Agenda: Justice on the Global Stage Forum 2026

In a world shaped by conflict, disruption, and declining trust, what role do courts play in helping societies navigate uncertainty? Judicial leaders from around the world will explore how strong legal institutions support economic resilience, foster public confidence, and provide the foundation for long-term stability and prosperity. Drawing on examples from their own countries, panelists will share how courts and legal systems are adapting to emerging challenges while helping societies endure and evolve in a rapidly changing world.

How do courts uphold justice when the rule of law itself is under pressure? Judicial leaders will share their experiences keeping courts functioning during periods of crisis, conflict, and transformation. Beyond maintaining judicial operations, the discussion will explore how courts help rebuild trust, support economic recovery, strengthen institutions, and create the conditions for long-term stability and growth. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, panelists will reflect on what it takes to build institutions capable of both enduring crisis and shaping a country's future.

As courts around the world confront declining public trust, growing expectations for transparency, and increasing demands for accessibility, how can judicial institutions better serve the people they are designed to protect? Drawing on global experience and emerging international trends, this featured presentation explores people-centered and open justice approaches that seek to make courts more responsive, accessible, and trusted. The session will examine practical strategies for strengthening public confidence, improving access to justice, and ensuring judicial institutions remain relevant and effective in a rapidly changing world.

Strong legal institutions are essential to economic opportunity, but why? This discussion will explore how judicial effectiveness, independence, predictability, and transparency shape investment decisions, business confidence, and competitiveness. Bringing together leaders from business, development institutions, and government, the panel will examine what builds confidence in courts, why the private sector cares, and how institutions can strengthen the conditions for long-term growth and prosperity.

Courts today operate in an environment of unprecedented visibility, where information moves instantly, public expectations continue to evolve, and institutions face growing scrutiny. As societies around the world grapple with questions of trust, transparency and civic engagement, what does it take for institutions to maintain legitimacy and public confidence? This conversation will explore how trust is built, how it is lost, and how institutions can strengthen confidence and engagement in an increasingly connected world.

Forum Agenda