December 2025 - The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law

Valletta, Malta – December 2025 – The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) announces the conclusion of Executive Secretary Steven Hill’s tenure, marking the close of more than three years of leadership that helped shape the Institute’s growth and global reach. Mr Hill departs the IIJ in December to take up his new role as United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Legal Affairs, following his appointment by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

During his service from November 2022 to December 2025, Mr Hill guided the IIJ through a period of institutional strengthening and expanding impact. Under his leadership, the IIJ delivered nearly 120 workshops and courses, reaching more than 3,400 criminal justice practitioners across its core regions and expanding its global alumni network to more than 10,000 professionals.

The Institute also bolstered its long-term resilience by broadening its funding base, strengthening partnerships, and widening outreach to share expertise globally, efforts that ensure the IIJ remains adaptive, sustainable, and positioned for continued advancement.

As part of his concluding engagements in Malta, Mr Hill met with the President of Malta to reflect on the IIJ’s achievements and Malta’s longstanding support. He also met with Hon. Ian Borg, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, to discuss the Institute’s continued evolution and priorities for the year ahead.

Reflecting on his tenure, Mr Hill stated:

“I leave the IIJ with deep pride in what we have achieved together and complete confidence in the Institute’s continued growth, relevance, and leadership. Our work made a real difference in courtrooms and institutions around the world, thanks to the dedication of our staff, partners, donors, and the practitioners who commit themselves daily to advancing justice and the rule of law.”

The IIJ extends its sincere gratitude to Steven Hill for his exceptional leadership and service and offers its warm congratulations as he steps into his new responsibilities at the United Nations.

On 2 December 2025, the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ) and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and strengthen their cooperation in the justice sector.

The MoU was signed at the IIJ’s headquarters in Malta by IIJ Executive Secretary Mr. Steven Hill, and H.E. Ambassador Abdullah Alzabidy, Executive Director of the League of Arab States Liaison Office in Malta.

This agreement sets the foundation for sustained collaboration aimed at building the capacity of criminal justice actors and enhancing coordination in countering terrorism and other complex transnational crimes.

This partnership builds upon the strong foundation of collaboration already established between the two institutions. Together, the IIJ and the League of Arab States will implement specialised training programmes, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and support national and regional efforts to uphold the rule of law, addressing pressing security challenges in accordance with human rights and international standards. The MoU reflects a shared commitment to advancing practitioner-driven solutions that strengthen justice systems across the Middle East and North Africa.

Month: December 2025

Conclusion of Executive Secretary Steven Hill’s Tenure at the IIJ

The IIJ Signs a Memorandum of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS)

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