In a striking address on September 7, Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam shed light on a global crisis: the alarming erosion of justice and the rule of law. He highlighted the increasing violations of international law, particularly in conflict zones where citizens are left unprotected.

Citing research from the renowned World Justice Project, President Tharman pointed out that nearly three-quarters of the global population experiences significant ‘justice gaps.’ These gaps not only destabilize societies but also foster widespread cynicism toward public institutions. As citizens lose faith in the system, societies risk becoming polarized, and in some cases, fracturing entirely.

Speaking at the 30th Annual Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), attended by around 450 global prosecutors, he stressed the critical role of prosecutors in restoring the rule of law amidst rising challenges. "We must confront cybercrime, transnational crime, and the sinister use of artificial intelligence (AI) as tools for criminal activity," he urged.

President Tharman called for a united front among prosecutors worldwide. He emphasized that tackling these modern threats requires enhanced capabilities and collaborative intelligence sharing.

Despite the current geopolitical chaos and declining faith in global governance, he noted that international rules and organizations play a vital role in maintaining global systems, from civil aviation to telecommunications. He stated, "When nations agree on common regulations, everyone benefits, but those who refuse risk losing out."

The significance of the IAP has surged as the international order begins to falter. This global network aims to establish unified standards for prosecutorial practices and foster international cooperation among national agencies.

Highlighting the relentless nature of cybercrime, President Tharman warned it could cost the global economy trillions annually, with crimes ranging from massive data theft to ransomware attacks disrupting critical services. He pointed out that criminals increasingly exploit AI and cryptocurrencies, complicating the fight against these threats.

The IAP has played a pivotal role in enhancing cooperation and skills to address these emerging challenges. With over 30 years of experience, it has become a crucial platform for prosecutors to learn from one another and develop strategies to rebuild public trust.

Attorney-General Lucien Wong, who joined President Tharman, announced that the theme for the IAP's 2025 conference will focus on "the versatile prosecutor and the administration of criminal justice," highlighting the need for ongoing adaptability in prosecutorial roles as technology in crime evolves.

As they prepare for the upcoming conference from September 7 to 10 in 2025, discussions will encompass tackling new forms of crime including AI-facilitated offenses, harnessing digital evidence effectively, and enhancing cross-border cooperation in law enforcement.

With the urgency of these issues looming large, it’s clear that the stakes have never been higher in the quest for justice.