We are pleased to announce an upcoming Open Day at the Nuremberg Academy on 23 November 2025, from 1.30 to 5.30 pm, dedicated to showcasing our institution’s work in promoting education, research and public engagement in the field of international criminal justice. The event will feature a series of activities and presentations highlighting initiatives in capacity strengthening, research and public discourse and offer visitors a deeper understanding of the ongoing projects at the Nuremberg Academy as part of our mission to promote international criminal law and human rights.
A central component of the programme is the panel discussion “Echoes of Nuremberg: A Legacy Under Threat?”, which will critically examine the current state of international law by reflecting on the enduring relevance of Nuremberg in addressing contemporary global challenges. The year 2025 marks the anniversary of the opening of the Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal (1945–1946), one of the most defining moments in the development of modern international criminal law. The judgment rendered at the first Nuremberg trial affirmed the fundamental principles of international law, which were later formulated as the “Nuremberg Principles” in 1950. Nuremberg is widely regarded as a foundational step towards an international legal order conditioned by international criminal law, emphasising fairness, accountability and the possibility of societal reform. In today’s context, the Nuremberg promise continues to resonate amid an era marked by conflict, uncertainty and challenges to previously stable international institutions. Contemporary developments, including the criminalisation of aggressive war and recent international criminal proceedings against heads of state, reflect the enduring relevance of the Nuremberg Principles and the responsibility of individuals to the broader international community.
The programme will also include screenings of the documentary “Peace Through Justice – The Legacy of Thomas Buergenthal”, which highlights pivotal historical milestones in the pursuit of justice. The event will conclude with a moot court performance, offering a dynamic simulation of a fictional trial before the “International Criminal Court”. Following the performance, a dialogue on contemporary issues of international law will provide an interactive forum for discussion and engagement.
Through this combination of film, scholarly discussions, expert debate and practical demonstrations, the Open Day at the Nuremberg Academy offers a comprehensive platform to reflect on historical legacies while addressing current and future challenges in the field of international law. The event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information about the Open Day at the Nuremberg Academy, please contact Dr Pablo Gavira Díaz (pablo.gavira@~@nurembergacademy.org).
The Open Day of the Nuremberg Academy will form part of a series of commemorative activities to be held in the east wing of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the commencement of the Trial of the Major War Criminals before the International Military Tribunal. In this framework, the Memorium Nuremberg Trials will present a programme of events and activities, all open to the public and free of charge, beginning on 20 November and concluding on 23 November 2025. The programme will encompass panel discussions, guided tours and a range of additional initiatives. (pg)