15th UN Crime Congress: Plenary meeting 11 – 30 September 2026

Good afternoon, distinguished delegates. I would like to call the 11th meeting of the Congress to order. I invite the Congress to start the consideration of agenda item 6, entitled "Working better together to elevate cooperation and partnerships, including technical and material assistance and trainings, the national, regional and international level in crime prevention and criminal justice. In parallel with the plenary's consideration of agenda item 6, Committee I will begin reviewing the report of the Committee. For its consideration of item 6, the Congress has before it the following documents: Working paper prepared by the Secretariat on working better together to elevate cooperation and partnerships, including technical and material assistance and training at the national, regional and international levels in crime prevention and criminal justice, document A/CONF.241/7. Background paper prepared by the Secretariat on the workshop on turning the digital age into an opportunity, promoting the responsible use of technologies in crime prevention and criminal justice, document A/CONF.241/11. Discussion guide for the 15th Congress on crime prevention, criminal justice, document A/CONF.241/PM.1. Report of the regional preparatory meetings for the 15th Congress, document A/CONF.241/RPM.1/2. A conf.241/RPM.2/2, A/conf.241/RPM.3/2, A/conf.241/RPM.4/2, and A/conf.241/RPM.5/2. 241/LPM.5/2. I now give the floor to Mr. Philippe Meissner from the United Nations Secretariat, who will introduce item 6. Mr. Meissner, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates, dear participants. Today's interconnected world, marked by a rapid change, profound technological advancements and multiple crises, has significant implications on the efforts of Member States to prevent and address crime, reduce violence and deliver justice. Serious forms of crime, ranging from corruption, organized crime and in particular cybercrime, have come to easily transcend national borders and increasingly rely on digital technologies. Criminal justice systems need to innovate and adapt. At the same time, many of these systems continue to be overburdened or suffer from systemic deficiencies that may lead to severe malfunctions, ranging from impunity to impaired access, severe delays and persistent prison overcrowding. Doing better together is essential to address emerging and persisting challenges in crime prevention and criminal justice and to deliver more effective results. As outlined in the working paper for this agenda item, this should encompass efforts to enhance partnerships and collaboration both within criminal justice systems as well as at regional and international level. At national level, overcoming institutional fragmentation among criminal justice actors not only recognizes the interdependence of their work, but also helps to identify systemic pressure points, foster a joint vision, enhance efficiency, and ensure interoperable investments in digitalization. Furthermore, Cross-sectoral collaboration with other line ministries fosters an all-of-government approach to the rule of law and recognizes the social, economic, and health factors associated with offending. Finally, partnerships with non-governmental stakeholders, including civil society, academia, or the private sector, helps to reinforce transparency, accountability, and public trust in the delivery of justice while also mobilizing additional expertise. In this regard, due consideration should be given to the UN standards and norms in crime prevention and criminal justice, which serve as a universally recognized normative framework for effective and fair criminal justice systems. At regional and international level, cooperation has become ever more central to address serious and organized crime, which often evades purely national responses as criminal groups expand their reach and exploit new technologies. Effective cross-border collaboration to counter transnational organized crime is key to identify new trends, respond to mutual legal assistance requests in a timely manner, share important information and evidence, and engage in joint operations. In this regard, due consideration should be given to the ratification and implementation of the United Nations conventions against, inter alia, transnational organized crime, corruption, terrorism, and most recently, cybercrime, as a basis for judicial and law enforcement cooperation. As crime increasingly shifts towards the digital sphere, The adjudication of cyber-enabled crimes and the handling of electronic and digital evidence remains a particular challenge due to persisting capacity shortfalls or disparate procedures. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, carefully tailored and effective technical assistance in crime prevention and criminal justice including training and material assistance, remains an essential ingredient to support requesting Member States in delivering justice effectively, fairly, and in a way that aligns with the profound transformations of the 21st century. Technological advancements certainly offer opportunities for innovation and to enrich traditional training approaches with technology-enabled capacity building. At the same time, cyber-enabled crime and the progressive digital transformation of criminal justice systems create new demands on practitioners and require a stronger integration of digital justice skill development. Let me therefore conclude by reiterating that there is undoubtedly a need to render justice systems fit for the digital age. This said, Such targeted investments should complement and not replace technical assistance that is aimed at strengthening generic capacities as an indispensable foundation on which any criminal justice system must be able to build. I thank you very much for your attention.

Thank you very much, Mr. Meissner. I would like to remind delegates that substantive item 6 was at the regional preparatory meeting of the Congress, discussed together with Workshop 4, entitled "Turning the Digital Age into an Opportunity: Promoting the Responsible Use of Technologies in Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice". Committee II concluded its consideration of Workshop 4 this morning. I would like to invite Madam Wendy O'Brien from the United Nations Secretariat to inform the plenary about the most salient points of the workshop to enrich our discussion on agenda item 6. Ms. O'Brien, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, experts, It is my pleasure to share the following salient points from workshop 4, developed in consultation with the Chair. Member States are encouraged to remain open to the significant potential of using technology in the administration of criminal justice, while ensuring that any use of technology is anchored to the international legal framework, subject to rigorous human rights assessments, and in adherence to principles of necessity, legality, proportionality and accountability. Member States are encouraged to consider that technology is not the objective of the criminal justice system and that any use of technology should be in relation to a clearly defined legitimate need, in accordance with the least intrusive measure and with demonstrable effectiveness and alignment with due process and human rights law. Member states are encouraged to prioritize the use of technology for strengthening access to justice, with promising possibilities to use voice-to-text applications for individuals with auditory disabilities and AI linguistic translation apps. These two examples, along with other apps, that can provide a centralized point of knowledge for law enforcement on the diversity of the communities they serve and contribute to strengthening trust with them. Member States are encouraged to consider adopting technology for digital case management to strengthen the coordinated delivery of criminal justice services and to strengthen transparency and accountability through auditable digital records. Member States are encouraged to consider cooperative mechanisms that would strengthen international efforts to safely and effectively leverage AI to combat the proliferation of online child sexual exploitation and abuse materials, and to place the protection of children and other vulnerable groups at the center of these efforts. Noting that successful digital transformation and confidence in digital systems depends not only on technological infrastructure, but also on institutional preparedness, staff capability and capacity to adapt established practices, Member States are encouraged to consider tailored digital capacity building activities for professionals across the entire criminal justice chain. including on new criminal trends using information and communication technologies and on the responsible use of technology in the administration of criminal justice. Member States are encouraged to consider capacity building initiatives and procedural guidance for relevant court staff to ensure that remote hearings are voluntary and accompanied by suitable technology and support services. as well as clear communication and visibility during proceedings, and the provision of information on support services after their conclusion. Member States are encouraged to develop comprehensive procedures for digital information collection based on principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. ensuring that such procedures embed both privacy and due process safeguards and establish a chain of custody that is subject to judicial oversight. Noting concerns regarding the possibility of feedback loops, and the self-fulfilling prophecy of directing police attention to specific areas or individuals on the basis of historical data that may perpetuate patterns of over-policing. Member States are strongly encouraged to refrain from the use of AI-driven or AI-enhanced predictive policing. Member states are strongly encouraged to consider the risks of the expansive use of digital surveillance technologies, including real-time facial recognition, noting the potential risks to public trust and human rights and due process rights, including equality of arms. Mindful of both the capabilities and the limitations of AI, including bias, opacity, and inaccuracy, Member States are encouraged to consider frameworks for algorithmic justice to address risks of bias, discriminatory outcomes, and to ensure that AI systems uphold fairness, transparency, and integrity in criminal justice. This entails measures to ensure oversight, explainability, contestability, and human-centered design of such systems. as well as human rights impact assessments that cover the full life cycle of the system. Noting the paucity of rigorous scientific evidence to demonstrate the efficacy of using neurotechnology for criminal justice investigations or risk assessment, and noting the significant human rights concerns thereto, Member States are strongly encouraged to refrain from using neurotechnology for brain-based lie detection guilty knowledge tests, or risk profiling. Member States are encouraged to accede to and implement the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, noting the convention's practical benefit as a framework for harmonized efforts to prevent and combat crime committed through the use of information communication technologies. Member States are encouraged to consult relevant Council of Europe instruments, including the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, and to consider signature and ratification as appropriate. Member States are encouraged to consult and implement the comprehensive guidance on the human rights in the administration of justice provided by the respective reports of the United the United Nations Secretary-General. Member States are encouraged to consider the establishment of inter-ministerial bodies to coordinate the formulation of policy governing the use of technology in the criminal justice system, including policies to combat the criminal misuse of technology and to govern the lawful and proportionate use of technologies in the administration of criminal justice. Member States are encouraged to develop trusted relationships with telecommunication providers to ensure digital communication platforms are designed from the outset to provide access to end-to-end encrypted data when lawfully requested. Member States are encouraged to develop strategies to foster inclusive and effective multi-stakeholder partnerships that build trust and a shared agreement about the role of technology in the criminal justice system and criminal justice efforts to combat the criminal use of technology, working in close partnership with private sector actors, academia, civil society organizations, and members of the community. Member States are encouraged to be aware of the need to protect individuals' rights to privacy when considering the implementation of technologies that enhance the authority's legitimate right to know in order to uphold public safety. To design and implement measures that achieve balance and fairness in this dilemma was expressed as desirable. Some participants and panelists expressed concern on the influence and impact upon due process that certain technologies that rely on algorithms or analytical tools that are not transparent may have on legal procedures. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

