Global Judicial Leaders Gather in Nigeria Amid Crisis

At a time when courts around the world are facing mounting pressure from rapid technological change, increasing attacks on judicial independence, growing case complexity and heightened public scrutiny, senior judicial leaders from around the world will gather from 9-10 July in Abuja, Nigeria, for the inaugural International Bar Association (IBA) Judges' Forum conference .

Titled In defence of justice, the conference will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. The landmark event will bring together chief justices, heads of court, appellate judges, senior lawyers, academics and public officials to examine the challenges facing judicial systems and how judicial institutions can uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights and maintain public confidence in an increasingly complex global environment.

IBA President, Claudio Visco, said: 'Across every jurisdiction, an independent, effective and trusted judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law and to democratic society. At a time when courts are navigating profound technological, social and constitutional change, bringing judicial leaders together to exchange experience and develop practical solutions has never been more important. The inaugural IBA Judges' Forum Conference reflects the International Bar Association's longstanding commitment to strengthening judicial institutions, promoting international cooperation and supporting the fair administration of justice worldwide.'

The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, remarked: 'An independent judiciary is the cornerstone of every constitutional democracy. Anchored on the rule of law and sustained by the integrity, impartiality and courage of judicial officers, it serves as the ultimate guarantor of constitutional rights and the peaceful resolution of disputes. As I have often emphasised, the confidence of the public in the administration of justice is not secured by constitutional guarantees alone; it is earned through transparency, accountability, consistency and an unwavering fidelity to the law. This Conference offers an important opportunity for judicial leaders to exchange knowledge and experience, reflect on the evolving challenges confronting courts in an increasingly complex world and deepen international cooperation in strengthening judicial institutions and promoting the effective administration of justice.'

Conference focus: defending justice in a changing world

Over two days, delegates will examine some of the most pressing issues facing courts and judicial systems worldwide, including:

• judicial independence;
• the responsible use of artificial intelligence by judges and advocates;
• judicial education;
• strategies for modern judging;
• judicial appointments; and
• the future of justice.

Delegates will also participate in visits to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Nigeria.

As the first international conference organised by the IBA Judges' Forum , the event has already attracted delegates from more than 20 countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas. The breadth of participation reflects growing recognition that many of the challenges confronting courts today transcend national borders and require greater international dialogue and cooperation.

Why the Conference matters

• The effective administration of justice underpins democratic governance, economic confidence and the protection of fundamental rights. Independent courts provide certainty for citizens, businesses and governments alike by ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly, constitutional safeguards are upheld and public power is exercised according to the law.
• Against a backdrop of geopolitical instability, rapid advances in artificial intelligence, increasing cyber threats, disinformation, and continuing concerns about the erosion of judicial independence in some jurisdictions, judicial leaders are confronting questions that few legal systems can answer in isolation.
• The Conference will also provide an opportunity for judges to exchange practical experience, explore innovative approaches and strengthen international judicial cooperation while reaffirming the central importance of the rule of law.
• For citizens everywhere, the issues under discussion have direct consequences. Public confidence in the courts affects access to justice, protection of individual rights, commercial certainty, investment and the peaceful resolution of disputes. As technology transforms society and litigation becomes increasingly complex, maintaining trust in judicial institutions has become a matter of global public interest.

Judicial leadership at a pivotal moment

Ahead of the conference, the Co-Chairs have spoken on the importance of international judicial dialogue at a time of significant change for courts around the world.

President of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of South Australia and Chair of the IBA Judges' Forum, the Hon Justice Mark Livesey, commented: 'Artificial intelligence, judicial independence and public trust are among the defining challenges facing courts today. This conference will bring together judicial leaders to discuss how the judiciary can respond to a rapidly changing world.'

Justice of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and Advisory Board Member of the IBA Judges' Forum, the Hon Justice Ngozika Okaisabor, said: 'Bringing together participants from more than 20 countries, this inaugural conference will provide an important opportunity to exchange perspectives on judicial education, modern judging and the future of justice across jurisdictions.'

A landmark event for the global judiciary

Hosted in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, one of Africa's leading legal centres, the inaugural IBA Judges' Forum Conference represents an important milestone in international judicial dialogue. By bringing together judicial leaders from multiple legal traditions and jurisdictions, the conference aims to foster collaboration, share best practice and strengthen the institutions that safeguard justice, constitutional governance and the rule of law.

As courts continue to adapt to emerging technologies, changing public expectations and increasingly complex legal disputes, the Conference seeks to help ensure that judicial systems remain independent, resilient and equipped to serve the societies that depend upon them.