The Korean Bar Association announced on September 10 that it will co-host the 39th LAWASIA Conference 2026 with LAWASIA (the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific) from September 14 to 16 at The Plaza Hotel Seoul and the Koreana Hotel. The two organizations have been collaborating since signing a memorandum of understanding in April to ensure a successful conference.
LAWASIA is a prominent regional legal organization comprising lawyers, judges, and legal professionals from over 40 jurisdictions in the Asia-Pacific region. The annual conference serves as a key event where legal leaders and practitioners gather to discuss legal issues and international challenges.
This year’s conference marks the fourth time it has been held in Seoul, following previous events in 1977, 1999, and 2011. Notably, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of LAWASIA and will focus on the theme 'Global New Order – Challenges and Perspectives.'
With legal professionals from around the Asia-Pacific and beyond coming together, the conference aims to address significant issues and challenges facing the legal community amid a changing international order and legal environment. Due to high interest, registration reached capacity before the event.
The opening ceremony on September 14 will begin at 1:30 PM, featuring remarks from Yap Teong Liang, President of LAWASIA, and Kim Jung-wook, President of the Korean Bar Association, along with a welcome address from Woo Chang-rok, co-chair of the organizing committee for the Seoul conference. Video messages will be delivered by President Lee Jae-myung, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, and Constitutional Court President Kim Sang-hwan.
Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, will deliver the keynote address, discussing key issues facing the legal profession and the role of legal professionals and organizations in upholding the values of the rule of law and human rights amid change and innovation.
The conference will also feature cultural performances, including a taekwondo demonstration by K-TIGERS and a K-pop cover dance by the One Shot Crew, showcasing Korean culture and charm to both domestic and international attendees.
Over the three days, the conference will include a welcome reception and specialized sessions covering various fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), intellectual property, international transactions, finance, labor, family law, human rights, and environmental law.
Legal professionals from various countries will share insights on key legal issues and recent legislative and practical trends, seeking diverse perspectives and solutions. Additionally, networking programs and a gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul will enhance exchanges and cooperation among legal professionals from around the world.
Kim Jung-wook stated, 'As the international order rapidly changes, the importance of exchange and cooperation among legal professionals is growing. We hope this conference, marking the 60th anniversary of LAWASIA, will be a meaningful opportunity for legal professionals from around the world to share key legal issues and explore the future legal environment together.'
The Korean Bar Association plans to use this conference to further expand exchanges between the legal communities of South Korea and the Asia-Pacific region, strengthen the international network of domestic legal professionals, and enhance its role in the global legal community.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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