Thank you very much, Ms. O'Brien. The floor is now open for discussion on item 6. I have now the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana, Her Excellency, Matilda Alomatu Osei Ojaiman. Excellency, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, Ghana firmly believes that effective cooperation and partnerships at national, regional, and international levels are vital for enhancing crime prevention and criminal justice systems. Our nation has consistently prioritized collaborative efforts to tackle crime, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the NOPRIFSEC project, which aimed to strengthen law enforcement capabilities in combating family-related crimes, radicalization, and counterterrorism, among others. These efforts underscore the importance of shared databases and standardized information exchange among security agencies to ensure a unified approach to crime prevention. Mr. President or Madam President, Turning the digital age into an opportunity requires responsible use of technology in crime prevention and criminal justice. Ghana acknowledges the dual nature of digitalization, its potential for societal advancement, and its misuse in cybercrime. To address this, Ghana advocates for mutual legal assistance treaties among states to facilitate information sharing, and expedite investigations of cyber-related crimes. Additionally, we emphasize equipping citizens with digital skills to maximize the benefits of technology while safeguarding against its misuse. Capacity building remains essential to Ghana's approach to criminal justice reforms. We have implemented training programs focusing on ethics and integrity for law enforcement officers, ensuring that they are equipped to uphold justice responsibly. Furthermore, Ghana's commitment to gender-sensitive policies is evident in our integration of human rights considerations into prisons training programs, addressing the specific needs of female prisoners. Madam President, international cooperation is indispensable in combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking and cybercrime. Ghana commends the UNODC for its proactive role in supporting Member States through technical assistance and funding allocation for crime prevention initiatives. we urge continued collaboration among nations to adhere to international standards while leveraging ICT responsibly in administering justice. As we navigate the digital era, Ghana calls for partnerships that promote affordable broadband access, digital entrepreneurship, and e-governance systems. These initiatives align with our vision of creating a single African digital market that fosters economic growth and enhances coordination across sectors. By harmonizing policies and regulations at regional levels, we can unlock the full potential of digitalization for sustainable development. And so by joining 71 other countries to sign the UN Convention on Cybercrime in Hanoi last year, our collective effort in addressing the menace of cybercrime has been emphasized. In conclusion, Madam President, Ghana reaffirms its commitment to fostering cooperation at all levels to elevate crime prevention and criminal justice systems globally. By embracing technology responsibly and strengthening partnerships, we can collectively build safer societies and ensure justice for all. I thank you, Madam President.

I now give the floor. I have now the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Canada.

Merci, Madame la President.

Thank you very much, Madam President. We are navigating an unprecedented time where crime is evolving rapidly, adapting and increasingly crossing borders. We recognize that in order to tackle the increasingly complex transnational threats of organized crime, of corruption, of financial crime and of cybercrime, solid international cooperation is essential. Robust tools for mutual legal assistance and extradition are indispensable, as are mechanisms for sharing information, for coordinating investigations and prosecutions beyond borders. In order to tackle these threats, what we need are reliable partnerships between law and security forces, the private sector and public sectors, indigenous communities, civil society, and academia. In Canada, we wish to underscore that today is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and reaffirm our commitment to further the progressing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in recognizing the errors of the past and implementing a more equitable, inclusive justice system in keeping with the realities of the First Nations, of the Inuit and the Metis. Canada has invested significantly in order to strengthen our police presence globally, as well as our cooperation capacities. We are proud to have established numerous international partnerships, such as the partnership with Interpol, and with a broad range of integrated initiatives for law enforcement. Recent joint operations have equally proven to be most successful, leading to tangible results, such as arrests of fugitives, significant drug seizures, firearms interceptions, as well as the recovery of millions of dollars worth of stolen assets and the effective dismantling of sophisticated criminal networks that were present in numerous states.

By national and regional contexts and priorities, Canada also supports sustainable and locally owned capacity building initiatives across Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East to prevent and counter transnational organized crime. This includes technical assistance, training, and material assistance tailored to local needs. Canada remains committed to working with member states, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and all relevant stakeholders to deepen cooperation, build capacity, and uphold the rule of law. Through continued collaboration, evidence-based crime prevention, and sustained investments in transnational policing capacity, Canada will help enhance our joint ability to detect and disrupt transnational criminal networks, protect our populations from evolving crime threats, and ensure that those involved are held to account and do not profit from their crimes. Together, we can create safer, more resilient communities and ensure that our collective response is equal to the increasingly interconnected threats we face. Thank you, Madam President.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kuwait.

In the name of God, most compassionate, most merciful, Madam President, distinguished heads and members of delegations, we appreciate the reference of the discussion guide on this agenda item to the importance of strengthening cooperation between criminal justice institutions and other national bodies as well as to the development of regional and international partnerships and targeted technical assistance. These issues are of particular importance when combating transnational crime. The success of investigations depends on quick receipt of requests by relevant bodies, the clarity of the requested measure, and the integrity of the evidence to be exchanged. In this regard, we recall the Kyoto Declaration, which referred to strengthened cooperation and training and the leveraging of partnerships in combating cybercrime in accordance with legal safeguards. The draft Abu Dhabi Declaration also attaches importance to mutual legal assistance, the extradition of wanted individuals, joint investigation, the exchange of electronic evidence, and the tracking down of criminal proceeds. This requires clear legislative provisions, in addition to effective communication channels and qualified staff. Regarding the legislative developments within the State of Kuwait, Law Decree 79 of 2025 promulgated international judicial cooperation in criminal proceedings. It entrusted the public prosecution with the exchange of cooperation requests and permitted, as necessary, direct contact with relevant foreign bodies through means agreed upon by both parties. The law also regulated extradition. the transfer of indicted offenders, collecting evidence, hearing witnesses, and the confiscation and freezing of financial assets. It also provided for requesting technical information, establishing communication channels, and the conducting of joint investigations in multinational cases. We recall that this law provided for the rejection of cooperation requests or delays in granting them, including for reasons pertaining to the sovereignty, security, public order of the state, or contradiction with national laws. Law enforcement agencies are thereby made aware of the scope, procedures, and limits of cooperation in line with legal safeguards for concerned individuals. As for capacity building, Decree No. 80 of 2026 promulgated the Law on Judicial Organization, making regular training a requirement for appointment and a core occupational duty. It also provided for reporting as necessary on judicial rulings, as well as case closure rulings by the prosecutor's office. This allows us to leverage judicial applications when reviewing legislations and identifying training priorities. As for partnerships, the state of Kuwait, represented by the Ministry of Justice, signed memoranda of agreement at both the regional and the international level. the Ministry of Justice signed a memorandum with the UNODC at the GCC level for technical consultation and expertise exchange on combating human trafficking. At the national level, a memorandum was signed with the University of Kuwait to support the review and drafting of legislation, as well as comparative legal research. The Kuwaiti Institute for Judicial and Legal Studies also signed memoranda of agreement with national bodies mandated to train personnel. A number of memorandum of agreement were signed regionally and internationally including with national judicial bodies. In conclusion, our delegation proposes that the outcomes on this agenda item focus on the preparation of MLA requests, and the expediting of requests for the preservation and exchange of electronic evidence, as well as the training of judicial officers on digital and financial investigations, not to mention the need to protect victims of crimes. We stand ready to share our expertise in this field in accordance with our international obligations and national legislations. I thank you, Madam President.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Uganda.

Chair, excellencies, distinguished delegates, allow me to join other delegations to congratulate you and the Bureau on your election and assure you of Uganda's full cooperation at this 15th Congress. Chair, no country can prevent or respond to crime alone. Over the past three years, our partnership with UNODC's Strengthening Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, funded by the Netherlands, has translated cooperation into concrete national results. This partnership has strengthened coordination between our investigative, prosecutorial, financial intelligence agencies, precisely the dedicated cooperation mechanisms this Congress on background paper recommends. Building on this, Uganda is establishing a national coordination center for organized crime to extend that model across a wider organized crime response. UNODC supported the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to finalize prosecution-guided investigation guidelines, binding prosecutors and police into a single process. Our mentorship program has reached 189 prosecutors, and four symposiums have trained 400 to 500 stakeholders yearly on organized crime and cyber-enabled crime. Our Financial Intelligence Authority has worked with UNODC to onboard casinos forex bureaus and insurers onto the GoAML anti-money laundering platform, which is a platform we use for reporting for accountable persons. While Penal Reform International has delivered rehabilitation support to over 300 justice-affected persons. Uganda, with support from UNODC, has used its various platforms, the Johan Kagezi Memorial Lectures, the East African Association of Prosecutors, and the Wildlife Interregional Enforcement Network to exchange practice at regional and international levels on organized crimes and child protection, continuing engagement through this network at its next meeting in Nairobi this November. Chair, Uganda was among the first states to sign the UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi, in line with this paper's call to harmonize mutual legal assistance and extradition frameworks. We are modernizing our own decades-old extradition act. Uganda appreciates technical assistance. We reaffirm the value of sustainable, nationally-owned technical assistance over one-off trainings. We call on UNODC and member states to deepen this support for low and middle income countries whose institutions carry disproportionate share of the global crime burden. Uganda stands ready to share its experience and continue building these partnerships. I thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Bangladesh. Excellency, State Secretary, you have the floor.

