Follow-up information for CSO Participation in the 15th UN Crime Congress (Abu Dhabi, April 2026)
Dear Civil Society Representatives,
Thank you for your active engagement in the briefing for stakeholders on the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, to be held from 25–30 April 2026 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The recording of the briefing is available here (Video Recording).
The Congress provides a unique platform for NGOs, academia, the private sector, and individual experts to contribute to shaping global policies on crime prevention and criminal justice. Below you will find key information:
Participation:
- Civil Society Organizations without ECOSOC status
Must apply before 4 November 2025 using this online application Form. The list of interested organizations without ECOSOC status will be subject to the approval of Member States. - NGOs with ECOSOC status that have participated in a UN Crime Congress or / and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice before
Do not need to apply. They will automatically receive an invitation letter to participate as observers. - NGOs with ECOSOC status that have NOT previously participated in a UN Crime Congress or the the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Should contact the Secretariat at unodc-sgb@un.org to express their interest to be invited. - Individual Experts (special accreditation)
- If you have participated in a UN Crime Congress before: please contact the Secretariat at unodc-sgb@un.org indicating your interest in receiving an invitation.
- If you have not participated before but have relevant expertise and professional qualifications: please contact the Secretariat unodc-sgb@un.org with a CV and proof of qualifications in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice.
Ancillary Meetings and Exhibitions:
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) with and without consultative status with ECOSOC, including professional organizations may apply to organize ancillary meetings (side events) and exhibitions relevant to the work of the 15th UN Crime Congress.
- Guidelines and application details for Ancillary Meetings and Exhibitions can be found here.
- Application deadline: 1 December 2025
- Please carefully review the guidelines before submitting a proposal.
Deadlines
- 4 Nov 2025 – Application deadline for NGOs without ECOSOC status
- 1 Dec 2025 – Application deadline for ancillary meetings and exhibitions
- 5 Dec 2025 – Application deadline for individual experts
Official registration for the Congress
- Please note that approved organizations will be invited to register for the Congress from 2 January 2026 until 22 April 2026. Further information can be found on this page.
For more information about participation in the 15th UN Crime Congress please visit our dedicated website here.
26 Sep, 2025