121 Countries Join Abu Dhabi Exhibition on Crime Prevention and Justice
By: FAZLI HAQ
ABU DHABI: The accompanying exhibition of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice remained an important feature of the international gathering at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together government institutions, international organisations, civil society representatives and criminal justice experts to showcase their initiatives, technologies and practical experiences.
The exhibition provided an opportunity for participating countries and organisations to exchange knowledge, present institutional achievements and explore cooperation in crime prevention, law enforcement, human rights, victims’ protection and criminal justice reforms.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the exhibition featured 38 pavilions representing national institutions, international initiatives and non-governmental organisations. The Congress brought together more than 9,000 participants from over 121 countries and more than 205 international and non-governmental organisations.
UAE and International Pavilions
The UAE participated through six national exhibition platforms, including the Ministry of Justice pavilion. These showcased initiatives covering integrity, anti-human trafficking, victims’ protection, youth security, cybersecurity, public accountability and future-oriented governance.
The international exhibition also highlighted programmes aimed at strengthening criminal justice institutions, preventing juvenile delinquency, combating online scam centres, protecting cultural heritage from illicit trafficking and improving equal access to justice.
Civil society organisations presented initiatives relating to nature protection through criminal law, assistance to victims of human trafficking, rehabilitation and social reintegration, and the development of safer communities.
International Organisations and Civil Society
Among the international organisations participating in the Congress was the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), which presented its work on strengthening justice institutions, improving access to justice and promoting people-centred criminal justice systems.
Penal Reform International (PRI) and the Alliance of NGOs on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice also brought together civil society representatives to discuss priorities for implementing the Abu Dhabi Declaration.
Their discussions involved organisations working on prison reform, victims’ rights, human trafficking, criminal justice research and international cooperation.
Senior Officials Visit Exhibition
During the Congress, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, visited the exhibition on September 29.
He toured several national pavilions, including those of the UAE Ministries of Interior, Justice and Cabinet Affairs. He also reviewed the work of the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and the UAE Cybersecurity Council.
He was accompanied by UAE Minister of Justice Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and other senior judicial and government officials.
Global Participation and Exchange of Experience
The Congress brought together representatives of 121 countries and more than 205 international and non-governmental organisations, including government officials, judges, prosecutors, academics, researchers, civil society representatives , Journalists and criminal justice specialists.
The exhibition and accompanying activities provided opportunities for delegates to establish professional contacts, exchange institutional experiences and explore partnerships in addressing transnational crime, cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption and human trafficking.
The overall Congress programme included more than 170 events and ancillary meetings, with the exhibition serving as an important platform for presenting practical approaches to international criminal justice challenges.
