Published: Jan. 1, 2005

The School of Law's Student Bar Association recently received a Certificate of Appreciation from the American Bar Association for hosting the International Law Student Association Annual Conference at CU October 21st-24th, 2004. The conference was also sponsored by the Doman International Law Society, the Journal of International Environmental Law and Policy, Colorado Law, the University of Colorado's Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, the University of Colorado's Cultural Events Board, the University of Colorado's Student Union, CU's United Government of Graduate Students, and both LEXIS and Westlaw. The conference -- titled Challenges Facing Developing Countries -- investigated the complex problems facing developing countries. The United States, the European Union, and the United Nations have increasingly sought to assist developing nations regarding such problems, whether environmental, economic, political, or human rights related. Unfortunately, too often their assistance is viewed as culturally inappropriate and ineffective. The ILSA conference brought together international scholars to discuss important, timely topics such as constitution-building, the development of legal institutions, international environmental law, the rule of law, cultural relativism and others. In doing so, the conference sought to examine how the conflict between international standards and the needs of developing nations can best be resolved, and to publish and promote solutions for a better tomorrow. The keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Christopher Weeramantry, former Vice-President of the International Court of Justice. Over three hundred students, faculty, and members of the community attended the conference. (For a PDF copy of the conference schedule, click here.)