RECAP of the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum

The 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum (SPILF), the most important event on the global legal agenda in 2025, has concluded.

In his greeting to the Forum participants, the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin stated that “today, with the creation of a multipolar world order, one of the top priorities is to adjust global governance institutions and mechanisms to ensure collective security in such a way that they meet the requirements of the times and work to the benefit of progress and prosperity. Such work should be based on positive historical experience and a mutual willingness to understand and take into account the lessons of the past.”

The numerous discussions held during the Forum repeatedly addressed the need for a profound understanding of historical experience in order to come up with joint solutions that can ensure the development and strengthening of the legal foundations of a fair multipolar world.

“Thanks to the extensive agenda and impressive range of participants, the Forum has taken on global importance and confidently retains the status of a landmark universal platform to not only discuss purely professional problems in matters concerning jurisprudence, but also to conduct a more detailed examination of the current state of affairs on a wide range of political and socioeconomic issues,” Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation Konstantin Chuychenko said.

PARTICIPANTS

This year, the Forum was attended by more than 5,600 participants and media representatives from 80 countries and territories, including Russia. Roughly 800 students and young professionals and around 650 representatives of scientific organizations and faculty took part in the Forum’s youth programme and events.

Adviser of the Russian President and Executive Secretary of the Forum Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said, “the growing number of guests considerably altered the format of the Forum, making it larger and more significant compared with last year.”

“This all serves as confirmation of the unique interest in the Russian jurisdiction. For us, of course, this is a soft power tool. A tool for building a long-term partnership. And most importantly, the Russian jurisdiction attracts, rather than coerces,” Kobyakov said.

The Forum participants included senior officials from Russia and other countries, chairmen and judges from international constitutional and supreme courts, prosecutors general, representatives of the legal community, leading world experts on economics, law, and international relations, the heads of legal departments at major global companies, and representatives of the international legal community.

The Forum was attended by Vice President of El Salvador Félix Ulloa and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice of the Republic of South Ossetia Alan Dzhioev.

The prosecutors general of six countries took part in the Forum: the Republics of Botswana, Zimbabwe, Nepal, Belarus, South Ossetia, and Sri Lanka.

The Forum was attended by 17 heads of courts from around the world, 23 foreign ministers, the heads of international organizations and associations, and 10 heads of the diplomatic corps.

More than 960 representatives of Russian and international businesses from about 500 companies attended the Forum. In addition, over 740 representatives of roughly 410 legal organizations from Russia and other countries were present at the venue.

The Forum guests and participants were provided with ample opportunities to network, attend business events and the exhibition space, communicate with experts and representatives of government agencies, business, and the media, hold meetings and negotiations, and take part in an extensive cultural and sports programme.

GUEST COUNTRY

The United Arab Emirates was the official guest country of the 13th SPILF. This status was granted this year for the first time in the Forum’s history.

A large delegation from the UAE, led by Minister of Justice Abdullah Al Nuaimi, took part in the grand opening of the UAE stand, which served as a platform for numerous legal and cultural events, and not only demonstrated its authentic culture, but also the latest IT developments.

PLENARY SESSION

This year, the main theme of the Forum is ‘The Law: Lessons of the Past for the World of the Future’. The plenary session was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev; Interpol President Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi; Head of the Center G.O.R.K.I. (Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues) SPbU and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria (2017–2019) Karin Kneissl; Secretary General of the Council for International Dispute Resolution for the Kingdom of Bahrain Marike Patrani Paulsson; Minister of Justice, and of Constitutional and Religious Matters of Mozambique Mateus da Cecilia Finiasse Saíze; and Vice President of the Republic of El Salvador Félix Ulloa.

Medvedev noted in his speech that “without law, no conflict can actually be resolved. Only law can wrap peace agreements in the proper form and designate the circle of states that have assumed international legal obligations. And law is what should shape foreign policy and domestic decisions.” He stated that only constructive interstate cooperation can serve as a response to the current challenges.

The plenary session participants discussed problems concerning national security; proposed increasing the number of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council so that each state can participate in decision-making; spoke about the importance of international cooperation and the need to revamp the UN; and also noted that the priorities of all countries are changing, yet the main goal of maintaining peace and security is shared by all.

BUSINESS PROGRAMME

The business programme included more than 120 events that were grouped into 10 thematic tracks.

The 13th SPILF, which was held under the motto ‘The Law: Lessons of the Past for the World of the Future’, can definitely be described as an event with a historical focus, since the discussions provided a profound understanding of historical experience and lessons of the past in order to come up with joint solutions that can ensure the development of and strengthen the legal foundations of a just multipolar world.

