VIENNA, October 23. /Dunyo IA/.  Delegation of Uzbekistan, led by the Deputy Director of the Drug and Firearms Control Agency under the President of Uzbekistan Jobir Azimov, is participating in the 13^th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime held in Vienna, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Within the framework of the high-level segment, Uzbek delegation presented a national statement outlines the country's priorities in crime prevention, strengthening the criminal justice system and developing international cooperation.

Statement emphasized the necessity of shifting from responding to crimes to their early prevention, risk identification and the implementation of advanced technologies, while ensuring absolute respect for human rights.

Among the key areas of national policy, the protection of vulnerable groups of the population and youth, the fight against corruption and transnational illicit drug trafficking, as well as strengthening cybersecurity and the capacity of law enforcement agencies were highlighted.

Special attention was paid to improving the national system for countering drug crime, adopting the first national strategy in this field, and cooperating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Among the practical initiatives of Uzbekistan, the establishment of an Information Center in Tashkent in cooperation with UNODC, the holding of the Samarkand International Forum on Countering Drug Threats, and the launch of the SCO Universal Center for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security were noted.

Uzbekistan also reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in the field of digital security. In October 2025, country signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, and in March 2026, adopted the Cybersecurity Strategy for 2026–2030.

National statement emphasized the country's readiness to expand the exchange of information and best practices, strengthen coordination between states and develop regional and international interaction. Uzbekistan is also preparing to host the 12th session of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2027 and the 16^th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in 2031.

The 13^th session of the Conference is taking place against the backdrop of growing transnational threats, including the use of digital technologies for criminal purposes, illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, and corruption. According to the UN, more than 1,500 people are participating in the event, including representatives from over 65 countries at the level of heads of relevant ministries and agencies, as well as international experts and representatives of non-governmental organizations.

As a reminder, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, known as the Palermo Convention, was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 15^th, 2000, and entered into force on September 29^th, 2003. As of October 2026, 195 states are parties to the convention.