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 VHS Simmering and brought together by Richtungswechsel, Grow Transfrom Belong, 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 (EuroPris) and Olivia Rope (Penal Reform International), panel discussions, interactive dialogue islands, expert roundtables, and the official launch of the Champions Community vision and website.
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 Director of Policy and International Advocacy at 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).
- Two-day catering fee: €50 — covering meals and refreshments for 17 & 18 September
- One-day catering fee: €32.50 — covering meals and refreshments for a single day (17 or 18 September)
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 Simmering – Gottschalkgasse 10, 1110 Vienna
Easily accessible by public transport: U3 – Tram 11, 71 – Bus 15A, 76A (Enkplatz)
Fully accessible venue
Location
VHS Simmering, Gottschalkgasse 10, 1110 Wien