Discussions about some of the most important milestones in the history of the Russian state, including the legal ideas of the Decembrists, the lessons and legal legacy of victory in World War II, the results of the Nuremberg Trials, and the adoption of the UN Charter, made it possible to reconceptualize historical experience in order to avoid upheaval and ensure stability in Russia.

The international agenda had a prominent place in the discussions. Experts noted the importance of international cooperation in the legal sphere, since the world is going through a difficult stage of transformation, in which the role of international law is not diminishing, but, on the contrary, is taking on new significance.

The session ‘Russia–Asia: Legal Mechanisms as a Driver of Multilateral Cooperation and Strategic Partnership’ examined the effectiveness of legal mechanisms within the context of developing the economic and investment potential of partner countries.

The experts paid extensive attention to ways to strengthen the legal partnership between SCO countries amidst growing regional integration, including the unification of legal education, the elimination of barriers for foreign lawyers, and the role of the state in developing legal interaction.

During a session dedicated to the future development of BRICS, experts actively sought ways to create a unique legal model that could become an alternative to conventional international legal standards.

Participants were particularly interested in discussions about information platforms and marketplaces, which also require new regulation and legal conceptualization. The legal community also believes the interpretation of traditional values and their integration into law remains an important issue.

Per tradition, the Forum hosted an open lecture by Russian Constitutional Court Chairman Valery Zorkin titled ‘Corruption: A Threat to the Rule of Law’.

One of the main events of the Forum – the Open Meeting of Ministers of Justice chaired by Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation Konstantin Chuychenko – was attended by ministers from 24 countries. “Although we represent different legal families and cultures, we have much in common. This primarily includes tasks assigned to justice institutions. Each of us is working daily to strengthen statehood, ensure the rule of law, and protect the rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests of citizens,” Chuychenko said.

The SPILF hosted an Open Session of the Council for the Improvement of Arbitration, which was attended by representatives of the arbitration community from Egypt, China, and the UAE. The participants in the session, which was chaired by Chuychenko, discussed the current state of the arbitration in Russia, opportunities to further develop arbitration, ways to improve legislation on arbitration, as well as an initiative to create a supranational arbitration body – the BRICS International Investment Arbitration Centre.

YOUTH FORUM

The 15th International Youth Law Forum (IYLF) was held as part of the SPILF and brought together students, young lawyers, teachers, mentors, as well as representatives of the government, scientific community, and business of Russia and other countries. The programme included four thematic blocks: ‘Professional Development and Career’, ‘The Law and Technology’, ‘International Law and Cooperation’, and ‘The Law and Culture’. In addition to the main programme, special events were held for the IYLF participants, including an interactive session ‘PRO Forensic Scientist’, a congress of representatives of student councils from university law faculties and IYLF participants, master classes and a lecture by Russian Investigative Committee Chairman Alexander Bastrykin.

EXHIBITION

The SPILF 2025 also included an exhibition featuring ministries, agencies, educational institutions, and organizations.

The exhibitors presented projects that are currently being implemented, as well as the latest technologies, products, and solutions.

The exhibits included military artefacts, items from the special military operation, mock-ups of different institutions, printed publications, monographs, and much more.

The Russian Federal Penitentiary Service’s stand presented a recreated notary office that operated during the siege of Leningrad, as well as uniform jackets with awards that belong to heroes of the USSR, including the ceremonial uniform of Soviet Minister of Justice Boris Kravtsov.

The Forum participants had a chance to meet the robot lawyer Ardi, who is capable of answering legal questions in real time.

A modified digital avatar called Justin was also there to provide legal advice. The animated character has full synchronization of speech, emotions, facial expressions, and gestures and recognizes spoken language.

A replica of the Great Imperial Crown, which was created in 1762 for Catherine the Great, was on display at the stand ‘State Confirmation of the Quality of Precious Stones: A Guarantee of Economic Security’.

AGREEMENTS

A total of 28 agreements, treaties, programmes, and memoranda were signed during the SPILF.

Ceremonies were held to sign documents regulating bilateral relations in matters concerning justice: an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Mozambique on extradition, and an agreement between the Russian Federation and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on the mutual protection of citizens against abuses of international justice.

The Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation signed a number of interagency documents on cooperation with representatives of international justice bodies:

– Cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Justice, and Constitutional and Religious Matters of the Republic of Mozambique

– Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Indonesia on cooperation in the legal regulation of the activities of non-governmental organizations

– Memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Justice, Human Rights, and Good Governance of the Central African Republic on cooperation in the legal regulation of the activities of non-governmental organizations

On the Russian side, the documents were signed by the Minister of Justice of the Russian Federation Konstantin Chuychenko.

The Forum hosted ceremonies to sign agreements on mutual cooperation in various fields, including educational and scientific activities, as well as the social sector on issues of mutual interest.

A number of international memorandums were also signed: a memorandum of cooperation between the Russian Federal Bailiff Service and the Chamber of Private Bailiffs of the Republic of Kazakhstan; between the Russian Federal Bailiff Service and the Judicial Department under the Supreme Court of the Kyrgyz Republic; as well as a cooperation programme between the Russian Federal Bailiff Service and the African Union of Bailiffs for 2025–2026.

For the first time at the SPILF, a robot developed by IT specialists from MIREA – Russian Technological University took part in the signing ceremony of an agreement between the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation and MIREA – Russian Technological University, which carried folders with the cooperation agreement to the table.

ON THE SIDELINES

On the eve of the SPILF, delegations of countries participating in the Forum visited the Road of Life Museum, where they attended a solemn ceremony at the Broken Ring memorial to celebrate the heroism of the defenders and residents of Leningrad when it was under siege.

Participants were able to take another trip back in time on the sidelines of the Forum and learn about the activities of Mikhail Speransky, who is known as the founder of Russian legal science. At the opening ceremony of a monument to the prominent reformer and legislator, Chuychenko said: “We are doing a great service. We pay tribute to and glorify our great ancestors and high-calibre professionals. Speransky can be counted among them. He was the first to raise the issue of systematizing Russian legislation, the first to initiate the process of creating the Constitution, and was the one who proposed abolishing serfdom.”

EXPERT AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT

The Roscongress Information and Analytical System continued to develop its Summary service, which provides brief analytical recaps of discussions with descriptions of the key conclusions, problems, and solutions voiced during the discussions. Cards with prominent quotes from key speakers at the SPILF 2025 were prepared. The materials were prepared with the unique InForum technological solution using artificial intelligence.

A report titled ‘Recap of the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum 2025’ will be prepared based on the Forum results. It will be available in electronic form in the ROSCONGRESS.ORG Information and Analytical System.

Expert and analytical support for the Forum was provided by representatives of leading Russian universities, including St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, and Lomonosov Moscow State University.

‘ST. PETERSBURG SEASONS’ SPILF CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Forum guests attended and took part in the ‘St. Petersburg Seasons’ SPILF Cultural Festival. The cultural programme that traditionally accompanies the Forum gave them a sense of the Northern capital’s rich historical and artistic heritage. The participants visited some of city’s largest museums and exhibition spaces, including the Manege Central Exhibition Hall, the St. Isaac’s Cathedral State Museum, the Museum of the Defence and Siege of Leningrad, as well as the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg. The ‘St. Petersburg Seasons’ programme was also available to participants in the Youth Legal Forum, was an integral part of the overall SPILF agenda, and strengthened the cultural mission of the event. The organizers stressed that the goal of the festival is to provide the Forum participants with a lively introduction to the culture and history of St. Petersburg.

SPORTS PROGRAMME

Roughly 500 SPILF participants took part in the events of the Mind Sports Lounge, which included chess, draughts, and go tournaments, as well as master classes and simultaneous games. Representatives of the legal community, top universities, and international delegations took part in the mind sports competitions. Vice President of the Russian Federal Chamber of Advocates Nver Gasparyan won the SPILF Chess Cup. Second place went to St. Petersburg State University third-year student Nikita Sysoyev, while Russian State University for the Humanities Professor Konstantin Krakovsky took third place. In the draughts tournament, the winners were German Zakharov (Alrud law firm), Vasily Raudin (YUST law firm), and Alexander Koreyev (Moscow State University). The final event was the match for the SPILF Go Cup.

European Champion Maxim Matlakov held a simultaneous chess game, and USSR Master of Sports and European Veterans Champion Andrey Napreyenkov hosted a draughts game. He also held a master class that was attended by about 50 people. The SPILF sports programme was organized by the sports platform of the Roscongress Foundation.

ORGANIZERS AND PARTNERS

The Forum is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation and the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation.

The General Partner is Gazprombank. The Strategic Partner is Rosseti. The Official Car of the Forum is TANK. The Official Partner is Gazprom. The Strategic Research Partner is the National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’. The Communications Partner is MAER Media Holding.

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