How to Define Crimes Against Democracy

The "Defining Crimes Against Democracy" panel delved into the multifaceted threats facing democratic systems worldwide and explored possible legal, political, and cultural responses to these challenges. The panel featured: Geoffrey Robertson KC, Founding Head of Doughty Street Chambers; Reed Brody, Human rights lawyer, known as the "Dictator Hunter”; Moncef Marzouki, 5th President of Tunisia (2011 - 2014); Stephen Rapp, US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes (2009 to 2015); Hope Rikkelman, Director of The Nuhanovic Foundation and Yazidi Legal Network; Fernando Travesí, Executive Director of the International Center for Transitional Justice; Richard Goldstone, Chair of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, Prosecutor of War Crimes in Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

The discussion opened with a recognition that while democracy is often thought of as resilient, it is, in reality, fragile and susceptible to internal and external threats. Panelists debated the various ways democracy can be undermined, not only through traditional means like coups but also through legal manipulation, disinformation, voter suppression, and the erosion of democratic norms. There was debate over whether external interventions, such as diplomatic pressure, sanctions, or even legal action, are effective or whether they risk being perceived as interference. Some speakers called for democratic states to take a firmer stance against governments engaging in democratic backsliding, while others warned of the unintended consequences of punitive measures, particularly in fragile states. The discussion concluded with a call to action, urging democratic governments, international organizations, and civil society to proactively defend democratic values.

How to end extreme poverty by 2030

The panel on "How to End Extreme Poverty by 2030" brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the challenges and strategies necessary to achieve the ambitious global goal of eradicating extreme poverty within the next decade. The panel included Mousa Ahmed Agha, President of Barzani Charity Foundation; Udo Jude Ilo, Chief Executive Officer of the Hague Institute for Innovation of Law, Clint Borgen; Founder and CEO of The Borgen Project; Heidi Kühn, Founder of ‘Roots of Peace’ and 2023 World Food Prize laureate. 

The discussion explored the root causes of poverty, including systemic inequalities, weak governance, conflict, and climate change. Panelists debated the effectiveness of different policy interventions, the role of international financial institutions, and the need for a people-centred approach that empowers communities rather than imposing top-down solutions. Throughout the discussion, panelists debated the effectiveness of international aid versus locally-driven solutions, the role of technology in expanding access to financial services and education, and the critical need for collaborative efforts across governments, businesses, and nonprofits. The conversation underscored that while progress has been made, achieving the goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 will require an extreme strategic and unified global response.

The Crime of Aggression: How to Hold Heads of State Accountable for Oppression, War and Mass Killings?

This panel titled, “The Crime of Aggression: How to Hold Heads of State Accountable for Oppression, War and Mass Killings?” examined the crime of aggression in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the broader challenge of ensuring accountability under international law. The discussion featured: Geoffrey Robertson KC, Founding Head of Doughty Street Chambers; Oleksandra Matviichuk, Human rights lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate; David Crane, Founding Chief Prosecutor UN Special Court of Sierra Leone; Richard Goldstone, Chair of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, Prosecutor of War Crimes in Yugoslavia and Rwanda; Herta Däubler-Gmelin, former Federal Minister of Justice of Germany; David Akerson, Attorney and prosecutor, served as Senior Consultant to the Special Tribunal for Lebanon; Anya Neistat, Legal Director of The Docket Initiative at the Clooney Foundation for Justice; Stephen Rapp, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes (2009 to 2015).

The panelists underscored that, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for war crimes, it currently lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine’s case. Several panelists highlighted the need for new mechanisms, such as trials in absentia, the creation of a special tribunal, or amendments to the ICC statute, to address this legal gap. Other participants, including Richard Goldstone and David Crane, emphasized that aggression is a leadership crime and that pursuing Putin’s accountability could reshape global norms, sending a strong message to authoritarian regimes. The panel discussed the political and legal barriers to prosecution, such as head of state immunity and geopolitical hesitation, particularly from the U.S. The consensus was clear: accountability for aggression is both a legal necessity and a political imperative to uphold international order.