13th U.N. Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice presents the best of Qatar

Doha, Qatar, 16 April 2015

Qatar MICE Development Institute, part of the Organising team of the United Nations 13th Conference on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), concluded the UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice yesterday at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC). 

A joint venture with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF), QMDI supported the Ministry of Interior of the State of Qatar, represented in HE Major General Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Al-Maal, legal advisor to the Minister of Interior, the President of the Preparatory Committee for the UN Congress, to deliver the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (UNCCPCJ).

The global congress which took place in Doha from 12 to 19 April in 2015 at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) was preceded by the Doha Youth forum, jointly organized by the Preparatory Committee of the UN Congress and Qatar Foundation, the Forum was managed by Qatar MICE Development Institute. This was a unique initiative by the State of Qatar, the first in the history of the UN Congress. An initiative that actively engaged young people in discussions related to crime prevention and criminal justice, and familiarized them with the roles and functions of the United Nations.

123 students between the ages of 16 and 26 participated, among the students selected to in the Forum were 31 students from Qatar, 15 from India, 11 from Pakistan, 9 from Egypt and seven from Jordan.

Following the conclusion of the Forum, selected students were given the opportunity to present their findings and recommendations to the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice to encourage the exchange of ideas between international governmental institutions, NGOs, criminologists and experts with other related specialisms.

A sentiment to the concerted efforts made by all to support the nurturing and development of the young, future generation. The students compiled a final report which was presented at the culmination of the 13th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

QMDI ensured a seamless delivery of this landmark event which was successfully followed by The 13th UN congress hosted for the first time in the GCC since its inception in 1955. Nothing could have marked this prominent occasion, the 60th anniversary of the Congress more poignantly than the opening ceremony as it was honoured with the attendance of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar and Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary General of the United Nations. It was also honoured with the attendance of HE the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani.

The congress provided a forum for discussing priority concerns by Member States, policymakers, administrators, academicians and other professionals in the field. This included highlights of the importance of global cooperation to prevent crimes that threaten international and national security such as; E-crime, rural and urban crimes, as well as intellectual property crimes, human trafficking and piracy and use of internet for terrorist activities. 

HE Major General Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Al-Maal, legal advisor to the Minister of Interior, the President of the Preparatory Committee for the UN the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice commented on the delivery of the congress as he said: "Henceforth, the standards set by the organizers of the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will be the norm upon which future Congresses will be judged. Much has been achieved by the delegates and these have been made possible by the concerted effort of the Congress Preparatory Committee, UNODC, QMDI and everyone involved that all requirements and logistics for the Congress are delivered successfully"

QMDI's role is integral in ensuring the congress is executed impeccably; they are carrying out the work with the utmost levels of perfection, accuracy and professionalism. The event that is followed by millions all around the world and has received around 5000 local and international delegates including Member States, policymakers, administrators, academicians and other professionals in the field who are attending to exchange information and best practices on crime prevention and criminal justice. The landmark event will further witness the issuance of the Doha Declaration that will act as an abiding constitution for the Member States regarding all procedures combating crimes and legislating criminal justice. Through QMDI, the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice stands as a living example of accuracy, talent and great work.

The QMDI team worked hard and relentlessly to ensure the congress is perfectly realised. The team was so much keen on the facilitation of all the logistical and the administrative procedures for the participating delegates. 155 technical crew members participated in the creation of the event along with 287 trinity staff and around 750 members of the QNCC staff. The team has further managed around 62 rooms and 9 halls for hosting discussions, workshops and meetings.

Hamad Khalifa Hassan Al Naser, Chairman and CEO of QMDI, commented: "QMDI, a joint venture with Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, under the direction of Her Highness Shiekha Moza bint Nasser, we are pleased to have had this unique opportunity to contribute to social and human development on an international level. Bringing together the largest and most diverse gathering of policymakers and practitioners in the area of crime prevention and criminal justice, enabling the exchange of informations and best practices among States and professionals working in this field.

Al Naser added: "It is an honour to be part of an event that was attended by His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar and HE the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. To deliver an inspirational Congress alongside the Ministry of Interior and United Nation showcasing Qatar as a region of significant culture and economic diversity is an absolute privilege.

We would like to extend our appreciation to HE Major General Dr. Abdullah Yusuf Al-Maal, legal advisor to the Minister of Interior, the President of the Preparatory Committee for the UN the 13th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, our collaborations was unified and effective.

 In our endeavour to build on nationwide efforts towards the realisation of the Qatar's National Vision 2030, under the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, we are extremely honoured to deliver internationally renowned events such as this, and create common forums enabling vital knowledge-sharing across Qatar's key development pillars. As we look to the future, we aim to help fulfil the state's vision of Qatar as a prominent destination for the MICE sector."

Hosting such prominent events in Qatar is a sign of the country's commitment to enhancing its prominence as a worldwide MICE destination. QMDI is the leading MICE Institute in Qatar, and a point of reference for the industry internationally continuously helping to bring some of the most prominent events to Qatar.

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About Qatar MICE Development Institute (QMDI)
QMDI was formed by Qatar Foundation with the aim of developing Qatar into a leading world-class destination for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. QF supports the national transition to a sustainable, knowledge-based economy through education, research and community development. QMDI is driven to deliver quality and excellence through the creation of dynamic events, nurturing industry skills, and supporting the growth of the events sector in Qatar.  www.qmdi.com.qa

For more information please contact:
Wafa Nour
Head of Public Relations, QMDI
Phone: +974 44548034
e-mail: wafa.nour@qmdi.qf.org.qa

© Press Release 2015