Bar Issues Commission - Meetings with Latin American Bar Leaders
Bar Issues Commission
Lima, March 19 2025
Host: Colegio de Abogados de Lima
Main topic: Separation of powers and artificial intelligence.
Separation of the three branches of government was emphasised as a cornerstone of democracy. Maintaining public confidence in constitutionally established institutions was highlighted as essential to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights.
The threats to the separation of powers in various jurisdictions across the Americas were discussed with great concern.
In addition, artificial intelligence was also a key topic. Developments in the field were presented, with a specific focus on how bar associations can adopt and implement new technologies in their work.
Bogotá, March 21 2023
Host: Colombian Chamber of Legal Services
Main topic: Access to justice after Covid-19.
With the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent periods of isolation, governments around the world were compelled to find concrete solutions to ensure access to justice for their citizens. It became imperative to provide innovative tools and digital solutions aimed at improving quality of life through technology.
These challenges led to a period of rapid digital acceleration. Improving infrastructure and implementing ongoing technology training programs became essential to connect people with the justice system.
Over the past few years, the BIC has held summit meetings with Latin American bar leaders of approximately 15 jurisdictions. With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic, these meetings have become virtual. Through the leadership of BIC Officer, Alberto Navarro, the BIC held five such meetings in 2020 via Zoom and plans to hold similar quarterly meetings in 2021. For each meeting, a special keynote speaker is invited to address a specific issue of general interest, followed by debate.
5th Meeting with Latin American Bar Leaders
The first meeting of 2021 was held on 21 April and addressed the topic, ‘IBA Wellbeing Task Force – an international alliance for the benefit of the legal profession. The keynote speaker was Prof. Tomás Gabriel García-Micó from Spain, who is an expert on Attorney Wellbeing, a member of the IBA Task Force on Attorney Wellbeing, and the Commissioner of International Relations at the Mental Health Institute of Legal Professions.
6th Meeting with Latin American Bar Leaders
The second meeting was held on 2 June 2021 and a special invitation was extended to our new IBA President, Sternford Moyo. The President made a thought provoking address on the priorities for his term, highlighting the integral role of bar associations.