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More than 4,000 delegates gathered at La Rural in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 IBA Annual Conference. The keynote speaker, Hernando de Soto, received prolonged, thunderous applause after addressing the gathering of international lawyers at the summit. In a 20-minute address, de Soto, founder and President of the Lima-based Institute for Liberty and Democracy, used an array of original metaphors to illustrate the relationship between law and economic development. In the context of the current global financial turmoil, de Soto placed lawyers at the very heart of the solution.

‘Lawyers hold the key to the world’s problems’ – Hernando de Soto, President, Institute for Liberty and Democracy

Read the transcription of de Soto's speech
Listen to de Soto’s speech in full (25 mins)
Watch video footage of IBA President and de Soto's speeches
Watch the full opening ceremony of the conference
Read editions of the IBA Daily News from the conference
Read a selection of the press coverage of the conference
View our conference photo gallery

Flag of Argentina

Introduction by the President of the International Bar Association, Fernando Pombo.
I am delighted to invite you to the International Bar Association’s 2008 Annual Conference in Buenos Aires.
From its earliest days, Buenos Aires has been a place of international business, making it an appropriate setting for our own international exchange of legal knowledge and contacts. Its rich history of trade and immigration from all over the globe makes it a superb place for international lawyers to meet and discuss the most current developments in all areas of the legal profession.
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The IBA will hold a Training Course for young and newly qualified lawyers on Saturday 11 October in Buenos Aires, Argentina on the fundamentals of international legal business practice. Click here to download a copy of the programme and registration form.

Artist's impression, Buenos Aires

International Bar Association

About the IBA

Buenos Aires, often considered the cultural capital of South America is also one of the most important and dynamic business centres of the region.
As Argentina’s largest and capital city, it provides a perfect location for both business and pleasure, whilst its cosmopolitan population and culture perfectly reflects the ethos of the International Bar Association.
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What will Buenos Aires 2008 offer?

The largest gathering of the international legal community in the world - a meeting place of over 3,000 lawyers and legal professionals from around the world

Over 150 working sessions covering all areas of practice relevant to international legal practitioners

The opportunity to generate new business with many of the leading firms in the world's key cities

Registration fee which entitles you to attend as many working sessions throughout the week as you wish

Continuing legal education and continuing professional development

A variety of social functions providing ample opportunity to network and see the city's key sights

Integrated guest's programme

Excursion and tours programme

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