Digital technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, including the way we prevent crime and promote justice.
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, digital tools have the potential to facilitate access to justice, improve court procedures, and streamline digital case management systems. Artificial intelligence offers promise for advanced analytics and a reduction in the administrative burden of repetitive tasks. Digital tools have the potential to facilitate access to justice, improve court procedures, and streamline digital case management systems.
However, these advances are accompanied by ethical concerns related to privacy, bias, and accountability. Addressing these issues requires a human rights-based approach that ensures responsible and transparent implementation of safe, trustworthy, and fair digital technologies in the justice system.
Realizing the full, positive potential of technology requires the active participation of young people—those who will inherit and drive the future of digital transformation.
As avid users of digital technologies, youth play a critical role in shaping a safer and more just society by advocating for responsible and equitable technological innovation. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has emphasized that “young people must be front and center in shaping digital policies and institutions.” Their creativity and commitment to innovation are crucial to bridging digital divides, promoting education and digital literacy, and ensuring the responsible use of artificial intelligence and new digital technologies.
A young digital rights advocate from Pakistan said: “Engaging in the discussions on digital justice has helped me to better understand the role of AI and new technologies in shaping a fair and inclusive future. The ability to engage with others working on similar challenges strengthens our capacity to advocate for ethical solutions.”
Youth are keen to share their insights to help shape the responsible use of technology in justice and security. By contributing innovative ideas and advocating for policies that ensure fairness and accountability, young people are essential partners in creating a justice system that leverages digital advancements ethically and inclusively.
UNODC remains committed to ensuring that these voices are heard.
We continue to provide a platform in decision-making processes through specialized initiatives that empower young leaders tocontribute to crime prevention and criminal justice reform. One such milestone initiative was the 3rd Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness (Col-YF), hosted in Kyoto, Japan, in collaboration with the Government of Japan and UNODC. This forumbrought together 79 young leaders from 35 countries to explore how digital technologies can be leveraged to foster a safer and more just society.
During the forum, discussions focused on both the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence and digitaltechnologies in the field of law and justice. The young leaders participated in interactive problem-solving exercises, collaborated with experts, and proposed innovative solutions to ensure that technology is used ethically and equitably within the justice system.
“AI and digital technologies are facts in our world today,” said a young practitioner in international security from Argentina. “It is crucial to advocate for human-centered and technically efficient solutions that address new challenges while upholding fundamental rights.”
Young people’s involvement in crime prevention, AI governance, and justice policy is crucial to ensure that technology is leveraged equitably and responsibly. Their active participation can help build a safer, more just, and more inclusive digital world for future generations.
Current discussions illustrate how young people worldwide can effectively use digital technologies and AI to enhance justice efficiency, address crime, and combat human rights violations linked to these technologies. Their recommendations emphasizedthe need for stronger legal frameworks and regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and human rights-based approaches, as well as to combat AI-related crimes such as cybercrime and disinformation.
Young leaders have also called for more investment in bridging the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. “Youth engagement in digital justice is essential. We are not just passive participants—we are solution-oriented thinkers who can bring real change,” said a youth representative from Trinidad and Tobago.
As the world faces increasingly complex challenges related to AI and digital technologies, youth participation will be essential in fostering responsible innovation and justice. Their recommendations will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders from Member States, helping to shape solutions that advance the responsible use of technologies in justice and ensure asafer, more just world in the digital age.
By investing in youth-led solutions, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting inclusive decision-making, international stakeholders can work collectively to create a safer, more just, and technologically responsible future.
One young leader from Thailand summed up this sentiment succinctly: “It is an opportunity to advocate for transformative ideas and policies.”
Harnessing the enthusiasm, knowledge, and innovative thinking of young people is vital for driving meaningful change in the digital age and ensuring that technological advancements contribute to a fairer and more inclusive justice system for all.
CONTACT:
For more information on the UNODC initiatives on youth engagement in crime prevention and criminal justice visit:
UNODC | Crime Prevention Criminal Justice Section
On the Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness please contact:
Ms Georgia Dimitropoulou at georgia.dimitropoulou@un.org
UNODC | Crime Prevention Criminal Justice Section (CPCJS)
Group discussions at the 3rd Global Youth Forum for a Culture of Lawfulness , Kyoto, 15-16 February 2025
