IBA President Jaime Carey and Salzburg Global launch the International Law Fellows Network
International Bar Association (IBA) President Jaime Carey, in partnership with Salzburg Global, has launched the International Law Fellows Network – a programme aimed at younger associates and aspiring international lawyers at the early stages of their careers to help them effectively engage on a range of issues that are critical to safeguarding the rule of law. It is the first major initiative of President Carey’s tenure.
The programme convened leading voices in international law for an immersive three-day session of dialogue and collaboration that took place from Thursday 27 March to Sunday 30 March 2025 at Schloss Leopoldskron, Salzburg, Austria.
Participating in the programme were 28 fellows of international law, representing the public, non-profit and private sectors. These early- and mid-career professionals collaborated with eminent speakers, esteemed judges and leading academics to explore the evolving role of international and transnational lawyers in upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the rule of law.
The inaugural session, titled ‘Safeguarding Democracy and the Rule of Law: The Crucial Role of Rising International Lawyers’, took place against a backdrop of threats to democratic societies and the rules-based international order, the rise of authoritarian power, political populism, polarisation, anti-democratic propaganda, disinformation campaigns and military aggression.
IBA President Carey commented: ‘Thinking about how rising international lawyers will navigate the complex challenges facing the rule of law in the 21st century is what led to the establishment of the International Law Fellows Network. It became clear that lawyers need to take on a greater role as defenders of the rule of law because of the numerous issues facing societies, such as a growing distrust of long-standing institutions, a perceived lack of transparency, equality, accountability and fairness, political instability, and the ongoing violations of fundamental rights and freedoms.’
He added: ‘Both the IBA and Salzburg Global were established in 1947, with aligned missions to foster connection and cooperation globally. I can think of no better organisation with which to undertake the responsibility of supporting lawyers with the space to think and converse freely with peers and mentors on matters of worldwide societal importance.’
Salzburg Global President and Chief Executive Officer, Martin Weiss, said: ‘Since our founding in 1947, Salzburg Global is committed to advancing democracy and the rule of law across borders and disciplines. The International Law Fellows Network builds on that legacy, alongside our ongoing programs and the establishment of the Cutler Center, by empowering the next generation of legal professionals to defend the fundamental principles of justice, fairness and integrity at a time when they are under unprecedented strain, yes, even attack. We are proud to partner with the IBA to ensure that these vital conversations continue globally and across generations. And to make sure that these are not only conversations, but conversations with consequences.’
Other sessions included conversations around upholding the rule of law through courts and international institutions; pro bono for the public good; and law firms on the front lines defending the rule of law through private practice.
The programme comprised a blend of conversations, debates and interactive workshops designed to spark meaningful exchanges, equip fellows with practical tools and inspire new approaches to the complex legal and ethical dilemmas facing today’s global community.
The overall goals of the programme:
- Define the role of international lawyers in defending the rule of law: Equip participants with the tools, strategies and ethical frameworks needed to safeguard legal institutions, protect fundamental rights and uphold democratic principles in an era of rising authoritarianism and legal uncertainty.
- Build a strong community of international law Salzburg Fellows: Strengthen a global network of international lawyers dedicated to defending the rule of law by fostering collaboration, mutual support and the exchange of ideas that will extend beyond the programme.
- Draft a statement on the rule of law: Collaborate to articulate a shared vision and commitment outlining the responsibilities and strategies of international lawyers in preserving and advancing the rule of law, providing a guiding framework for legal professionals worldwide.
With the aim of fostering open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, discussions were conducted under the Chatham House Rule, whereby no direct attribution of any statement may be made in print, online, via social media, or in any broadcast without the express prior permission of the statement's author. Every fellow’s participation in the programme and contributions to the Salzburg Statement are anonymous.
ENDS
Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org | info@SalzburgGlobal.org
Notes to the reader:
- The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, with the aim of protecting and promoting the rule of law globally, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice. The IBA acts as a connector, enabler and influencer for fair practice and accountability worldwide. The Association has collaborated on a broad range of ground-breaking, international projects with the United Nations, the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, The Commonwealth, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, among others.
- Salzburg Global is where open-minded leaders from around the world gather for breakthrough conversations on pressing global issues. Since 1947, our programs have worked to overcome barriers and open up a world of better possibilities – creating spaces where divergent voices can address the big challenges of our time.
- Find the IBA on social media here:
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Thomas Biebl
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tbiebl@salzburgglobal.org
Website page link for this news release:
Short link: https://tinyurl.com/4pffk43w
Full link: https://www.ibanet.org/IBA-President-Jaime-Carey-Salzburg-Global-launch-International-Law-Fellows-Network