Rebuilding Justice from the Ground Up: Lessons from the 2025 World Justice Forum

By Khaled Emam
 

The struggles with the rule of law in the MENA region have cost the region a decade of recession, hindered access to fundamental rights, led to trillions of dollars in losses, slowed economic growth, and deepened political and social fragmentation. People’s trust in public institutions including the justice system remain low, further worsening the situation. Moreover, 7 out of the 15 most fragile countries in the world are in the MENA region, and youth unemployment remains the highest globally, one of the main drivers of the Arab uprisings in 2010 and 2011. This highlights the urgent need for rule of law reform ensuring that everyone including government and private sector are subject to and accountable under the law. 

The question is: What are the key conditions for building a strong rule of law ecosystem?

In June 2025, I had the opportunity to participate in the World Justice Forum in Warsaw, Poland, as part of the Transparency, Accountability, and Participation (TAP) Network delegation, representing Justice Call – an independent regional organization led by young people works to promote human rights and the rule of law.

 There, I explored possible answers to this question alongside dozens of rule of law advocates from around the world. 

Here are some of my key takeaways:

Rule of law reform requires both institutional change and a strong, independent and empowered civil society.

 

One of the key messages of the forum is that an effective rule of law and justice reform is not possible without the presence of a strong and independent civil society including media and journalists that can highlight marginalised voices and ensure that politicians and decision makers are accountable to their own people. We must remember that rule of law is not abstract principles, it must always be people centred and for that to happen strong civil society is essential to ensure that justice institutions are independent and accessible and laws are fairly and effectively implemented.

Fighting for the rule of law is risky—but essential and worthwhile.


 In a powerful opening, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa spoke about the urgent need to reflect on the current global order—where crimes and war crimes, from Gaza to Ukraine, often go unpunished. She emphasized the “Power of Information” and the importance of using our collective freedom of expression to expose abuses of power, attacks on judicial independence, civil society organizations, and democracy itself.

Maria Ressa shared her personal struggle in the Philippines, where she faced legal harassment for her courageous work in exposing authoritarianism. Despite the risks, she used her courage as an anchor to remain steadfast in the face of injustice and violence.

“We need to remember: silence is complicity, inaction is a choice… we can’t be neutral when the values we hold are under attack.” — Maria Ressa

The private sector cannot thrive without a functioning and fair legal system.

Another key lesson from the World Justice Forum is that private sector growth depends heavily on the rule of law. Business operations require stability, predictability, and a well-functioning legal system. Conflict and instability disrupt business activity, deter investment, and increase operational risks. Conversely, the rule of law—anchored in an independent and efficient justice system—protects property rights, ensures fair competition, reduces uncertainty, and creates the conditions for the private sector to thrive and help states to attract of foreign investment.

However, private sector investment in the rule of law remains very limited. To help build a strong rule of law ecosystem, the private sector must play a more practical role by providing financial resources to frontline actors, including lawyers, CSOs, and community-based groups working to advance justice and accountability.

In contexts where the rule of law is absent, funding and protecting frontline organizations is not optional—it’s essential.  

It’s no surprise that one of the core focuses of the World Justice Forum this year was how to protect civil society and civic space. The Warsaw Principles for the Rule of Law, announced during the forum, also emphasize the protection of civic space as a key principle.

 In fragile and conflict-affected states, state institutions are often weak or non-functional. As a result, citizens rely heavily on community-based groups and civil society actors to access basic services, protection, and justice.

Under such conditions, the fastest and most effective way to support the rule of law and advance justice is to channel resources directly to frontline actors—including lawyers, youth groups, and community-based organizations. These groups play a critical role in supporting those most in need, amplifying marginalized voices, and building alternative models for justice and rights.