Thank you. Madam Chair, Bangladesh recognizes the huge importance of a stronger cooperation and partnership in advancing crime prevention and criminal justice. In an increasingly interconnected world, no country alone can effectively address transnational and emerging form of crimes. This Congress, Madam Chair, therefore provides an important platform to strengthen practical cooperation, share good practices, and translate international commitment into effective national action. Bangladesh remains firmly committed to a multidisciplinary approach to crime prevention. Our national strategies integrate law enforcement, social development, community engagement, education, and victim-centered services. We recognize that sustainable results require coordinated action across the government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Madam Chair, information sharing is at the heart of effective cooperation. Bangladesh police utilizes Interpol channels, including I-24/7 secure communication system to facilitate international police cooperation exchange criminal intelligence and support the identification and location of wanted persons. They also facilitate international inquiries and criminal information exchange. At the regional level, we support joint training, operations, and investigation mechanisms. Such cooperation is particularly relevant for trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes. We have signed migration and mobility memorandum of understanding with Italy and Greece and working on signing similar MOUs with other European countries. We also recognize the differences in legal system, procedures, technological capacity, and access to timely information, that these are barriers to cross-border criminal investigation, and we try to reconcile those. We reaffirm our commitment to mutual legal assistance, extradition, and the transfer of sentenced persons, consistent with our domestic legal framework and international obligations. We also expect global support in recovery of proceeds of crimes and corruption. We attach particular importance to specialized technical assistance We'd welcome strength and support from the UNODC and other relevant partners in AI-enabled digital forensics and dark web investigations, cryptocurrency and virtual asset tracing, maritime human smuggling prevention, and gender-responsive policing through the Cascade Training of Trainers program. Madam Chair, we are ready to work closely with all our partners. We believe that through practical collaboration together, we can build a more resilient criminal justice system for everyone. I thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, at present, the criminal landscape is more interconnected than ever.

A fraud scheme may be funded by revenue from drug trafficking or executed by victims of forced criminality and enabled by agents of corruption and the misuse of technology. To navigate this complex landscape and effectively prevent and circumvent these crimes, we must also enhance our coordination and cooperation. One way.

In achieving this effort is through providing technical assistance and training.

Thailand stands ready to continue working with the UNODC and Member States to share our experiences on such topics as the implementation of the Bangkok Rules and alternative development, as well as combating online scams and rescuing trafficking victims. We believe that effective crime prevention and criminal justice must also be right-based and people-centered.

Providing assistance and training must be coupled with timely and effective sharing of information and intelligence. Thailand, through the Royal Thai Police, has launched two key initiatives in this regard. The first is the Anti-Cyber Scam Center, or ACSC, where law enforcement officers and service providers work side by side and across countries. on scam cases. The second is the Scam.

And Human Trafficking Information Exchange and Linked Database, or SHIELD, an online protection for member countries.

To use technology responsibly and share intelligence on scam compounds in a secure and timely manner. We invite all partners to engage with us through this mechanism. Madam President.

I now take the floor on behalf.

Of the Global Partnership Against Online Scams, comprising Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and TikTok. The Global Partnership recognizes that online scams and fraud have developed into an integrated, sophisticated, and technology-driven criminal economy. These organized crime syndicates leverage revenues from one illicit activity to fund another across borders, while exploiting digital technologies, cryptocurrency, and gaps in the rule of law to grow their operations. International cooperation to fight against these crimes remains paramount. This is because these crimes continue to rapidly evolve to span industrial-scale operations and smaller, more mobile, and better concealed activity.

The Global.

Partnership therefore reiterates its commitment to the 2025 Bangkok Joint Statement, which underscores the importance and calls for enhanced international cooperation on prevention of online scams, prosecution of criminal syndicates, protection of victims, including those trafficked for forced criminality, and policy and partnership between all stakeholders, particularly the private sector. I will stand ready to work with all partners to actualize this cooperation.

Thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Armenia.

Thank you. Dear Madam President, ladies and gentlemen. First of all, I would like to thank the organizers for bringing us together and for giving me the opportunity to share Armenia's experience. In the context of today's agenda on strengthening cooperation and partnerships, I would like to focus on one practical question. How international cooperation can make the tracing, freezing, and recovery of illicit assets faster and more effective, particularly in non-conviction-based confiscation proceedings. Today, organized crime and corruption no longer operate within the borders of a single state. Criminal proceeds may be generated in one country, transferred through another, concealed in a third, and ultimately used in a different jurisdiction. In such circumstances, even the most effective national legal system cannot, on its own, ensure effective asset recovery. Since 2020, Armenia has operated a non-conviction-based civil mechanism for the confiscation of property of illicit origin. Its purpose is not to punish a person, but to recover property whose lawful origin cannot be substantiated in accordance with the procedure established by law. Our experience demonstrates that strong national legislation alone is not enough. When assets or relevant information are located abroad, success depends heavily on the speed, quality, and reliability of international cooperation. Differences between legal systems, lengthy information exchange, procedures and different approaches to non-conviction based confiscation can significantly complicate the tracing, freezing, and recovery of assets. This is why professional networks such as COREN and the GLOBE network are so important. They do not replace formal mutual legal assistance. Their value is that they allow cooperation to begin much earlier. Direct contact between practitioners can help identify the competent authority, understand national procedures, obtain preliminary information and prepare more precise formal requests. And in asset recovery, time matters. Every delay increases the risk that an asset may be transferred, concealed, or moved to another jurisdiction. Informal professional cooperation and formal legal assistance should therefore work together. And there are more than statistics. 20 in 2022 Armenia has sent 55 requests to different states through the network and has received 22 requests from foreign counterparts to which the Armenian site has provided relevant information these are more than statistics they demonstrate that effective International cooperation is a two-way process we seek assistance from our partners but we must also be ready to respond quickly when they need assistance from us we should continue strengthening secure information sharing, direct contact between practitioners, cooperation in financial investigations, identification of beneficial owners, and tracing of digital assets. Dear colleagues, ultimately, the principle is simple: crime operates across borders, and our cooperation must be able to do the same. State borders should never become a shield behind which illicit assets can be hidden. If the strength of modern crime lies in its ability to cross borders, then our strength must lie in our ability to cooperate across those borders even more effectively. Thank you for your attention.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, Vietnam believes that effective crime prevention and criminal justice requires strong cooperation at every level, among national institutions, within our region, and with international partners. A notable example is our law on juvenile justice, adopted in 2024. Its development illustrates how national leadership, interagency coordination, and international support can come together to advance meaningful reform. This process brought together judicial and law enforcement institutions and drew on expertise from international partners, including UNICEF, the European Union's Justice and Legal Empowerment Programme, EU JURE, and Germany. It supported a more child-friendly approach to justice, emphasizing diversion, rehabilitation and reintegration. The experience demonstrates that the lasting value of partnership lies in both better legislation and stronger cooperation among institutions responsible for putting it into practice. On this occasion, Vietnam expresses its sincere appreciation to Germany, the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, United Nations agencies, and other partners for their valuable support for our efforts in crime prevention and criminal justice. At regional and international level, we particularly value UNODC's coordinating role in bringing national authorities, development partners and technical equities together, aligning assistance with national priorities and promoting complementary efforts. Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, and UNODC on the hosting of the signing ceremony of Hanoi Convention in Vietnam last year, and with UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific in protecting children online, preventing and combating online scams, and promoting the safe use of virtual assets, to name a few prominent examples. awareness raisings, professional exchanges, and capacity building have strengthened both prevention and criminal justice response. Building on this cooperation, Vietnam and UNODC are working together to establish an Asia-Pacific regional cybercrime hub as a practical platform for training, exchanging expertise, and strengthening international cooperation to prevent and combat cyber crime and support the effective implementation of the Hanoi convention. Madam President, Vietnam stand ready to deepen these partnerships with you and ODC playing a central coordinating role to translate our shared commitments into several communities and more effective and accessible justice for all. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Kenya. Kenya, you have the floor. Awaiting for Kenya, I have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of China.

Thank you, Chairperson. Good evening, everyone.

