Secretary of State for Justice Stefano Canti took part in Abu Dhabi in the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held from 26 September to 1 October. He was accompanied by San Marino’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Elisabetta Bucci, and embassy counsellor Beatrice Simoncini.
According to the Secretariat of State, this marks San Marino’s return to the congress after several years’ absence. This year’s edition is focused on crime prevention, criminal justice and the rule of law amid the spread of digital technologies. The visit also provided an opportunity for bilateral meetings, including one with the UAE Minister of Justice, Al Nuaimi.
Speaking at the high-level session, Canti stressed the need to strengthen cooperation between countries and to share experiences in tackling the evolving nature of crime, with particular attention to economic and financial offences. The statement also underlined «the importance of complementing enforcement action with effective social prevention policies, aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, supporting young people and fostering a widespread culture of legality».
The Secretary also referred to Goal 16 of the 2030 Agenda, which addresses justice and effective institutions. In his remarks, he cited San Marino’s recent reform of the prison system and proposed amendments to criminal procedure, presenting them as part of the country’s broader effort to modernise its judicial system.
«At the opening of the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Republic of San Marino also supported the adoption of the ‘Abu Dhabi Declaration’. It sets out a global roadmap for the next five years — through to 2031 — for crime prevention and the protection of the rule of law in the digital age, with particular attention to the implications of new technologies for the justice system, reaffirming our commitment to achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda and to greater international cooperation», Canti stated.
