# 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/15th-un-crime-congress-in-abu-dhabi
> Updated: 2026-09-29T12:09:59.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 5.

The 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi, running from September 26 to October 1, 2026, has convened representatives from approximately 100 countries to address evolving global criminal threats. The assembly focuses on four primary pillars: evidence-based crime prevention, inclusive justice, innovation in addressing new forms of crime, and strengthening international partnerships.

A central outcome of the congress is the adoption of the ‘Abu Dhabi Declaration’ by acclamation. This global plan addresses rapidly evolving digital threats, including cybercrime, fraud, and trends like ‘crime as a service’ and ‘violence as a service.’ The declaration commits participating countries to increasing the digitalization of legal processes and integrating artificial intelligence into criminal justice responses, provided these advancements include safeguards such as human oversight, transparency, due process, and data protection.

UAE officials, including Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and Undersecretary Mubarak Al Neyadi, have called for enhanced international cooperation, information sharing, and the translation of the declaration’s recommendations into practical national policies. 

During the proceedings, participating nations have begun presenting specific national strategies. Egypt announced a new commitment to justice for the 2026-2031 period, which includes the establishment of regional training centers to combat cybercrime and the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Venezuela has emphasized the necessity of citizen participation in crime prevention and the utilization of digital tools to modernize justice systems. Other delegations, including those from Angola, continue to engage in discussions regarding inclusive justice and the role of digital transformation in combating criminal organizations.

## Claims

- The 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice opened in Abu Dhabi. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted by acclamation. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The congress is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The congress expects between 3,000 and 5,000 participants. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The congress addresses cybercrime, human trafficking, money laundering, and terrorism financing. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The congress focuses on the use of artificial intelligence and digital technology in criminal justice. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Abu Dhabi Declaration aims to set priorities for crime prevention and criminal justice over the next five years. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Abu Dhabi Declaration was adopted during the plenary session. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The congress theme focuses on accelerating crime prevention and the rule of law in the digital age. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The UAE has concluded 140 comprehensive agreements with 53 countries. (single source)
- Egypt announced a commitment to justice for the 2026-2031 period. (single source)
- Egypt plans to establish an Egyptian-African center for training in preventing and combating cybercrime. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Morocco presents crime prevention strategies in Abu Dhabi

Morocco presented its data-driven crime prevention strategies and the work of its National Observatory of Crime at a United Nations Congress in Abu Dhabi.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/morocco-presents-crime-prevention-strategies-at-un-congress-in-abu-dhabi

### 2026-09-27: UN Crime Congress convenes in Abu Dhabi to address global criminal justice

The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is being held in Abu Dhabi, where nations are adopting the Abu Dhabi Declaration to tackle cybercrime and modernize global justice systems.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-crime-congress-in-abu-dhabi-addresses-emerging-criminal-threats

### 2026-09-26: United Nations adopts global plan to combat digital crime

UN member states adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration to combat evolving digital crimes, including cybercrime and AI-driven threats, through enhanced international cooperation and technological safeguards.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-nations-adopts-global-plan-to-combat-digital-crime-1

### 2026-09-24: Abu Dhabi hosts 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice

The 15th UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Congress opened in Abu Dhabi, adopting the Abu Dhabi Declaration to tackle digital-age threats like cybercrime and AI-driven criminal activity.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-hosts-15th-un-congress-on-crime-prevention-and-criminal-justice

### 2026-09-19: UN Crime Congress to address technology's role in global crime

The 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi will address how technology enables rapid criminal profiteering and how digital tools can improve global crime prevention and justice responses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-crime-congress-to-address-technologys-role-in-global-crime

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Cite as: 15th UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/15th-un-crime-congress-in-abu-dhabi
