(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, which concluded in Doha yesterday, had a number of events which took place for the first time in the whole history of the congress since its inception in Geneva in 1955.
According to Yuri Fedotov, the executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the 13th Congress had several firsts.
"For the first time in the 60-year history of the crime congress, the theme, agenda items, and workshop topics were approved by the General Assembly three years before we met here in Doha."
"For the first time, the UN Secretary-General, the president of Economic and Social Council and the president of the General Assembly attended a crime congress."
"For the first time, more than 4,000 participants attended the crime congress from 149 countries. We have also witnessed unprecedentedly high levels of participation with significant numbers of ministers, decision makers, academia, civil society leaders, including well-known leaders, academicians"
According to the official, nearly 200 high-level events and ancillary meetings were also held, covering a vast array of topics ranging from the rule of law to smuggling of migrants, and from combating wildlife crime to violence against women and children.
Fedotov also referred to the Doha Youth Forum held prior to the Congress. "For the first time, a Youth Forum was held prior to the Congress. This initiative showed how critical it is for governments to work with the younger generation, and listen attentively to its worries and aspirations," he pointed out.
He elaborated that the voices and views reflected in the Doha Youth Forum recommendations were an inspiration for the Congress. "I am, therefore, glad to say, over the last eight days, we have all managed to respond in kind," he added.
The official also highlighted that for the very first time, the outcome document of the Congress, the Doha Declaration, was adopted by acclamation at the opening of the Congress.
According to Fedotov, the events of the congress have set the bar very high for the future, both in terms of substance and organisation.
The congress has also provided a solid platform for the international community to recognise the tangible links between the rule of law and sustainable development.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.