How can today’s leaders strengthen the rule of law, uphold transparency and build public trust in a rapidly changing world?
The rule of law is at the heart of fair, accountable and resilient societies. Strong legal institutions, independent judiciaries and effective systems of accountability are essential to protecting rights, strengthening public trust and ensuring that power is exercised responsibly.
Yet the world in which these institutions operate is changing. Political and social pressures, new forms of corruption and changing patterns of information and public participation are creating new challenges for those working to uphold the rule of law.
Legal professionals are increasingly expected to navigate this changing environment while ensuring that laws and institutions remain effective, independent and accountable. They also need to deal with developments in artificial intelligence, digital governance and data – raising important questions about how existing legal and ethical frameworks need to adapt.
These challenges are at the heart of JST’s new Rule of Law, Transparency and Technology Leadership Programme.
Who can apply to our leadership programme
Over one year, the programme will bring together emerging leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan to explore how technological innovation can strengthen governance, uphold judicial independence and build public trust – without compromising the democratic values that hold institutions accountable.
We’re looking for professionals aged 25-35 working in justice institutions, anti-corruption bodies, digital governance, parliaments, civil society, independent media or public policy – anyone leading or positioned to advance a project that strengthens the rule of law, transparency or accountable governance in their society.
Why this, why now
Artificial intelligence and digital governance tools promise real gains: faster justice, more transparent public administration, better access to services. But they also raise hard questions – about data governance, cyber resilience, ethical oversight and who technology ultimately serves. Getting this right is fast becoming one of the defining leadership challenges of our time, and it demands leaders who understand both the technology and the institutions it touches.
What the fellowship offers
Combining online learning, a week-long residential in the UK, and a year of project development and peer exchange, the programme is built around a simple idea: real reform happens when leaders test their thinking against practice. Each Fellow will bring a live professional project – from justice reform to anti-corruption oversight to digital transformation – and develop it throughout the year with support from UK experts, facilitators and peers.
The programme will give Fellows opportunities to learn from UK experience, exchange perspectives with peers across the region and build relationships that can support their work beyond the fellowship. During the UK residential, Fellows will visit Parliament, meet policymakers and civil servants, and engage with practitioners working at the frontlines of transparency and institutional reform.
Through this combination of practical learning, professional exchange and leadership development, Fellows will explore how law, institutions and leadership can work together to build fairer, more transparent and accountable societies.
We are looking for curious, values-driven professionals who want to strengthen the rule of law and help shape the future of their societies.
Olimpia Gribincea, JST Fellow and President of the Council of the National Institute of Justice in Moldova, says: “The leadership programme gave me such valuable and practical insights into functioning systems which I was able to incorporate into my work in Moldova. It really provided the breakthroughs for my continuing work in this field and I will be forever grateful to the JST for this extraordinary opportunity.”
On completing the programme, participants join JST’s 600-strong global network and fellowship for life.
Applications are now open. The deadline for applications is 27 September 2026.
Find out more about the programme and apply: Rule of Law, Transparency and Technology Leadership Programme.