By Stephen Simon
Senior judicial leaders from more than 20 countries converged on Abuja for the inaugural International Bar Association (IBA) Judges’ Forum Conference, with participants examining growing threats to judicial independence, rapid technological change and strategies for strengthening justice delivery across the world. The two-day conference, themed “In Defence of Justice,” brought together chief justices, heads of courts, appellate judges, senior lawyers, academics and public officials.
The conference, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, focused on preserving the rule of law and enhancing public confidence in judicial institutions at a time when courts are facing increasing pressure from complex legal disputes, technological advancements and heightened public scrutiny. Organisers described the gathering as the first international conference of the IBA Judges’ Forum.
President of the International Bar Association, Claudio Visco, said an independent and trusted judiciary remains the foundation of every democratic society. He noted that the conference was designed to promote international cooperation among judicial leaders and encourage the exchange of practical solutions to challenges confronting courts across different jurisdictions.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the judiciary remains the cornerstone of constitutional democracy and stressed that public confidence in the administration of justice is earned through transparency, accountability, consistency and fidelity to the law. She described the conference as an opportunity for judicial officers to share experiences and deepen collaboration in strengthening judicial institutions.
Participants considered a wide range of issues affecting modern justice systems, including judicial independence, judicial appointments, judicial education, the responsible use of artificial intelligence by judges and lawyers, and strategies for improving the quality and efficiency of judicial decision-making. They also explored ways of preparing courts for emerging legal and technological challenges.
Delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas also took part in visits to the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, where discussions continued on best practices for enhancing the administration of justice and promoting stronger collaboration among judicial institutions worldwide.
Organisers expressed optimism that the inaugural conference would mark the beginning of sustained global judicial dialogue aimed at protecting the rule of law, safeguarding constitutional rights and ensuring that courts remain resilient and responsive to the evolving demands of justice in an increasingly complex world.