Crime knows no borders and global challenges demand global responses. Strengthening bilateral and multinational cooperation on crime prevention and criminal justice, while forging closer partnerships, falls squarely on the shoulders of the international community. Developing countries face considerable practical challenges in their criminal justice capacity building and therefore are in more urgent need for technical assistance, material support, and training. Through institutional development, technical and material assistance, personnel training, and other initiatives, the Chinese Government actively assists relevant countries in enhancing their capacities to prevent and combat crime, thereby jointly safeguarding global public security. First, institutional arrangements to establish a stable, long-term framework for cooperation. China consistently supports the operation of multilateral mechanisms through concrete actions. In recent years, it has contributed $800,000 annually to the UNODC Fund for Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to finance cooperation projects. In May 2018, the Chinese authorities and UNODC signed the Plan of Action for Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, identifying priority areas for cooperation, including improving legal aid services, promoting alternatives to imprisonment, advancing criminal law reform, and preventing and combating transnational organized crime, establishing an institutional framework for long-term, stable cooperation and providing sustained support for developing countries in their criminal justice capacity building. Second, focus on capacity empowerment by carrying out extensive training and technical assistance. China and the UNODC have implemented a series of collaborative projects in key areas of criminal justice. On legal aid, we have jointly organized international seminars on criminal legal aid and conducted training courses for countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa. We've developed the handbook on quality of criminal legal aid, compiled draft resolutions on legal aid, and actively participated in drafting and reviewing of relevant UN rules and norms in this field. Regarding judicial assistance, we've co-organized expert meetings and developed a compendium of cases on international cooperation in criminal matters. Regarding prison administration, the UNODC is currently utilizing China's contributions to develop the handbook on probation services. These projects focus on the transfer rules, experience, and expertise, helping relevant countries consolidate their talent pools and institutional foundations while strengthening their endogenous governance capacity. In the field of police training, China organized a major event security training course for Central Asian countries, hosted workshops for international law enforcement liaison officers and conducted programs for police trainees studying in China, covering a range of areas including narcotics, law enforcement, liaison, et cetera, effectively boosting law enforcement capacity building. Third, pursuing practical support for targeted material assistance. Attentive to the action needs of recipient countries, China has rolled out a wide range of small yet smart police material assistance programs. Targeted supplies, including police equipment, communication facilities, and office equipment have been provided to the Solomon Islands and Tajikistan, helping the countries and regions improve their law enforcement conditions and efficacy to prevent and combat crime more effectively, and is being warmly received by the beneficiaries. The success of cooperation on crime prevention and criminal justice lie in action and perseverance. Together with all parties, China stands ready to uphold fairness and justice, shared security and prosperity, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for humanity. First, The principle of sovereign equality and non-interference, respect the judicial systems and development paths independently chosen, and conduct cooperation without attaching political strings or double standards. Second, the UN-centered international system, leverage the UNODC as the primary channel, practice true multinationism, oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of criminal justice cooperation. Third, a development-oriented approach, channel more technical assistance and training towards developing countries, help relevant countries boost their momentum and bridge gaps in their criminal justice capacity.

Thank you. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa.

Thank you, Madam President, distinguished delegates and friends of the Congress. As we take the floor under this final substantive agenda item, we wish to once again express our sincere appreciation for your able and exemplary leadership at this juncture. South Africa reiterates that strengthened cooperation and strong partnership at national, regional and international level are indispensable for effectively advancing crime prevention and criminal justice. At national level, South Africa combats transnational organized crime through close coordination among key state institutions to strengthen intelligence sharing, coordinate complex investigations, and pursue an integrated, multidisciplinary response to organized criminal networks. Complementing these efforts, South Africa has enhanced strategic public-private collaboration in addressing organized financial crime and fraud. These mechanisms facilitate real-time information exchange, joint risk analysis, and coordinated disruption strategies. At the regional level, the South African Regional Police Chiefs' Cooperation Organization A subsidiary body under the SADC facilitates regional police intelligence sharing and joint crime prevention operations and investigations. The cross-border investigations and prosecution of perpetrators are enhanced by the SADC Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition Treaties. regional mechanisms to combat and complemented by continental bodies such as the African Union Mechanism for Cooperation. At the international level, South Africa pursues a multi-layered approach to combating transnational organized crime. As an effective state party of international legal instruments such as UNTOC, UNCAC and three international drug control treaties. South Africa cooperates with other states in areas such as mutual legal assistance, extradition, joint investigations and technical cooperation. We have further negotiated and concluded both MLA and extradition treaties with a number of countries. This agreement provides an essential legal framework for cooperation in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of transnational organized crimes, enabling the effective exchange of evidence and facilitating the tracing and recovery of illicit assets. South Africa has also made a significant stride to strengthen the processing of requests for MLA and extradition, including utilising video conferencing for engagement with foreign states on extradition of fugitives, which is a valuable tool in ensuring fast and efficient cooperation. It is as a result in cost effective enhanced accessibility and facilitates broad participation of multi-stakeholder for various inter-agencies. Madam President, South Africa recognize the significant process made in international efforts to enhance international cooperation through the use of technology. However, access to this digital technology still remains a challenge to African countries. Some of the challenges confronting our countries include limited access to technology such as reliable, quality and cost-efficient internet, poor technological infrastructure, skills and knowledge deficits, inadequate cyber measures, and overall lack of financial resources. Hence, Madam President, it is in the heart of the Republic of South Africa's efforts to provide unified strategies for securing cyberspace, protecting critical infrastructure, and establishing governance structures. Cybersecurity Hub was established to facilitate cooperation between cyberspace, private sector, civil society to exchange threat intelligence. To this end, South Africa urges the international community, including Member States and other donors, to avail the necessary and unburdened extra-budgetary resources through UNODC to enable countries to develop cumulative knowledge in the area of international cooperation in criminal matters through the use of technology and innovative tools. This necessitates training and capacity efforts to equip authorities involved in international cooperation in criminal matters with the necessary skills and knowledge. This also includes facilitating access to global database and necessary technological tools, as well as encouraging the sharing of good practices in cybersecurity and data protection so that developing countries can effectively combat cybercrime. Through regional offices of UNODC for Southern Africa, South Africa has provided technical assistance and capability, capacity building measures to regional partners by conducting specialized training on financial investigation techniques and developing asset recovery strategies in line with UN and UN standards. To conclude, Madam President, fellow delegates and friends, South Africa calls upon Member States to strengthen efforts in providing capacity building and technical assistance and to extend the widest measure of international cooperation in accordance with UNCAC and UNTOC. We stand ready, Madam President, to collaborate with all to ensure that digital age becomes a force for good in the global fight against crime while upholding the values and fairness, quality and human dignity. I thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy, Ambassador Deborah Lepre. You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam President. International cooperation is not an additional element in the fight against transnational crime. It is a condition for success. Italy learned this lesson through its own experience. Judge Giovanni Falcone understood very early that organized crime could not be fought effectively within national borders alone. His insight remains remarkably current. Complex criminal networks require equally connected responses. But today, more than ever, cooperation means much more than cooperation across borders. It means connecting institutions within our countries, breaking down silos across the criminal justice system, and working with actors beyond, from civil society and academia to the private sector. Italy's experience shows the value of this all of society approach. Cooperation beyond government can strengthen prevention, protect the legal economy from criminal infiltration, and help building more resilient communities. The same logic applies internationally. No organization can address the full complexity of today's criminal challenges alone. We need stronger cooperation among states, international and regional organizations, operational networks, and specialized institutions, each contributing according to its mandate and expertise. This is where UNODC can make a distinctive contribution. Its strength lies in connecting the dots across different areas of expertise, but also among member states, other organizations, and different stakeholders. This also means making the best use of specialized capacities across the UN system, including those of institutes such as UNICRI, drawing on their distinctive institutional profile and long-standing specialized expertise. Operational cooperation matters just as much. Cooperation is most effective when it connects practitioners directly. Judicial and law enforcement networks, as well as other operational platforms, help translate formal commitments into practical results and build trust among competent authorities. Italy's contribution to the development of Interpol's Silver Notice and its request for the first-ever notice is one example of how practical tools can translate information sharing into action. Experience also shows that effective cooperation is essential to trace criminal assets across jurisdictions and prevent criminal organizations from preserving their economic power. Technical assistance should follow the same approach. It should not simply transfer models from one country to another, but be nationally owned, tailored to actual needs, and focus on sustainable results. Its ultimate objective should be to help countries build their own institution, expertise, and long-term capacities. Last but not least, training and assistance should increasingly connect practitioners and expertise across region, including through South-South, North-South, and triangular cooperation. The discussion of this Congress point for stronger interagency coordination, broader partnerships, more effective international cooperation, and assistance that builds lasting national capacity. The message for Italy is simple: cooperation must become broader, faster, and more connected. No institution has all the tools required to address today's criminal challenges. This is particularly true in the digital era. where criminal activities, evidence and illicit financial flows increasingly move across borders and jurisdictions. Ultimately, working better together means making the most of our complementarity strength across institutions, borders and mandates. At a time when the international system is called upon to become more credible and effective, the challenge is to turn cooperation into results. Thank you, Madam President.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Thank you, Madam President. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to begin by appreciating the efforts made for the organization of the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. As crime become increasingly transnational and sophisticated, no country can effectively address them in isolation. It's strengthening a genuine collective response through effective, inclusive, and deep politicized international cooperation is therefore essential. In this regard, compliance by member states with their obligations under the relevant international conventions to which they are parties remain of utmost importance. In fighting crime, we shall bear in mind the acute challenges that member states, in particular, developing countries face. As paragraph 67 of the Kyoto Declaration explicitly states, effective international cooperation plays a fundamental role in preventing and combating crime. And states should address and respond effectively to international challenges and barriers, in particular measures that hinder such cooperation and are inconsistent with the charter of the United Nations and obligations under international law. In this context, the application of unilateral coercive measures and their extra-territorial effects continue to impede effective international cooperation and collective response to transnational crime. Such measures, as well as the broader effect on international cooperation, may create significant obstacles to the full and equal participation of member states in international crime prevention and criminal justice efforts. We are particularly concerned that UCMs, including the overcompliance of businesses and other stakeholders, can hinder equal access to technical assistance, capacity buildings, equipment, and relevant technologies. As a result, important technical assistance and capacity building projects in developing countries may face serious and continuing obstacles limiting their ability to strengthen national capacities and contribute effectively to collective efforts against transnational crime. We would like to remind Member States of their international obligations to provide the necessary international cooperation in removing persistent challenges to asset recovery as an integral component of collective response to transnational crimes and an important means of protecting the right of victims. Madam President, to conclude, promoting, facilitating, and supporting the widest possible measures of technological assistance, capacity building, transfer of technology, financial and material support, and training can play a significant role in preventing and combating crime. So restriction and limitations that impede such cooperation should be addressed and removed. in accordance with international law, without discrimination or politicizations. Our collective efforts will be most effective when international cooperation is inclusive, not discriminatory, and genuinely responsive to the needs and circumstances of all member states. Thank you, Madam President.

