Vienna:The United Arab Emirates, represented by the Ministry of Interior, participated in the 13th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC COP13) in Vienna. The country's delegation engaged in discussions on tackling issues such as fraud, environmental crime, child exploitation, and violence against women, as well as exploring the role of artificial intelligence in security operations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Ministry hosted an event titled 'From Cooperation to Action How Law Enforcement Agencies, International Organisations, and Private Sector Partners Can Contribute to Combating Organised Fraud'. This event focused on enhancing security partnerships, accelerating information sharing, and improving coordination in cross-border investigations.
UAE representatives also participated in an Australian-led session named 'Adaptation and Expansion The Evolving Organised Crime Ecosystem for Human Trafficking for Fraudulent Purposes', which delved into how criminals exploit individuals to conduct large-scale cyber fraud schemes.
In the realm of environmental crime, the Ministry collaborated with Azerbaijan to organise the 'Dubai-Baku-Abu Dhabi-Vienna Route From Global Commitment to Action Against Environmental Crimes'. This initiative highlighted the efforts of the International Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC).
UAE officials contributed to various sessions focused on environmental crimes, including those led by Brazil, Peru, and Germany. These sessions emphasized the necessity for enhanced international cooperation and joint operations to safeguard natural resources.
Regarding child protection, the Ministry participated in a Vietnamese event addressing 'Online Exploitation and Sexual Abuse of Children and AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material', where it showcased the 'AI for Safer Children' initiative.
The Ministry also co-chaired the High-Level Group on Digital Threats, Organised Crime, and Violence Against Women and Girls alongside representatives from Chile, the Netherlands, and Nigeria. Discussions centered on strengthening responses to cyber extortion and technology-enabled human trafficking, improving victim support, and advancing the UAE's contribution to the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
On the sidelines of the conference, Ministry officials engaged in bilateral talks with counterparts from countries including Colombia, Sweden, Albania, Australia, Ireland, Indonesia, Serbia, Malaysia, and Germany. These discussions focused on enhancing information sharing, conducting joint investigations, and fostering operational cooperation and training programs to combat transnational organised crime.