UAE and Global Leaders Tackle Drug Trafficking with AI at UN Congress

• •International leaders at the UN Congress focus on AI to combat drug trafficking.
• •Belgium reports 69 drug-related shootings in Brussels, highlighting violence linked to organized crime.
• •The Abu Dhabi Declaration calls for global cooperation against digital-age crime and protection of vulnerable populations.

During the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, international leaders emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to combat drug trafficking, which is increasingly exploiting technological advancements. The UAE's National Drug Enforcement Authority highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and intelligence-sharing to disrupt criminal networks. Belgium's Minister of Justice pointed out the rise in drug-related violence, citing 69 shootings in Brussels by August 2026. The Congress adopted the Abu Dhabi Declaration, calling for stronger international cooperation against digital-age crime, including 'crime as a service'. The declaration also stresses the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation. The event gathered over 5,100 participants from 119 countries, including justice ministers and representatives from various sectors.