I now have the floor, and I have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Japan.

Thank you, Madam President. In a rapidly changing world, preventing crime and upholding justice requires cross-collaboration among governments, civil society, and local communities. As reflected in the Kyoto Declaration and the affirmed Abu Dhabi Declaration, strengthening crime prevention and criminal justice requires enhanced international collaboration and multi-stakeholder partnerships. Based on these principles, Japan is committed to deepening cooperation and partnerships in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. First, Japan actively promotes international cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, to address transnational crime. As organized crime and cybercrime become increasingly complex, Japan utilizes both bilateral and multilateral frameworks to provide timely and effective cooperation. For example, Japan has demonstrated leadership in the field of mutual legal assistance through developing a handbook on mutual legal assistance under the criminal justice forum for Asia and the Pacific, CLIP-AP, convened by the Ministry of Justice of Japan, on four occasions to carry forward the legacy of the Kyoto Congress. Second, Japan is strengthening international cooperation in the fields of collections and community-based rehabilitation. Japan contributes to improving the quality of correctional administration and leadership through the Asian Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators, a platform for sharing knowledge and experience among correctional authorities. Japan also plays a global leadership role in advancing community-based approaches to reducing reoffending through its active engagement in the World Congress on Probation and Parole and its hosting of the World Congress for community volunteers supporting offender reintegration. In particular, Japan remains committed to championing the indispensable role of community volunteers, including Hogoshi or volunteer probation officers in Japan, and to encouraging the broader adoption of community-based volunteer systems around the world. Third, Japan places great importance on capacity building assistance for various countries, including technical assistance provided through UNAFE, which is operated by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the United Nations. Through international training programs, seminars, and forums, UNAFE has supported capacity building of criminal justice practitioners from 144 countries and regions. In partnership with UNODC, UNIFAI has also delivered a wide range of technical assistance in various areas of criminal justice, including mutual legal assistance, cybercrime, organized crime, and anti-corruption. Under the spirit of Kyoto Declaration and Abu Dhabi Declaration, Japan will continue to deepen cooperation with member states, international organizations, and civil society. Thank you very much.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia.

Thank you, Madam President.

Colombia wishes to underscore an increasingly obvious fact when it comes to the varying forms of crime. Many crimes, including drugs trafficking, trafficking in persons, deforestation, and asset laundering, at some stage, all include elements or features that are linked to the digital environment. Now, this reality poses new challenges to criminal justice cooperation. While cooperation between and among states remains indispensable, It is equally significant that we further strengthen coordination with other actors that have knowledge, capacity, and relevant infrastructure for the identification, preservation, and obtaining of digital evidence. In particular, the private sector plays a key role here, given its participation in the operation and administration of a significant share of technology infrastructure where this evidence can be found. Our experience has highlighted this challenge. While the State Prosecutor of the Nation has developed protocols in order to guarantee the integrity of digital evidence, one of the main challenges we face is the fact that a growing proportion of this evidence is found in servers outside of our jurisdiction. Overcoming this challenge requires efficient and expedited means for coordination with service providers geared towards the timely preservation and obtaining of digital evidence and flagging reports related to illicit contents. President, we believe that further strengthening cooperation in the criminal justice sector in the digital environment requires making progress along three lines: Firstly, efficient mechanisms for exchanging and obtaining electronic evidence; safe and efficient channels for communication with technology service providers, and further strengthening national capacity for digital forensic analysis and investigation. These efforts should be channeled through close cooperation among States, the private sector, the technical community, and academia, respecting the applicable legal frameworks and fundamental safeguards. To that end, we restate our readiness to continue sharing experiences and good practices, as well as contributing to international efforts that are geared towards building the capacity within our criminal justice systems in order to provide an effective response to the challenges posed by technological change. Thank you very much.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Indonesia.

Madam President, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen. Allow me to express Indonesia's appreciation to you, Madam President, for leading this important meeting. Indonesia wishes to emphasize that continued technical assistance, capacity building and training, supported by data and technology, remain essential to strengthen effective and resilient cooperation at the national, regional and international levels in the field of criminal justice. Equally important is the need to ensure that sustained and needs-responsive technical assistance, complemented by strengthened regional and international cooperation. The support and expertise of the UNODC can play an important role in enhancing the capacity of developing countries. Such efforts shall contribute to providing States, particularly developing countries, with the necessary tools, technologies, knowledge and expertise to strengthen their national capacities and to effectively prevent and combat transnational organized crime, including emerging and technology-enabled forms of crime. Building on this framework, Indonesia calls for the strengthening of mechanism for mutual legal assistance, extradition, joint investigations, and the exchange of evidence, including in electronic form, as well as for the freezing, seizure, confiscation, and return of proceeds of crime. Their effectiveness, however, often depends on early consultation between competent authorities and practitioners. Such consultation can clarify the legal basis, evidentiary standards, certification, asset location, and timing before a formal request is transmitted. Indonesia, therefore, supports the secure focal point arrangement and prosecutor to prosecutor networks, including the newly established ASEAN Prosecutors Attorney General meetings, as well as asset recovery networks. In this context, Indonesia invites states and UNODC to develop practical pre-MLA consultation protocols, specialist directories, secure communication channels, and simulation-based training. Madam President, Indonesia has undertaken a range of measures and initiatives that focus on strengthening national capacities, deepening international and regional cooperation, enhancing the exchange of information and good practices. Indonesia continues to strengthen bilateral and regional frameworks for mutual legal assistance and extraditions, with a view to strengthening accountability and addressing gaps in the effective investigation and prosecution of cross-border offences. Finally, Indonesia stands ready to work constructively with all Member States and UNODC to translate the commitments of Abu Dhabi Declaration into measurable outcomes through international cooperation and partnerships. I thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation.

Thank you very much, President, for giving this delegation the floor. One of the priority areas of international legal cooperation when it comes to countering crime remains cooperation. with the relevant bodies of foreign states in providing mutual legal assistance in criminal cases, as per international agreements and on the basis of the principle of reciprocity. For example, here, from 2022 to 2025, the Investigative Committee, which I represent, has organized the implementation of more than 6,000 MLA requests regarding various categories. However, Compliance with the principle of reciprocity is not something we've seen with respect to our requests. The trend of past years has been such that Russian law enforcement bodies often come up with the issue of their so-called tacit refusals, namely, no response given to our MLA requests. We continue to get official refusals from foreign colleagues regarding the implementation of Russian MLA requests for political reasons. and also non-compliance owing to formal reasons. In this regard, allow me to again call on the representatives of all states today joining the new guiding document regarding the need for real cooperation. Russia has always stuck to the principle of carrying out MLA requests based on compliance with the principles of legality and the international obligations of the country, including political objectivity. MLA requests are satisfied through a professional approach, with the main goal of cooperation being, obviously, combating crime in any form. The Investigative Committee, having assessed risks owing to the use of ICTs in the financial sector over the past years, has significantly stepped up law enforcement capacity when it comes to investigation of cybercrimes, as well as unlawful activities through unlawful financial operations, as well as the financing of terrorism. Today, with the assistance of neuron networks, our investigators are improving the quality of the digital traces of crime and are processing large volumes of data, telephone calls, registration of biometric information, and blockchain analysis of cryptocurrency transactions. Yet, given the transnational nature border nature of these type of crimes. One country alone can't effectively counter them. That is the reason We attach great importance to international cooperation in exchanging best practices and ideas for professional skilling with law enforcement specialists from foreign countries. For an example, along these lines, we have a lecture course. Upon invite from the UNODC, we conduct these at the University of Morocco for auditors from African countries. In the Eurasian group, counter the proceeds of crime and financing of terrorism, experts from our department, on a constant basis, meet with their counterparts so as to implement a series of standards for countering the laundering of proceeds of crime, the return of assets, and seizure of property from criminals. And now I would like to give the floor to my colleague from the Ministry of Justice.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen, improving cooperation is of utmost importance for criminal justice, and I'd like to touch upon this briefly. Crime is changing at a breakneck pace. It is becoming more transborder and high-tech in nature. Today, combating it requires state-of-the-art cooperation between states. on a totally new level. And now we should not just be thinking about the content of international cooperation, but also its formats, namely encrypted channels to ensure the transfer of genuinely legal requests. There are direct, sophisticated and encrypted electronic channels for law enforcement bodies between various countries to exchange. However, the judiciaries don't have this type of global and encrypted e-channel system. Global law enforcement cooperation lives in the era of a faster-than-light airplane, but the judiciary instead uses the Orient Express. Paper and diplomatic mechanisms for transfer of legal requests are not keeping pace with digital challenges. and are thus unable to effectively prevent crime. I would like to touch upon an important measure in this field. That is, namely, where convicts serve their sentence in their home country. And this is an important measure of criminal justice. Through cooperation between the Russian Federation and CIS countries, There is a network dedicated to this very issue that is to ensure the transfer of convicts back to their home country for serving of sentences. Ladies and gentlemen, we hope for enhanced crafting of a global network for the exchange of legally significant requests in criminal justice. We think this should be a priority in international cooperation in justice. Thank you.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Argentina.

