Director-General/Executive Director
Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am pleased to join you today to discuss the preparations for the 15th UN Crime Congress to be held next year in Abu Dhabi.
As we set the ground for 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we have come since the first UN Crime Congress in Geneva in 1955, and to look at the state of the world today.
For 70 years, the Crime Congress has served as a critical forum for promoting dialogue, forging strong partnerships, and reaching international consensus on key criminal justice challenges.
I was privileged to see this firsthand in Kyoto in 2021 when, despite the global pandemic, Member States came together and adopted a bold declaration that would set the course for our criminal justice efforts over the next five years.
This reminded us that even in times of uncertainty and isolation, progress is possible if we act together.
And I would like to extend our profound gratitude to our previous host Japan and our next host, the United Arab Emirates, for carrying this legacy forward and for its leadership in fostering international cooperation on crime prevention and the rule of law.
Excellencies,
While we have made progress over the past 7 decades, the world today is facing profound change, as we navigate geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advances, and growing vulnerability.
Organized crime is taking every opportunity to exploit these changes, with criminal groups becoming more agile, more adept, and more global.
From trafficking in drugs and persons, to cybercrime and environmental crime, transnational criminal networks are evolving with alarming sophistication.
They are using emerging technologies to evade detection, launder profits, and expand their reach across borders and continents.
At the same time, trust in multilateralism is eroding, inequality is widening, and violent conflicts are weakening the rule of law in too many parts of the world.
This convergence of challenges requires a stronger, more coordinated response from the international community.
A response that looks beyond traditional solutions and embraces innovation, technology, and partnerships.
That is why next year’s Crime Congress is so important. It offers a timely platform to present practical, forward-looking solutions that will define our ability to deliver security, justice, and prosperity today and for future generations.
This ambition is captured in the overarching theme of the Congress, which recognizes the growing interlinkages between crime prevention, criminal justice, the rule of law, and digital transformation.
And we already have a strong foundation to build on.
Over the past two years, you had important discussions on the organization and agenda of the Congress.
You also engaged in extensive regional dialogues earlier this year, together with experts, academia, civil society and youth.
Across all regions, one message rang loud and clear: the time for action is now.
To invest in crime prevention strategies that are grounded in data and built on trust within communities.
To boost cross-border cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, and enhance the capacities of criminal justice and law enforcement institutions.
To harness digital technologies responsibly, in ways that protect people, respect their human rights, and uphold ethical standards.
And to step up efforts against crimes that affect the environment – and last year we adopted an important call to action for stronger law enforcement responses at COP29 in Baku, which we hope to carry forward later this year at COP30 in Belém.
These recommendations and priorities will help guide the direction of the Congress, ensuring its outcomes are relevant and responsive to the realities on the ground.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we enter the final stretch, the stakes are high.
But with political will, strong partnerships, and perseverance, we can make the Congress a resounding success.
I encourage you to use this session of the CCPCJ to its full potential, turning dialogue into direction, and direction into action.
Together, let us ensure the 15th Crime Congress becomes a defining moment in our collective efforts to build peace, justice and security for all.
Thank you.
