9:00 AM | U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Registration and Networking Breakfast

9:30 AM | Briefing Center

Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:40 AM | Briefing Center

Presentation | Uphold Justice: Promoting Independent and Accountable Judiciaries

Be the first to see a new initiative from the World Justice Project: Uphold Justice: Promoting Independent and Accountable Judiciaries. This project develops comparative indicators that capture both legal safeguards and real-world practices of judicial independence across 142 countries. Using legal analysis, expert and public surveys, and AI-assisted data from news and court decisions, the World Justice Project is creating a tool to drive reform and accountability worldwide. This session offers an exclusive presentation and Q&A, giving forum attendees a rare preview of what’s to come.

10:20 AM | Briefing Center

Panel | Resilient Courts in Conflict Zones: Lessons from Ukraine

How do courts uphold justice when the rule of law itself is under siege? In this powerful session, members of Ukraine’s Supreme Court will share their experiences keeping courts functioning during a full-scale war. They’ll explore the hard choices, courage, and innovation required to deliver justice in a time of crisis, and what their example means for safeguarding judicial independence everywhere. 

11:05 AM | Briefing Center

Panel | Beyond the Bench: Fighting Corruption and Securing Judicial Independence

Corruption erodes trust and undermines economic growth, but courts can be the turning point. In this panel, Judicial Fellows will share their firsthand experiences fighting corruption, protecting judicial independence, and building public confidence in their systems. From innovations around transparency and accountability, this conversation highlights strategies for keeping courts fair, credible, and free from interference. 

11:50 AM | Briefing Center

Fireside Chat | The Rule of Law as the Cornerstone of Democracy and Stability

Rule of law isn’t just a legal concept, it’s the foundation for democratic resilience and thriving economies. In this candid conversation, Freedom House and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will explore how independent courts foster public trust, protect rights, and create the stable environment that businesses and societies need to flourish. This session will leave participants with a deeper appreciation for why strengthening judicial independence is essential to democratic and economic stability and growth. 

12:35 PM | Briefing Center

Closing Remarks 

12:40 PM | Briefing Center

Lunch & Networking Reception

Join us for a networking lunch and the opportunity to continue the conversations sparked during the panels with the 25 Judicial Fellows and other rule of law leaders. Attendees can explore our digital exhibit, featuring profiles of the Fellows, highlighting their work advancing the rule of law around the world and providing a deeper look at the extraordinary leaders behind the program.