Thank you very much, Madam President. For Argentina, having clear and predictable international legal basis is fundamental in order to facilitate cooperation between states. Our national law on international legal cooperation in criminal matters establishes a principle for the broadest possible cooperation and in the absence of treaties or agreements, allows us to provide legal assistance and to approve extradition on the base of reciprocity. In turn, we use as our legal premise the Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, the Convention against Corruption, and other multilateral and bilateral conventions on international criminal cooperation. Our experience has shown us that signing, ratifying, and effectively implementing these instruments can extend the possibilities for cooperation. It equally makes it easier to identify competent authorities, as well as valid and effective channels for communication, as well as the necessary requirements for successful cooperation. Inter-institutional coordination is a vital tool, not only among criminal justice entities, but equally with our central authorities and other state-level entities that are involved in international cooperation. In Argentina, Interpol plays a very relevant role in this regard. There is a strategic link supporting daily work between Interpol's National Central Office in Buenos Aires and the Argentinian Central Authority on legal cooperation in general, and in particular, tackling new and emerging crimes. However, this coordination does not replace formal channels for cooperation. Only these formal channels can ensure compliance with the due requirements and safeguards that are set forth in international instruments and in domestic law. When it comes to complex cases, effective cooperation hinges on trust and confidence. among our peers abroad and equally among all actors involved nationally. Therein lies the need to help build this trust and confidence based on compliance with requirements and standards set forth in existing international instruments that we draw on. Differences between legal systems can impede effective cooperation. That is why, wherever necessary, we must promote the harmonization of proceedings, models, and good practices, as well as training. For that purpose, in September 2026, the Foreign Ministry organized a day on international cooperation in criminal matters, which was attended by judicial authorities, prosecutors, the National Directorate on Migration, the Interpol Department of the Federal Argentinian Police, as well as the Financial Intelligence Unit. The following topics were addressed: extradition, remote hearings, obtaining electronic evidence, and the recovery of virtual assets. Furthermore, we would underscore the usefulness of the joint investigative teams. We use these joint investigative teams in keeping with the premises set forth in the United Nations Conventions and regionally as set forth in the Framework Agreement of Mercosur. In particular, we would like to... underscored the challenges that we face in terms of electronic evidence, normative differences, the lack of procedural tools, changes in the rules applied by service providers, and excessive bureaucracy make it difficult to obtain and use such evidence. That is why we promote common criteria for the preservation of digital intelligence, the custody chain, and the safe transmission of such intelligence. The use of artificial intelligence in this regard must be compliant with international law and must for safeguards in terms of upholding fundamental rights, due process, and the protection of personal data. Therefore, we are reforming our international criminal cooperation law as part of an inter-ministerial panel of work in order to include specific mechanisms for obtaining digital evidence. We restate our readiness to extend the broadest possible cooperation to countries at their request. Furthermore, we stand equally ready to continue promoting an exchange of experience and specialised knowledge, as well as contributing to cross-border training in order to strengthen mechanisms for cooperation and coordination among the competent authorities of the various states. Thank you very much, Madam President.

I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Thank you very much, Chair. The United Kingdom firmly believes that effective crime prevention and criminal justice systems depend on strong partnerships. No country can address increasingly complex and transnational crime threats alone. We therefore underscore the importance of technical assistance, peer-to-peer cooperation and mutual learning in strengthening criminal justice institutions. By sharing expertise and best practice, we can support effective, accountable and people-centred policing, judicial and penal systems. We also recognise the importance of co-operation across the entire criminal justice system. A co-ordinated, end-to-end approach can strengthen outcomes and public confidence, while helping us to respond to evolving threats including, of course, serious organised crime, corruption and cyber-enabled crime. Through bilateral partnerships and international organisations, the United Kingdom supports practical, locally owned but sustainable reform that responds to national needs. That includes strengthening law enforcement capability, judicial effectiveness, prison reform and rehabilitation, combining technical expertise, training and operational co-operation to deliver lasting improvements. At the very heart of that work is the United Kingdom's unwavering commitment to the rule of law, to human rights, accountability and democratic governance. International co-operation and capacity building must support criminal justice systems that are effective, transparent and inclusive. while still improving access to justice and safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms. Thank you very much indeed, Chair.

Thank you, too. I now have the pleasure to give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United States of America.

Thank you, Chair, and we request this statement to be reflected in the report for this week's proceedings. The United States has reviewed the working paper before us, and frankly, we're disappointed by what we see. Another document that loses focus on what matters. We are here to discuss crime prevention and criminal justice cooperation, yet once again, the UN working paper devotes considerable attention to climate change. This is not a climate conference. This mission creep dilutes our focus and wastes precious time. we debate unrelated activist concepts, criminals are harming our communities by trafficking in persons, running ransomware operations, smuggling fentanyl, and exploiting children online through sextortion schemes. On technical assistance, let me be clear. The era of blank checks is over. We demand greater burden sharing. At a U.S. side event at the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, European countries, one of the world's largest consumption markets, committed to step up in the Western Hemisphere. We welcome that commitment and await to see their follow through. Criminal organizations in Central and South America threaten global security, and we look to our European partners to translate this pledge into sustained investment to help take down these cartels. And to countries seeking assistance, our message is simple: show us results. This week, country after country has asked for more assistance, yet we have heard far too little about what previous assistance has achieved. Where are the statistics? Where are the prosecution numbers? Where are the seizures, the convictions, the dismantled networks? If you have received assistance from any donor and cannot point to results, that is a problem. If you have received assistance and will not share the data, that is a bigger problem. We recognize some states genuinely lack the systems to collect and report this data, and support exists to help address that. But where states have the capacity and still withhold the data, the problem isn't capacity, it's political will or corruption. No amount of technical assistance can fix governments that lack courage or are complicit in the crimes we're fighting. Finally, the irony in this working paper. It celebrates technological advancement, yet obstacles remain to virtual participation in working group meetings of the UNTOC. The UN lectures member states about adapting to the digital age while clinging to 1970s procedures. If we're serious about efficiency and inclusion, the UN itself needs to practice what it preaches. Chair, cooperation must be built on accountability, burden sharing, and results. The United States will continue to lead and innovate, but we will no longer subsidize inaction, tolerate free riding, or accept declarations as substitutes for outcomes. The criminals aren't waiting. The United States isn't either. Lastly, Chair, as we have reiterated over and over again, economic sanctions can be a lawful, legitimate, important, appropriate, and effective tool for responding to malign activity and addressing serious threats to peace and security. The United States is not alone in that view or in that practice. And regarding mutual legal assistance, we must reiterate that the United States remains a global leader in asset recovery and return. We made two additional returns just last week. We have a very active, competent authority that facilitates informal and formal international cooperation to build cases and to help countries who genuinely seek real cooperation to combat crime. Thank you.

I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Thank you very much, Madam President. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to participate in this important session and to share our views and position on this agenda. The United Republic of Tanzania reaffirms that effective crime prevention and criminal justice depend on strong partnerships, coordinated action, and shared responsibilities at the national, regional, and international levels. As crime becomes more complex and crosses borders with greater ease, cooperation is essential to an effective response. At the national level, Tanzania continues to strengthen collaboration among police and other law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, the National Prosecution Service, prisons, local authorities, civil society, academia, communities, and the private sector to enhance crime prevention and criminal justice. Each has a role in preventing crime, improving access to justice, and support the fair and effective administration of justice. At the regional and international levels, practical cooperation is equally important. Timely information sharing, mutual legal assistance, joint investigation, extradition, and cooperation in tracing and recovering criminal assets help countries to respond to organized crime, terrorism, trafficking, cybercrime, and financial crime. These efforts are most effective when institutions can work together across borders with trust and respect for their respective legal frameworks. Madam President, cooperation must also help countries to build the capacity to meet emerging challenges. Tanzania, therefore, calls for technical and material assistance, specialized training, access to appropriate technology, and the exchange of knowledge and experience. Such support should respond to the priorities and the needs identified by each country and strengthen its institution over the long term. This is particularly important as technological change creates new opportunities for criminals and new demands on criminal justice systems. On technical assistance and training, Tanzania calls for enhanced technical and material assistance, specialized training, technology transfer and knowledge exchange, particularly for developing countries in accordance with the national identified priorities and need to counter global challenges as a result of technologies, development and criminal innovative. Tanzania stands ready to continue working with national member states UNODC and other partners to turn these commitments into practical action. Through sustained partnership and equitable access to expertise and technology, we can strengthen our collective response and ensure that no country is left behind. I thank you very much, Madam President.

Thank you. Now I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco. Morocco, you have the floor.

