European Justice Education & Leadership Summit

European Justice Education & Leadership Summit

Every role matters. Every voice leads.

The European Justice Education & Leadership Summit brings together voices from across Europe to explore one powerful question: What does it require to lead with compassion and integrity within a justice system? On 17 and 18 September 2026, practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and changemakers from across Europe will gather in Vienna to explore exactly that question.

Hosted at the VHS and brought together by Richtungswechsel, GrowTransformBelong, and Smart Corrections, this two-day summit focuses on modern leadership cultures and the sustainable enhancement and professional development of correctional staff at all levels.

Featuring keynotes from Gustav Tallving (Executive Director of EuroPris) and Olivia Rope (Director of Policy and International Advocacy at Penal Reform International), panel discussions, interactive dialogue islands, expert roundtables, and the official launch of the Champions Community vision and website.

Please find the preliminary agenda here: Agenda 

Programme Highlights

Day 1 – A European vision for justice 

The first day adopts a high-level strategic perspective, covering human rights principles and European guidelines, (with contributions from the Executive Director of EuroPris and the Executive Director of Penal Reform International) through to practical implementation. Panel discussions concentrate on the role of senior management leaders, alongside innovative approaches and programmes for professional development at every level.

Day 2 – Building a lasting leadership culture

The second day concentrates on concrete methodology and sustainable project implementation. “Dialogue islands” provide insights into current initiatives and European networking programmes. Building on this, expert roundtables discuss both funding and the institutional embedding of innovation projects, along with the core pedagogical concepts behind successful, modern leadership development. The day ends with the official launch of the Champions Community's vision, mission, and website.

What to expect:

• Keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue islands
• Expert roundtables
• Academic perspectives
• Networking lunches and coffee breaks
• Official launch of the Champions Community vision, missions & website

Participation & Tickets

Thanks to the support of our partners and funders, participation in the summit is fully covered. The ticket fee is dedicated exclusively to catering costs (meals and refreshments during the event).
covering meals and refreshments for 17 & 18 September

• Two-Day Attendance (both days): €50 - covering meals and refreshments for 17 & 18 September
• One-Day Attendance (select the day you'll attend): €32.50 - covering meals and refreshments on the day you have selected

The Summit is open to anyone with a passion for justice, education, and leadership, whether you work inside a detention facility, in policy, academia, civil society or beyond. All are welcome. The event is conducted entirely in English.

Venue

VHS, Vienna 

Easily accessible by public transport

Fully accessible venue

If you have any questions regarding the nearest accommodation or require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us:

tabea.schleising@richtungswechsel.or.at