Morocco elected vice-president of UN Crime Prevention Congress in Abu Dhabi

Saturday 26 September 2026 - 16:45

Morocco has been elected vice-president of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, strengthening its representation in a major international forum focused on crime prevention, justice systems and the rule of law.

The Kingdom is represented in the Congress Bureau by Azzeddine Farhane, Morocco’s permanent representative to the international organizations in Vienna. He was elected to the position on behalf of the African Group as the UN congress opened Saturday in Abu Dhabi.

Morocco takes a seat in the Congress leadership

The election of Farhane places Morocco among the members of the Bureau responsible for supporting the work of the 15th Congress. Other Bureau members were also elected during the opening proceedings, with the meeting bringing together government officials, ministers, specialists and academics from around the world.

Hosted by the United Arab Emirates through October 1, the Congress is being held under the theme: “Accelerating crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law: protecting people and planet and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the digital age.”

The gathering brings together representatives from 119 countries, reflecting the broad international scope of discussions on the future of criminal justice and crime prevention.

Global cooperation at the centre of discussions

The UN Crime Congress is regarded as a major international platform for policymakers, civil society organizations and other stakeholders working on crime prevention and criminal justice.

Its agenda includes discussions on international cooperation, effective crime-prevention policies and comprehensive approaches to criminal justice. Participants are also expected to examine experiences and initiatives that can contribute to strengthening the rule of law at both national and international levels.

The focus on the digital era adds another dimension to the discussions, as governments and justice institutions confront rapidly evolving challenges linked to technology, while seeking to ensure that digital transformation supports public safety and access to justice.

More than 5,100 participants expected

The Abu Dhabi meeting has attracted more than 5,100 participants, including more than 40 justice ministers and 93 speakers representing states and regional groups.

The programme also includes 62 high-level participations, with 46 representatives attending in person and 16 joining remotely.

Beyond formal discussions, the congress provides a platform for governments and other institutions to exchange practical experiences, present initiatives and explore new forms of international partnership.

Towards practical outcomes

The discussions in Abu Dhabi are intended to translate international dialogue into concrete measures capable of supporting crime prevention, effective justice systems and respect for the rule of law.

The presence of Morocco in the Congress Bureau through its representative for the African Group comes as countries seek to deepen cooperation on criminal justice while addressing emerging challenges associated with technological change and sustainable development.

The event is also expected to contribute to longer-term international efforts aimed at improving justice systems and developing comprehensive approaches to crime prevention, with participants looking to establish partnerships and outcomes that can continue beyond the congress itself.