Senior judicial leaders from across the world will gather in Abuja, Nigeria, from July 9 to 10, 2026, for the inaugural International Bar Association Judges’ Forum Conference.
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The conference, titled “In Defence of Justice,” will hold at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja and is expected to bring together chief justices, heads of court, appellate judges, senior lawyers, academics and public officials from more than 20 countries.
The landmark event comes at a time when courts across the world are facing increasing pressure from rapid technological change, threats to judicial independence, growing case complexity, cyber risks, disinformation and heightened public scrutiny.
According to the organisers, the conference will provide a platform for judicial leaders to examine how courts and judicial institutions can uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights and maintain public confidence in an increasingly complex global environment.
The International Bar Association President, Claudio Visco, said an independent, effective and trusted judiciary remains fundamental to the rule of law and democratic society.
He said courts across jurisdictions are currently navigating major technological, social and constitutional changes, making international dialogue among judicial leaders more important than ever.
“Across every jurisdiction, an independent, effective and trusted judiciary is fundamental to the rule of law and to democratic society,” Visco said.
“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.”
Visco added that the inaugural IBA Judges’ Forum Conference reflects the IBA’s commitment to strengthening judicial institutions, promoting international cooperation and supporting the fair administration of justice worldwide.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, also described judicial independence as the cornerstone of constitutional democracy.
According to her, the judiciary remains the ultimate guarantor of constitutional rights and peaceful resolution of disputes when anchored on integrity, impartiality and courage.
“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,” the CJN said.
Justice Kekere-Ekun noted that public confidence in the administration of justice is not secured by constitutional guarantees alone but must be earned through transparency, accountability, consistency and fidelity to the law.
She said the Abuja conference offers judicial leaders an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, reflect on evolving challenges confronting courts and deepen international cooperation in strengthening judicial institutions.
Over the two-day conference, participants will discuss major issues affecting courts and judicial systems, including judicial independence, responsible use of artificial intelligence by judges and advocates, judicial education, modern judging strategies, judicial appointments and the future of justice.
Delegates are also expected to visit the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Nigeria as part of the conference activities.
The President of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of South Australia and Chair of the IBA Judges’ Forum, Justice Mark Livesey, said artificial intelligence, judicial independence and public trust are among the defining challenges confronting courts today.
He said the conference would enable judicial leaders to discuss practical ways the judiciary can respond to a rapidly changing world.
Also speaking, Justice Ngozika Okaisabor of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria and Advisory Board Member of the IBA Judges’ Forum said the conference would create an important opportunity for participants from different jurisdictions to exchange perspectives on judicial education, modern judging and the future of justice.
The organisers said the conference is significant because the effective administration of justice underpins democratic governance, economic confidence, access to justice and the protection of fundamental rights.
They noted that independent courts provide certainty for citizens, businesses and governments by ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and public power is exercised according to law.
The conference will also explore how courts can remain resilient and trusted in the face of emerging technologies, changing public expectations and increasingly complex legal disputes.
Hosted in Abuja, one of Africa’s leading legal centres, the inaugural IBA Judges’ Forum Conference is expected to mark an important milestone in international judicial dialogue.
The event is aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing best practices and strengthening institutions that safeguard justice, constitutional governance and the rule of law.
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