Thank you, President, Your Excellencies, distinguished delegates. At the outset, I wish to stress that we need political will to strengthen international cooperation amongst member states. we equally need to translate this will into practical steps to be implemented in the field. In this regard, I wish to take stock of a number of principles that are essential to ensure the strengthening of international judicial cooperation in the Kingdom of Morocco. First and foremost, I wish to stress the need to strengthen sources of international cooperation. Many countries are not responsive to requests and do not comply with international conventions, including Palermo, the Merida Agreement, or the Vienna Convention to ensure international judicial cooperation, namely when bilateral agreements are not signed. and when there are no frameworks for international judicial cooperation at the national level. This is something we must think about as these agreements are signed to facilitate international judicial cooperation. Regional agreements are also essential. as regions face the same challenges. For example, the Kingdom of Morocco has paved the way for African-Atlantic cooperation, transatlantic cooperation with states that share challenges pertaining to organized crime. National legislations must also be enacted. They must promulgate and govern regional judicial cooperation. We recently amended the penal code to pave the way to or for modern judicial cooperation. We signed more than 140 bilateral agreements in criminal proceedings. have also diversified the means of cooperation, as we receive requests through traditional means, and new and modern methods and mechanisms must be established. This is why we have strengthened our national legislation. in accordance with the provisions of international conventions, including interception of calls and communication, as well as other applicable provisions. We have also appointed a liaison magistrate for magistrates in Rome, Madrid, Paris, and Brussels. with a liaison magistrate, with an additional liaison magistrate to be appointed in the near future. Joint committees have been established to ensure bilateral cooperation. Annually, alongside other countries, we assess the outcomes of our judicial cooperation. We assess relevant risks and threats and impediments. We have important cases of cooperation for anti-terrorism. A committee has been established to ensure communication with Paris and Brussels, Madrid, and Rabat for anti-terrorism. Meetings are held annually to address terrorism and to highlight steps taken in Rome in this regard. International cooperation needs to be enhanced regarding political crimes and the right to seek asylum, as well as data privacy. The legal or the rights-related dimension is important as it builds confidence amongst member states. In conclusion, I wish to stress the importance of technical and material assistance as well as capacity building, especially in certain domains. which require expertise and best practice exchange, including regarding the Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime, which requires international cooperation to strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies and search and investigation procedures. Digital cooperation must be enhanced to respond to digital requests. Common databases must be established amongst member states to use the case law to respond to requests without resorting to traditional methods or means, which require further time and which gives even more time for criminals to find a safe haven. Some countries have established joint investigation teams. They must strengthen their capacities and provide necessary assistance to replicate this in other countries to achieve the intended goals. As for cooperation with international and regional organizations, This is a domain that we must focus on further. The Kingdom of Morocco stands ready to share its expertise. It cooperates with the United Nations agencies to fight organized crime and other forms. We also work with other regional organizations. The Kingdom of Morocco hosts training sessions at the regional level and fosters information and expertise exchanged on methods and means to fight this crime. I thank you, President.

Next speaker on my list, the representative of Zimbabwe.

Thank you for giving me the floor, Mr. Chair. At the outset, allow me to express the appreciation of the delegation of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Secretariat for the comprehensive presentation and documentation availed to facilitate this discussion. Mr Chair, Zimbabwe attaches great importance to international, regional and national cooperation as an essential pillar of effective crime prevention and criminal justice. The increasing nature of organised crime requires an equally coordinated response. Our experience demonstrates that cooperation produces tangible results. In October 2023, Zimbabwe participated in the Interpol stop operation at Harare International Airport. More than 17,000 checks were conducted against Interpol databases, resulting in three international red notices relating to offences including forgery, money laundering and fraud. The operations also strengthened the capacity of frontline officers through training and access to Interpol's secure information systems. This experience clearly demonstrates the value of timely information sharing, technology and capacity building. It enables national authorities to access information beyond their jurisdiction, identify persons of interest and respond more actively

transnational crimes.

Mr Chair, Zimbabwe also recognizes that cooperation is particularly important in addressing trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, cybercrime, money laundering, environmental crimes, illicit financial flows, and the movement of criminal proceeds across borders.

In this regard,

Mutual legal assistance, rapid exchange of information sharing, sharing of electronic evidence, and cooperation between competent authorities remain critical. Criminal networks should not be able to exploit jurisdictional boundaries to evade detection, prosecution, or asset recovery. Zimbabwe further welcomes international efforts to combat illicit financial flows. We emphasize the importance of following the money, strengthening beneficial ownership transparency, tracing criminal assets and enhancing mechanisms for freezing, confiscation and, where legally possible, recovery and return of proceeds of crime. Mr Chair, the rapid development of technology has further transformed the criminal landscape. Zimbabwe therefore attaches importance to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, which we signed on the 25th of October 2025. We recognize that effective implementation will require sustained technical assistance, specialized training, and appropriate digital infrastructure, particularly for developing countries. We call for expanded capacity building for law enforcement agencies, financial intelligence units, prosecutors, border management authorities and other relevant criminal justice institutions, including in digital forensic, electronic evidence, financial investigations, cybercrime and asset recovery. Our experiences demonstrate that cooperation is not simply an international obligation. It is a practical tool that strengthens national capacity, improves investigations, facilitates access to information and expertise, enhances border security and increases the prospects of disrupting criminal networks and recovering illicit proceeds. We therefore encourage Member States the UNODC and regional and international partners to invest in practical, timely, sustainable cooperation mechanisms, while respecting national sovereignty, domestic law and applicable international obligations. For Zimbabwe, the message is clear. As criminal networks become increasingly connected across borders, our response must be equally connected. I thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you. And now I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Mexico.

Thank you very much, President. Distinguished delegates, the government of Mexico firmly believes that multilateralism and international cooperation are the most apt tools to provide a comprehensive response comprising a long-term vision of the challenges posed by transnational organized crime, based on the principles of common and shared responsibility among States and in strict compliance with international law. In an international context that is marked by growing interstate tension, the international community cannot allow confrontation to prevail over dialogue. Rather, it must candidly recognize that the United Nations Organization is the only forum where all nations can meet in order to collectively deliberate on the most appropriate ways to tackle common problems and find solutions for the benefit of all humankind. One common problem for all states, which knows no borders, is indeed transnational organized crime, which continues to diversify and grow in scale and reach, promoting violence, insecurity, harming people, and damaging their livelihoods. It is only through solid and well-coordinated alliances that we can effectively tackle this common threat, and in so doing, build societies that are more just, inclusive, and peaceful. Against this backdrop, Mexico welcomes the recent adoption, in late 2025, of the Common Approach of the United Nations to Prevent and Combat Transnational Organized Crime. In its capacity as a governing body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council, plays a key role in monitoring the appropriate implementation of the Common Approach, which is geared towards guiding United Nations system entities to better align and coordinate the support that they provide to States to prevent and curb transnational organized crime. Thank you very much, President.

Now I would like to give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, about it, I would like to underscore that the international community is not in shortage of international instruments on judicial cooperation in criminal matters. What we lack is something else entirely, an international law compliance mechanism to ensure abidance by obligations under these instruments. In other words, what we lack is, if I may say, international police. Compliance ultimately depends on the political will of states. This is the gap, and it's widening. Digital technology has transformed how crime is committed. Electronic evidence must be collected, preserved, and exchanged across borders. Virtual assets and encrypted currencies must be traced and seized. The dark web has become a marketplace for transnational organized crime. And all of this is compounded by the sheer speed of data and asset transfers, by the multiplicity of states in which evidence and assets are located, by the difficulty of identifying offenders and beneficiaries, by the monopoly of private digital service providers over the very data needed for detection. The result is predictable. Delays in traditional cooperation procedures and the loss, transfer or concealment of criminal proceeds. As mentioned, we reiterate the existing international legal and institutional framework, while it urgently needs revisiting and updating, is adequate per se. What's required is political will. To that end, allow me to present seven practical recommendations as representing the Egyptian delegation. First, enhancing direct communication channels between competent authorities, activating immediate mechanisms for the preservation of digital evidence and for tracing and freezing virtual assets, while updating national legal frameworks to keep pace with emerging crime. Second, build the technical capacities of judicial authorities, assisting bodies and law enforcement agencies. Third, strengthening cooperation with money laundering authorities, virtual asset service providers and FIUs to accelerate information exchange and execution of requests while observing necessary legal safeguards. Fourth, develop a model practice guide to help states resolve practical problems arising from divergent legal systems in executing requests for legal assistance, confiscation and extradition. Next, combining informal and formal communication and assistance channels between central authorities, as successful cooperation relies heavily on timely cooperation and coordination. Sixth, considering expanding the liaison judge network system at the bilateral, regional, and international levels. Last but not least, the commitment achieved results, not merely the exchange of pleasantries. Egypt remains firmly committed to international judicial cooperation in criminal matters as a cornerstone of the global response to transnational organized crime. We stand ready to work with all partners to strengthen this cooperation, to build capacity, and to ensure that justice is served across borders and across the digital divide. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Egypt. Now I would like to give the floor to the representative of the Republic of Korea.

