Opening Session
The Forum commenced with opening statements by leading figures who underscored the critical role of the rule of law in ensuring justice, stability, and sustainable development in the region. Speakers included:
- Dr. Hans Jorg Dietsche, Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Rule of Law Programme MENA
- Atty. Rany Sader, President of the Youssef SADER Foundation for Legal Culture
- H.E. Kurt Georg Stoeckl-Stillfried, German Ambassador to Lebanon
- H.E. Dr. Paul Morcos, Lebanese Minister of Information
- H.E. Atty. Adel Nassar, Lebanese Minister of Justice
Their remarks set a collaborative and forward-looking tone for the Forum, highlighting the importance of dialogue and regional cooperation in advancing legal standards and governance.
Day 1 – 12 December 2025
Panel I: Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in the Arab World – Between National Sovereignty and Regional Convergence
This panel explored how constitutional systems in the Middle East and North Africa are evolving in response to shifting political realities and demands for accountability. Panelists examined the diverse constitutional models in the region, discussing how constitutional courts can balance national sovereignty with regional cooperation to strengthen the rule of law and protect individual rights.
- Moderator: Tamara Khoury – The Arab Association of Constitutional Law (AACL)
- Experts: Dr. Adel Omar Sherif, Dr. Mireille Najm Chekrallah, Dr. Sanaa Sarghali
Panel II: Sanctions and the Law – Regional and International Perspectives on Legality, Impact, and Humanitarian Consequences
Addressing the complex legal landscape of sanctions, this panel discussed their political use and profound humanitarian impact in the region. Case studies focused on legal justifications, state sovereignty, and human rights concerns. The dialogue combined regional perspectives with international legal frameworks to assess safeguards that might alleviate humanitarian suffering.
- Moderator: Dr. Amine Lebbos – Lebanese University
- Experts: Dr. Elie Al Hindi, Dr. Chady Saad, Dr. Dany Ghsoub
Panel III: Environmental Law and Business – Building Sustainable Legal Frameworks
The session highlighted the critical intersection of environmental protection, business responsibilities, and legal accountability in the MENA region. Panelists examined emerging international regulations such as the EU Supply Chain Act and Green Deal, exploring their implications for regional legal systems. The discussion emphasized the role of states, businesses, civil society, and academia in promoting sustainable development through legal reforms.
- Moderator: Dr. Riyad Fakhri – Hassan First University, Casablanca
- Experts: Yasmine Barbir, Emmanuel Maalouf, Dr. Nadine Bitar
Day 2 – 13 December 2025
Panel IV: Between Code and Cases – The Civil and Common Law Divide in the MENA Region
This panel delved into the rich legal diversity of the MENA region, where civil law, common law, religious law, and customary norms coexist. Experts explored how hybrid legal systems can promote predictability and flexibility in judicial practice, facilitate cross-border cooperation, and support reforms. The discussion drew on comparative experiences from Europe and Asia to enhance understanding and harmonization.
- Moderator: Atty. Rany Sader – Youssef SADER Foundation
- Experts: Andre Saadeh, Michael Scheurich, Agathe Fremin du Sartel
Panel V: The Rule of Law in the Age of Intellectual Property – Balancing Innovation, Access, and Justice
The final panel addressed the evolving role of intellectual property (IP) laws in fostering innovation while safeguarding access and justice. Panelists discussed the challenges of designing IP systems that align with the rule of law, human rights, and sustainable development goals. Topics included enforcement, dispute resolution, and the impact of digital transformation and AI on IP governance, with comparative insights from global frameworks such as WIPO and TRIPS.
- Moderator: Atty. Nisrine Haddad – SADER & Associates
- Experts: Malek Hannouf, Charles Chaaban, Samir El Aichaoui
Closing Remarks
Dr. Hans Jorg Dietsche and Atty. Rany Sader closed the Forum with reflections on the significance of sustained regional cooperation to address the evolving legal challenges facing the MENA region. They highlighted the importance of continuing the momentum gained through such multi-stakeholder dialogues in promoting a robust rule of law environment.
Conclusion
The 3rd Edition of the Rule of Law FORUM marked another milestone in fostering dialogue and collaboration among MENA’s legal community. The event’s insightful discussions and expert contributions reinforced the vital connection between law, governance, and sustainable development. Supported by the unwavering partnership of the Youssef SADER Foundation for Legal Culture, the Forum continues to serve as a cornerstone for regional progress on justice, innovation, and the rule of law.
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