03/10/2026
Reflections from the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪🌍
As the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi came to a close, with the adoption of committee reports and closing remarks by the UNODC Executive Director, Ms. Monica Juma, and the UAE Minister of Justice, H.E. Abdullah Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, we reflect with gratitude on a week of meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, partnerships, and renewed commitment to advancing safer, more inclusive, and rights-based communities.
For Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative (SAIYDI), the Congress was also an important opportunity to strengthen connections and build bridges across Africa and beyond. We were privileged to engage with professionals, civil society leaders, government representatives, and international organizations, exchange experiences, and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
We are particularly grateful to Mr. Troy E. Clarke of The National L.E.A.D. Institute, Bahamas, for his valuable participation, moderation, and contribution to our SAIYDI-led ancillary event:
“Human Rights, Digital Safety and Community-Led Approaches to Crime Prevention in the 2030 Agenda.”
His contribution brought an important Bahamian civil society perspective to the conversation and demonstrated the value of connecting local experiences across regions to address shared challenges in crime prevention, community safety, human rights, and social inclusion.
We also cannot forget the valuable contribution of The International Legal Foundation (ILF) for Providing our Special Guest Speaker Ms Jennifer Smith ILF Executive Director and all the distinguished speakers, partners, and delegates who participated in the ancillary event. Their contributions enriched the dialogue by bringing perspectives and experiences from different countries and communities on community-led approaches to crime prevention and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
Key Outcome of the Ancillary Event
One of the important outcomes of our dialogue was a shared recognition among participating delegates of the need for all stakeholders—including governments, government agencies, civil society organizations, communities, young people, and development partners—to strengthen collaborative approaches to crime prevention.
Participants emphasized the importance of developing and supporting programs that:
Promote meaningful community participation in crime prevention and community safety;
Invest in youth empowerment, leadership, education, and opportunities;
Strengthen access to justice, human rights, and essential services;
Protect vulnerable and marginalized populations from violence, exploitation, and criminalization;
Promote digital safety and responsible participation in digital spaces;
Strengthen partnerships between government institutions, civil society, communities, and international organizations; and
Ensure that crime prevention approaches are inclusive, rights-based, community-driven, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.
At SAIYDI, we believe that the conclusion of the Congress is not the end of the conversation. Rather, it is a renewed call to translate knowledge, partnerships, and commitments into practical community-led action.
We give God thanks for the opportunity to participate in this important global platform and extend our sincere appreciation to UNODC - United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, the Congress organizers, participating delegations, civil society organizations, speakers, partners, and everyone who contributed to the success of the Congress and our ancillary event.
We are especially grateful to every individual and organization that contributed their knowledge, experience, time, and voice to this important conversation and not forgetting Stephanie Ellison-Keys for her fund raising effort and Iserhienrhien Joshua for making sure our participation for successful
The Congress may have concluded, but the work continues.
Together, we will continue building safer, inclusive, rights-based, and resilient communities where young people and vulnerable populations can participate meaningfully in shaping the future.
Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative (SAIYDI)
Empowered African Youth Leading Change for a Better World. 🌍
