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"the most important issues in international law today"
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As President of the International Bar Association, it gives me great pleasure to invite you to the IBA's 2002 Conference in Durban.
The Conference is our opportunity to showcase the most important issues in international law today. We will be bringing together over 3,000 leading lawyers from all the world's major jurisdictions and more than 800 expert speakers who will address topics covering all areas of practice. The Conference will act as a platform for debate and discussion on issues affecting global decision-making and policy. It will see the first report from the IBA's Task Force on International Terrorism, headed by Justice Richard Goldstone and Ambassador Emilio Cárdenas, as well as other leading figures in international law and human rights. Other activities initiated by the IBA such as the Global Distance Learning Programme will also be highlighted.
As a country that has experienced immense political and legal change over the last ten years, South Africa is an ideal setting in which to stage the first major Conference that the IBA has held in Africa. In building a new democracy, South Africa has faced many challenges and all our delegates will be able to hear from many South Africans how they achieved the changes that have occurred and the reconciliation that has been achieved. I am pleased to announce that Thabo Mbeki has been formally invited to speak at the Conference. South Africa is also one of the world's most beautiful countries, especially famous for its coastline and some of the best wildlife reserves in Africa. Durban is the perfect base from which to explore all that the country has to offer.
The ICC, voted as South Africa's leading Convention Centre, is an apt venue for one of the most important events in the international legal calendar and it is no stranger to prestigious international conferences. Last year it hosted the United Nations World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerence (WCAR) and was greatly praised for its organisation and tight security. Security will remain an important factor in the organisation of our event, with measures to ensure the safety of delegates at all times.
I sincerely believe that attendance at this Conference should not be missed. There will be an opportunity for lawyers from all parts of the world to come together to meet and learn from each other.
I look forward to welcoming you to Durban.
Dianna Kempe
IBA President
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