Javier Arévalo Vela, President of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Republic of Peru and President of the Judiciary (2023-2024), sits down with Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association, to discuss the state of the Rule of Law in Peru and Latin America.

They explore judicial independence, social justice, and how the law protects both the vulnerable and society as a whole, even in times of political and social challenges.

Kim Quarles, Executive Vice-President of the World Jurist Association, reflects on the universal principles of the Rule of Law, current threats to democracy, and the vital role of courts and institutions in safeguarding human rights and freedom worldwide.

James Black, Vice-President of the World Jurist Association and Partner & General Counsel of Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP, explores how social, political, and technological changes are challenging the rule of law in the U.S., highlighting the importance of equality before the law, trust in institutions, and educating future generations to uphold justice.

Víctor Tafur, Director of the United Nations Environmental Diplomacy Program, discusses how the #RuleofLaw shapes justice, sustainability, and global governance.

He explores the role of businesses, governments, and NGOs in addressing global challenges like climate change and the energy transition, highlighting the need for strong legal frameworks to drive progress.

In this episode of On the Rule of Law, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, President of the Conference of European Rabbis, joins Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association, for a conversation on the threats facing the Rule of Law in today’s world.

Drawing on his personal experience of exile from Russia and his engagement with the complexities of the Middle East conflict, Rabbi Goldschmidt reflects on the impact of war, polarization, and the manipulation of social media on democratic societies. Together, they explore how religion, law, and community can work as safeguards for human dignity and as a foundation for rebuilding trust.

In this episode of On the Rule of Law, we welcome Deborah Enix-Ross, Former Chair of the American Bar Association, who reflects on the challenges facing the United States in terms of the Rule of Law.

She explores the current legal landscape, the role of institutions in defending democracy, and the importance of civic education to strengthen the rule of law in times of uncertainty.

In this episode of On the Rule of Law, we welcome Jaime Pumarejo, Mayor of Barranquilla (2020-2023), to the Rule of Law Digital Center in Madrid. We discuss the impact of the World Law Congress 2021 on his city, the importance of the Rule of Law in contexts of migratory crises and populism, and the current challenges facing Colombia’s institutions. A deep reflection on the tension between security and freedom, the role of justice as a public good, and the future of political leadership in Latin America.

Iván Duque, presidente de Colombia entre 2018 y 2022, conversa con Javier Cremades, presidente de la World Jurist Association sobre liderazgo, derecho y los desafíos actuales para el Estado de Derecho.

Javier Cremades repasa su historia personal, desde su infancia en Málaga hasta su formación en Alemania, y subraya el papel clave de su esposa, Arantxa Calvo-Sotelo.

La charla aborda su defensa de los derechos humanos, el impacto del World Law Congress en Colombia y las amenazas que enfrentan hoy las democracias: populismo, polarización y reformas judiciales que ponen en riesgo la independencia de los jueces.

Víctor Olea, vicepresidente de la World Jurist Association, y en la antesala del próximo Congreso Mundial de Derecho 2025, aborda temas clave sobre el derecho de defensa, la independencia judicial y el estado de derecho. Proviene de una familia de abogados y, de hecho, destaca que su vocación nació desde joven, sin haber considerado nunca otra profesión.

En la conversación, subraya la importancia del derecho de defensa, no solo como un principio legal, sino también como una garantía que debe asegurarse en la práctica. Además, explica el trabajo de la ‘Defensa de la Defensa’, una institución dentro del Colegio de Abogados de México que protege a los abogados perseguidos o amenazados por las autoridades públicas.

También se refiere a la independencia judicial, destacando que es esencial para la democracia y denunciando, al mismo tiempo, los recientes ataques al poder judicial en México, incluidos los intentos del presidente López Obrador de influir en la Suprema Corte y modificar su estructura mediante reformas constitucionales.

Por otro lado, Olea advierte sobre las presiones y campañas de desprestigio contra los jueces, las cuales representan una amenaza para la justicia imparcial. Igualmente, explica el origen mexicano del amparo, destacándolo como una de las mayores contribuciones de México al derecho internacional y una herramienta fundamental para proteger a los ciudadanos contra los abusos de poder.

Finalmente, enfatiza la necesidad de colaboración entre abogados y juristas a nivel global para defender el estado de derecho y garantizar la independencia de la justicia en el ámbito del derecho internacional.

This conversation takes place during the 29th edition of the World Law Congress, where the President of the Constitutional Court of participates in a tribute to Anthony Kennedy, a jurist recognized for legacy in defending the Rule of Law worldwide.

In this interesting conversation we will be able to listen to key ideas such as:

The importance of the legal profession: Being a jurist represents a commitment to the fundamental principles of human dignity and freedom. The rule of law and democracy are essential to ensuring equality and justice for all.

Our guest's experience in Kosovo: The President of theConstitutional Court of Kosovo highlights that his country has experienced the absence of the rule of law, reinforcing his conviction that it must be constantly protected and strengthened.

Education and awareness: In many Western countries, the rule of law and democracy are often taken for granted. It is essential to remind younger generations of their importance and the need to actively defend them.

Challenges in Kosovo: As a young country with an emerging democracy, Kosovo faces challenges in consolidating its constitutional system, which was designed through a modern and internationalized process.

Overall, the conversation highlights the responsibility of jurists in defending democracy and the rule of law, especially in societies undergoing democratic consolidation.