Thank you very much, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. It is an honor to address you on behalf of the Republic of Korea. Rapid advances in information and communication technology have greatly changed people's daily lives. They have brought major economic, social, and cultural benefits. However, they have also made it easier to plan and commit crimes, and many kinds of crime in cyberspace are on the rise. Cybercrime is a clear example of transnational crime. Offenders, victims, and crime spaces are often spread across several countries. Therefore, international cooperation is essential at every stage. from opening an investigation and collecting evidence to arresting suspects and recovering criminal proceeds. To respond to crimes committed from bases abroad, the Republic of Korea has worked closely and continuously with many countries, and this has produced real results. The Republic of Korea has committed to supporting the further development and effective use of CJUST, a platform for cooperation among central authorities of mutual legal assistance across the region.

Alongside this,

The Republic of Korea has recently achieved very meaningful results through the prompt and close communication among CEAS member states. These include the extradition of a husband and wife fraud ring leaders, the temporary extradition of a drug kingpin, and the extradition of two senior-level criminals involved in an online scam organization. At the same time, the key to fighting organized crime is to take away its profits, which are what keep criminal groups going. In August of this year, the Republic of Korea passed a law introducing non-conviction-based confiscation. This gives us a strong legal basis to recover criminal proceeds in full, and it will take effect next year. It will allow us to confiscate criminal proceeds even when the offenders cannot be identified. This is especially important for transnational crimes such as online scams, drug crimes, and digital sexual crimes. In conclusion, going forward, the Republic of Korea will strengthen its specialized investigative capacity nationally and expand the foundation for international cooperation. Internationally, we will remain committed to building strong and well-connected partnerships so that we can respond strongly to evolving transnational crime. Thank you very much.

The next speaker on my list is the representative of Interpol.

Thank you, Mr. President, Excellencies, distinguished delegates. Interpol aligns itself with the importance this session places on deepening cooperation across all levels of the criminal justice system. We wish to share several concrete examples of how we are translating that principle into action. The Interpol Innovation Centre, based in Singapore, remains at the core, at the centre, for our innovation work. The Centre serves as a knowledge hub, connecting law enforcement, academia and industry worldwide, in building and sharing expertise to combat crimes, including countering technology-enabled threats. Its current priorities include artificial intelligence and tools, products and services that directly support the operational needs of our 196 member countries. A flagship example of this work is Project Centwave and its second phase, Project Centwave Plus, funded by Japan. Through this initiative, Interpol worked with leading international experts to strengthen law enforcement capabilities to detect and respond to deepfakes and other AI-generated synthetic media. An awareness campaign on how criminals use synthetic media will be launched by Interpol. And the campaign highlights the importance of waiting and validating before taking any steps involving one's resources, and most especially, not taking the bait posed by criminals who use fake videos, audio files, and messages. on emerging threats, Interpol is proud of its ongoing collaboration with the ODC. As two leading international organizations, we have partnered to explore the implications of neurotechnology for law enforcement and criminal justice, assessing opportunities for responsible use while examining risks of misuse or abuse as well. Together with UNICRI, Interpol developed a toolkit for responsible AI innovation in law enforcement. This practical guide set out a framework for law enforcement agencies on developing and deploying artificial intelligence responsibly while respecting human rights and ethics principles. This joint effort ensures that agencies at all levels of technical capacity can benefit from clear, actionable guidance. As a second phase of this effort, the project AIPO, advancing innovation, governance, and responsible AI, is also being implemented in partnership with the UNICRI, with financial support from the European Union. It focuses on engaging executive leadership in law enforcement in five participating countries, developing tailored application-specific guidance based on the AI toolkit, and fostering public trust around AI through community-driven initiatives. On continuous innovation in crime prevention, INTERPOL has developed a new strategy aiming to ensure that knowledge is shared and shaped among law enforcement, industry and academia, ultimately translating insights, findings and expertise into operational crime fighting tools. Together, these efforts demonstrate that meaningful partnership remains the most effective foundation for modern crime prevention. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you. Now I will now ask the Secretary to display the video statement of the distinguished representative of UNIFAI.

Excellencies, distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, capacity building, technical assistance and training are essential to strengthening institutions, enhancing professional expertise, and supporting the implementation of international standards and norms. Equally important are the formal and informal networks among criminal justice practitioners, which foster trust, facilitate the exchange of experience and good practices, and enable timely cooperation in actual cases, especially those involving complex and transnational forms of crime. In this regard, UNAFEI has contributed to capacity building and international cooperation for more than six decades. Established in 1962, UNAFEI is the oldest institute of the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network. Through its international, regional, and bilateral programs, UNAFE has supported the implementation of the UN standards and norms, sharing practical experiences and good practices. UNAFE's programs address a wide range of priority issues, including transnational organized crime, cybercrime, and corruption, as well as the challenges of prison overcrowding and reoffending. More than 6,800 criminal justice practitioners from 144 jurisdictions have participated in our programs. Many alumni have gone on to serve in leadership positions, including chief justices, ministers of justice, and attorneys general. Mr. President, UNAFEI's alumni form a unique global network of criminal justice professionals. This network continues to facilitate cooperation, mutual learning, and professional exchanges long after participants return to their home countries, thereby contributing to stronger international partnerships and more effective responses to common challenges. Mr. President, UNAFE remains committed to strengthening capacity building and technical assistance activities and facilitating international cooperation. UNAFE will continue to support practical cooperation among the criminal justice practitioners in partnership with Member States, UNODC, fellow PNIs, JICA, ACPF, and other stakeholders. I thank you for the kind attention.

The next speaker on my list is the representative of Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice. You have the floor.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is creating significant new opportunities for crime prevention and criminal justice. AI can help us. analyze larger volumes of data, and support criminal justice institutions in preventing crime and administering justice more effectively. However, the use of AI in criminal justice is not simply a matter of technological adoption. Criminal justice decisions can directly affect individual rights and freedoms. The use of AI must therefore be accompanied by appropriate human oversight, transparency, fairness, protection of personal data, explainability, and clear accountability. AI technologies and the risks associated with them also do not stop at national borders. What we need, therefore, is not to prevent the use of AI, but to establish common principles and institutional foundations for its responsible use, and to develop effective global governance around them. The Republic of Korea is working with the international community to promote the global governance of AI to strengthen its role as a global AI hub. This effort should extend beyond technology and industry to crime prevention and criminal justice. In response to these challenges, KCJ launched the Strategic Research Group on AI Justice this year.

Through this initiative.

We are strengthening research on AI and justice policies, examining both the opportunities and risks that AI brings to criminal justice, and developing policy approaches to ensure that technological innovation is supported by institutional frameworks.

Consistent with human rights and the rule of law.

UNODC has an important role to play by bringing together governments, criminal justice institutions, international organizations, and research institutes. UNODC can provide an essential platform for sharing knowledge and experience, and for advancing common principles and international cooperation on the responsible use of AI in criminal justice. Research institutions, including KICJ and PNI, also have an important contribution on make. We can connect national experience and data, undertake comparative and collaborative research, and help translate research evidence into both international discussions and national policies. How AI transforms criminal justice will not be determined by technology alone. It will also depend on the principles and institutions we establish and on how effectively the international community works together.

Building on our strategic research group on AI justice and our engagement with the PNI, KICJ is committed to working with UNODC and our international partners to contribute to responsible AI and stronger global AI governance in criminal justice. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

The last speaker on my list is the representative of the National Lead Institute. You have the floor.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, I am Troy Clark, President and CEO of the National Lead Institute from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. I am honored to contribute to this important discussion on strengthening cooperation, partnership, technical assistance, and training in crime prevention and criminal justice. For small island developing states and Caribbean countries, capacity building cannot end when a workshop closes, a consultant leaves, or a funding cycle ends. To achieve sustainable impact, we must move beyond simply delivering training to building systems, developing local expertise, and strengthening partnerships that endure long after the intervention ends. Civil society organizations have an important role in this process. Government agencies bring authority, institutional structure, data, and national responsibility. Civil society brings community access, innovation, flexibility, trust, and often a deep understanding of the people most affected by crime, incarceration, violence, substance use, and social exclusion. When these strengths are brought together, the impact can be significant. In the Bahamas and across the Caribbean, my experience shows that effective partnership can strengthen law enforcement, training, violence prevention, community corrections, rehabilitation, drug demand reduction, and the social reintegration of people returning from incarceration. Both partnership must mean more than consultation. Civil society should be involved in planning, implementation, training, monitoring and evaluation, follow-up and outcome analysis. Technical assistance should also strengthen local ownership A successful intervention is not one in which outside experts repeatedly return to deliver the same training. Success is achieved when national practitioners are prepared to train others, institutions are equipped to continue the work and the knowledge is embedded in local systems. This requires investment in training of trainers models, shared standards, monitoring and evaluation, regional cooperation, and sustained technical support. Our region does not lack committed professionals. What we often need are stronger mechanisms to connect government, civil society, international partners, academia, law enforcement, corrections, communities around a common purpose. If we truly want a safer society, capacity building must shift away toward capacity retention, capacity multiplication, and sustainable institutional change. Let us therefore build partnerships that not only deliver programs, but also leave behind stronger institutions, stronger communities, and stronger people. Thank you.

Is there any delegation who would like to take the floor at this stage? I see none. Then I would like to adjourn the meeting. We will resume the session tomorrow morning at 10:00. Thank you very much. The meeting is adjourned.