Statement by the Director-General, Ms. Jan Beagle
High-Level Round Table 2
5 November 2025
Doha, Qatar
Excellencies,
It is a pleasure to speak on behalf of the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).
From more than four decades of experience in some hundred countries, IDLO has learned that the rule of law is the quiet force that makes social development possible.
When laws are fair, institutions are accountable, and justice is accessible, societies grow more equal and resilient.
The rule of law is also what helps prevent frustration from turning into division, and division into conflict.
It is rightly underlined that recent global crises – from the COVID-19 pandemic to climate change and escalating conflicts – have deepened people's sense of insecurity.
This is exactly where the rule of law matters most: it ensures that crises are managed fairly, that no group is left behind, and that governments are trusted to act transparently and protect everyone.
But today, this foundation is weakening.
Across the world, the rule of law is in decline. Over 5 billion people face unmet justice needs.
Too often, laws are applied unequally, corruption goes unpunished, and for many, justice remains out of reach.
And we are not investing enough to change this.
Justice received less than one per cent in national budgets, and only a small share of development assistance.
Yet without justice, no other investment, whether in education, health or jobs, can fully succeed.
So how do we rebuild the rule of law as the backbone of social development?
We would suggest that we can start with three priorities.
First, legal reform.
Discriminatory laws still hold back women, youth and marginalized groups.
No country has yet achieved full legal equality for women.
Reforming these laws is not just about rights.
It is about ensuring everyone can contribute to, and benefit from, progress.
Second, strong and accountable institutions.
When corruption and weak governance drain resources from schools or hospitals, people lose faith.
Effective, accountable and responsive institutions are essential to rebuild that trust and repair the social contract.
Third, justice that starts with people.
Justice systems must understand and respond to people's needs.
Empowering communities, helping people know and claim their rights, and resolving disputes quickly and fairly are all essential to inclusion and stability.
If we want the 2030 Agenda to deliver for people, we must give justice priority and the resources it deserves.
The broadest possible partnerships among governments, civil society, international organizations and the private sector are essential.
IDLO stands ready to work with all of you to ensure that social progress is not only achieved but truly shared.