of Justice, Japan, highlighted the progression of international criminal justice cooperation from Doha to Kyoto and now to Abu Dhabi.
"The ideals we have upheld are to be carried forward through our visits and efforts, put into practice in the best way suited to the changing times," he said.
He described the 15th congress as a vital platform for reaffirming the international community's commitment to the rule of law and advancing collective efforts to strengthen criminal justice systems worldwide.
"I am honored to participate in this 15th Congress, building upon the achievements and legacy of the Kyoto Congress, starting as a bridge from Kyoto to Abu Dhabi," he added.
He called in on all the delegates from over 110 countries attending the UN congress, "Now is the time for us to flex our cooperation and solidarity, and to advance together towards our common goal."
The 2021 Kyoto Congress led to the creation of the Kyoto Declaration and helped develop the Kyoto Common Strategies which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2025. They facilitated new international partnerships through global youth forums, training more than 3,900 participants in legal programmes.
The Abu Dhabi Declaration
The Abu Dhabi Declaration is among the most anticipated outcomes of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. The draft comprises 18 articles and 67 paragraphs, structured around four key pillars; Prevention and resilience, justice and the rule of law, evolving criminal threats, and innovation and cooperation.
Commenting on the draft, Monica Juma said the objective of the Abu Dhabi Congress goes beyond discussing challenges to secure commitments to implement concrete measures and practical actions, with follow-up mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration.
"The Abu Dhabi Declaration gives a good starting point. However, a declaration is only as good as its implementation. That is where the Pledge for Justice initiative can make a difference. It can help turn political commitments into practical action and keep us focused on what justice means in the lives of people and communities. I am particularly pleased to learn that we already have over 40 pledges, and I encourage all of you to make strong, concrete commitments of your own," she said.
UAE pledges USD 5 million
The opening ceremony also served as the launch point for Pledge4Justice, a platform created to turn political commitments into concrete action supporting the implementation of the Abu Dhabi Declaration, while contributing to broader progress in crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law.
As the first contribution under this initiative, the UAE announced a pledge of up to USD 5 million, to be delivered through annual payments of up to USD 1 million across a five-year period spanning 2026 to 2031. This reflects the UAE's dedication to backing global effort aimed at reinforcing justice system.
Through this pledge, the UAE seeks to drive forward the priorities set out in the Abu Dhabi Declaration over the coming five years, offering practical programmes, partnerships and resources that enable countries and institutions to act on their commitments and strengthen the capacity of criminal justice system to meet both present and future challenges.
Future objectives with focus on the digital age
Al Nuaimi focused during the opening mainly on how prevention and accountability function within a changing digital age, where AI and assisting technology have become deep-rooted in our everyday lives.
"The international community continues to face the ongoing challenges of crime and violence in all their new and emerging forms, including how to confront organized crime, financial crime, human trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. Technology will be both the enabler of progress and as a source of emerging risks. This requires precise mechanisms to protect security and stability, safeguard victims' rights, and ensure their rehabilitation," he stated.
Juma also commented on the changing landscape.
"Technology will continue to innovate and proliferate. Criminal networks will continue to adapt and test our border, our institutions and our responses. Our task is to build systems resilient enough to respond," she said.
The UAE ministry of justice presented a thematic film, where two potential realities regarding digital responsibility was focused on: One where harm is amplified through unchecked sharing, and another where education and proactive institutional support prevent harm before it occurs.
The Congress aims to prevent crime through early intervention, strengthening justice systems to ensure accountability for digital-age challenges, and protection individual rights while maintaining social stability through rehabilitation and education.
“As the president of this Congress, I will do my utmost support constructive dialog among all delegations and to help ensure a productive and successful Congress," UAE's Minister of Justice said.
The Congress features a packed programme of 15 major events, 93 expert speakers, roughly 200 side meetings, and an exhibition showcasing 38 stands. Collectively, these components create a global space for sharing expertise, forging partnerships and converting international consensus into actionable policies, programmes and initiatives.
