Madrid: Building effective and inclusive justice systems will take centre stage as global leaders meet in Spain for the 2025 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Justice Leaders’ Dialogue. Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel will lead South Africa’s delegation to the Justice Leaders’ Dialogue, as part of the 2025 OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice.
According to South African Government News Agency, the roundtable will take place in Madrid, Spain, from 12 to 14 November 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice, a key platform promoting international cooperation and people-centred justice systems. The event forms part of the OECD Reinforcing Democracy Initiative, which over the past decade has served as a vital platform for international dialogue and policy exchange, supporting countries in their efforts to advance people-centred justice.
Held under the theme: ‘Shaping the future of justice: building a system that earns trust and delivers shared prosperity’, the 2025 Justice Leaders’ Dialogue will bring together Ministers of Justice, Attorneys-General, and senior justice leaders from across the globe. Co-hosted with the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and Parliamentary Relations of Spain, the dialogue will focus on charting the next phase of action to build effective, inclusive, and responsive justice systems.
The Justice and Constitutional Development department said Nel has been invited to participate in the flagship Justice Leaders’ Dialogue, which opens the Roundtable and focuses on addressing pressing justice sector challenges, defining strategic priorities, and reinforcing global cooperation. As countries navigate unprecedented challenges – from digital transformation and artificial intelligence to demographic shifts, the department has emphasised a need for agile, effective, and forward-thinking justice institutions has never been greater.
In this complex landscape, justice systems play a crucial role in fostering economic competitiveness and social stability by ensuring legal certainty, resolving disputes efficiently, and maintaining a fair business environment. Since effective justice systems are essential for economic welfare, foreign investment, and innovation, the discussions will address how to reinforce the rule of law amid rising pressures and declining public trust, the department said in a statement on Tuesday.
The discussions will also examine what is needed to build a justice sector that not only upholds protection and opportunity, but also serves as an enabler, empowering people, communities, and economies to thrive. During the dialogue, participants will be invited to discuss the challenges their justice sectors face, define actionable policy responses, shape global priorities, and strengthen international cooperation to promote the rule of law and access to justice for greater trust and shared prosperity.
The South African delegation has been streamlined to ensure cost-efficiency, while maintaining meaningful participation. The delegation will also engage in the Justice Policy Forum and Technical Roundtable sessions, contributing to discussions on policy innovations, good practices, and collaborative strategies to build future-ready justice systems.
South Africa remains committed to advancing equal access to justice and strengthening democratic institutions through inclusive, transparent, and people-centred approaches. The delegation’s participation underscores our country’s dedication to global cooperation and accessible justice for all, the Deputy Minister said.