The Dominican Republic shone on the global stage as it played host to the prestigious 2025 World Law Congress, transforming the nation into a hub for legal minds from around the world on 4, 5 and 6 May. More than 300 jurists from 70 countries gathered under the banner of “New Generations and the Rule of Law: Forging the Future,” turning Santo Domingo into the “global capital of the rule of law” for three days.
The congress ended on Tuesday, 6 May 2025 with a powerful closing ceremony attended by President Luis Abinader and Spain’s King Felipe VI. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the World Peace & Liberty Award, the highest honor bestowed by the World Jurist Association, to US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. New York-born, Sotomayor is only the third woman, the first Hispanic, and the first Latina to serve on the US Supreme Court.
Justice Sotomayor, visibly moved, accepted the award for her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the defense of fundamental rights. She expressed her gratitude for receiving the recognition in “the beautifully stunning island” of the Dominican Republic, dedicating it to “all defenders of the rule of law.”
Participating in the World Law Congress were more than 45 presidents of constitutional courts from around the world, the president of the American. Bar Association, experts and academics.
President Abinader seized the opportunity to highlight the Dominican Republic’s legacy as a “pioneer of justice in the continent.” He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to democratic governance built on strong institutions, accessible justice, and human rights. “Here, a vital principle has been reaffirmed: Law is not a relic of the past but a living force that must shape the future with humanity, firmness, and vision,” Abinader declared.
In his closing remarks, the country’s leader emphasized the congress’s enduring impact:
“Let me say that this congress is not ending; it is projecting forward. The commitments made here challenge us all, from our different countries and contexts, to never take our democracies for granted, to fortify our institutions, and to continue building a world where the law prevails over arbitrariness.”
He highlighted recent deep-seated reforms in the Dominican Republic aimed at solidifying an independent, modern, and transparent justice system. He stressed the government’s prioritization of “digital transformation” within the judicial sector, believing technology can enhance accessibility, fairness, and efficiency while acknowledging it doesn’t replace justice itself.
Despite progress, the leader acknowledged significant challenges remain. These include climate change, artificial intelligence’s impact, safeguarding digital rights, achieving gender equity, combating corruption, and protecting fundamental freedoms. He concluded that addressing these issues demands a “more courageous, adaptive, and global” justice system.
Javier Cremades, president of the World Jurist Association, praised the Dominican people for their “hard-working, law-abiding, and responsible” nature. He also commended the Abinader government for demonstrating that “the system works because there are people doing what needs to be done.”
In addition to Justice Sotomayor’s award, the closing ceremony recognized William M. Treanor, dean of Georgetown Law, and Lin & Alexia Rogers, patrons of the World Law Foundation. Two significant global initiatives were also launched: “Justice for Children” and “500 Years of the School of Salamanca.”
As part of the congress’ program, President Abinader and King Felipe VI inaugurated a new building at the Universidad del Caribe (Unicaribe) and the Flame Monument, paying tribute to the legacy of the School of Salamanca. Concluding his speech, President Abinader invoked Fray Antón de Montesinos, emphasizing that “justice must place the human being at the heart of the legal order.”
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
CDN
Presidency
Colin Powell School
N Digital
7 May 2025