14th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (new date)

The United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is the world's largest and most diverse gathering of policy-makers, practitioners, academia, intergovernmental organizations and civil society in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice. The Congresses have been held every five years since 1955 in different parts of the world, dealing with a vast array of topics. They have made considerable impact in the field of crime prevention and criminal justice and influenced national and international policies and professional practices. The Congresses provide a forum for (a) the exchange of views between States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and individual experts representing various professions and disciplines; (b) the exchange of experiences in research, law and policy development; and (c) the identification of emerging trends and issues in crime prevention and criminal justice.

The 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice is envisaged to be held from 7 to 12 March 2021 in Kyoto, Japan. The new date has been recommended by the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, as the preparatory body of the Congress, together with pre-Congress consultations on 6 March 2021. The UN General Assembly is expected to formalize the dates soon. The 14th Congress was originally scheduled to take place in Kyoto, Japan, on 20-27 April 2020, and postponed, due to the worldwide situation related to COVID-19. The 14th Congress is scheduled to take place at the same venue, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Host Country, Japan will be working closely to adjust the format, if and where needed, including through the use of virtual platforms, to ensure inclusiveness.