Global judicial leaders unite under the theme “From Principles to Action: Advancing Judicial Well-being as the Foundation for Integrity, Resilience, and Public Trust”

The Papua New Guinea Judiciary, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Commonwealth Secretariat, is proud to announce that the International Judicial Integrity and Well-Being Conference will be held in Port Moresby from August 20–22, 2025. This landmark event will bring together judicial leaders and experts from across the globe to focus on advancing judicial well-being as a cornerstone for integrity, resilience, and public trust in justice systems worldwide.

The conference will open with a spotlight on judicial leadership and the groundbreaking Nauru Declaration on Judicial Well-Being, adopted in July 2024. Opening remarks will be delivered by the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Chief Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika; and the Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi; emphasizing the critical need for judicial systems that prioritize both integrity and well-being.

It is anticipated that after the opening there will be a high-level panel featuring judicial leaders including Chief Justice Salika and others from the region and beyond.

Sessions will include an in-depth discussion on the origins and global significance of the Nauru Declaration, the role of visionary judicial leadership in fostering ethical cultures, and comparative insights from Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, England, United States of America, Kenya, etc., on executive support for judicial well-being. Participants will also commence drafting a global commentary on the Nauru Declaration to guide its international implementation.

Under the theme “Advancing Judicial Health and Wellness: Inclusive Practices and Breaking Stigmas,” the second day will address often-overlooked challenges affecting the justice sector, including mental health, harassment, stress, and representation. Leading academics, psychologists, and judges will share expertise on how these factors impact judicial performance and integrity.

Key sessions will focus on:

• Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and judicial performance
• Creating inclusive, balanced judicial workplaces
• Showcasing best practices and innovations in fostering judicial health
• Promoting rights and representation through judicial well-being initiatives

The conference will conclude with a forward-looking discussion themed “Modern Justice: Balancing Technology, Well-Being, and Integrity.” Judicial leaders will explore the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies, such as AI-assisted decision-making, automated scheduling, and digital case management systems.

Highlighted topics include:

• Leveraging technology to enhance judicial well-being
• Research and education on judicial integrity in the digital age
• Innovations that preserve justice through ethical digital transformation
• Managing internal and external pressures in evolving justice systems
• Safeguarding justice and integrity in a technology-driven world

The conference will close with the development of a comprehensive action plan to support global implementation of the Nauru Declaration, reaffirming commitments to:

• Promote judicial well-being worldwide
• Integrate ethical and inclusive technology into justice systems
• Strengthen regional and international cooperation among Pacific and global judiciaries

The conference will further support the work of the judiciary in improving access to justice for all in a manner that is sustainable.