Speeches

Statement by Minister Kubayi at the High-Level Side Event: Harnessing Technologies for the Global Good: Opportunities of Digitalization and the Responsible Use of AI to Strengthen Criminal Justice Systems, 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, United Arab Emirates, 27 September 2026

Chairperson,
Executive Director of UNODC,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

South Africa welcomes this timely discussion on harnessing technology for the global good and promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence to strengthen criminal justice systems. This conversation is particularly relevant as the international community seeks to accelerate crime prevention, criminal justice, and the rule of law in the digital age.

Technology is transforming the way governments serve citizens and how justice institutions operate. When used responsibly, digital tools can improve efficiency, increase transparency, reduce delays, strengthen accountability, and expand access to justice, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised communities.

For South Africa, technology is a means to advance constitutional values and ensure equal access to justice. Through our Integrated Justice System, we are connecting institutions across the criminal justice value chain, improving information sharing, strengthening coordination, and modernising service delivery. Digital case management systems, electronic information exchanges, online court services, and the digitalisation of justice processes are helping us build a more responsive and effective justice system.

We are also exploring how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, can support administrative efficiency, improve data analysis, identify crime trends, and enhance decision-making. These innovations have the potential to strengthen criminal justice institutions and improve public service delivery. In this regard South Africa has a established a Fusion Centre, a multi- disciplinary and collaborative effort by all the corruption-fighting agencies, which follows an intelligence-driven approach in investigating corruption, and it uses comprehensive data and information analysis to fight corruption.

However, we agree that technology must always serve people, not replace them. Artificial intelligence must be governed by clear ethical principles and human rights safeguards. Human oversight, transparency, accountability, fairness, and respect for privacy must remain central. Algorithms cannot replace judicial independence, nor should technology reinforce discrimination or limit access to justice. Public trust in our institutions depends on ensuring that technological innovation remains firmly anchored in the rule of law and respect for human dignity.

Excellencies,
We must also acknowledge the digital divide that continues to affect many developing countries. Limited infrastructure, connectivity challenges, skills shortages, and resource constraints prevent many nations from fully benefiting from digital transformation. If these gaps are not addressed, technology risks becoming another source of inequality.

South Africa therefore supports strengthened international cooperation, capacity-building, and technical assistance to ensure that all countries can harness technology safely and effectively. We commend the efforts of UNODC to support digitalisation, knowledge-sharing, and responsible innovation in criminal justice systems, and we welcome initiatives that promote global expertise on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.

Excellencies,
Technology is also transforming the nature of crime itself. Criminal networks increasingly exploit artificial intelligence, encrypted communications, cryptocurrencies, social media platforms, and other digital technologies to facilitate cybercrime, fraud, trafficking, corruption, and transnational organised crime. These evolving threats require justice institutions to continuously modernise their capabilities and strengthen international collaboration. No country can address these challenges alone.

As we embrace innovation, we must ensure that technology advances inclusion, strengthens justice, and promotes sustainable development. Our collective objective should be to harness innovation in a manner that protects human rights, expands access to justice, and delivers meaningful benefits for all people.

As South Africa prepares to host the International Conference on Access to Justice in November 2026, we look forward to sharing experiences and learning from global partners on how technology can support more accessible, people-centred, and resilient justice systems.

Let us work together to ensure that digital transformation becomes a force for justice, equality, and human dignity. Together, we can ensure that technology truly serves the global good.

I thank you.