IBA 2023 Opening Ceremony: An Unforgettable Evening In Paris
The International Bar Association (IBA) 2023 saw a resounding start yesterday with a grand opening ceremony held at the Palais des congrès in Paris. Leaders League, a proud partner of this significant weeklong event, was on-site to capture the key moments.
The evening commenced with a musical piece featuring extracts from the beloved musical, Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo masterpiece. The melodies encapsulated the spirit of France’s rich history, setting a poignant tone for the night.
French President Emmanuel Macron then took the stage via a video address. He emphasized the indispensable role of the law and the legal profession in supporting and upholding modern democracy.
Next, IBA’s President, Almudena Arpón de Mendívil, offered her welcome to the thousands of participants. She invoked the historical significance of France, one of the pioneers of democracy, and lauded the country for its unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
In her riveting address, Almudena underscored the conference’s significance as a pivotal juncture in addressing the pressing issues of our era. The agenda 2023 is packed with an array of sessions delving into topical subjects, from the intricacies of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the integration of AI into social systems, to the shifting landscape of legal work, or human rights concerns.
But the IBA is not just a network association. In Almudena’s words, it is “an association with a purpose” – one dedicated to promoting and defending the rule of law. She issued a powerful call to the legal world, urging them to brainstorm solutions to ensure the safety of children, irrespective of which side of a conflict they find themselves on. “Law is the architecture that sustains the world,” she remarked.
As the evening progressed, Michel Barnier, the former European Commissioner who notably served as the European Union Chief Negotiator from 2016 to 2021, took center stage. Heading the Task Force responsible for navigating the complexities of negotiations with the United Kingdom post the 2016 Brexit referendum, Barnier’s name became synonymous with diplomacy and strategy. An esteemed former Minister of the French Government and a pivotal figure in European politics, he ardently emphasized the importance of a united Europe. He eloquently discussed Europe’s imperative role in addressing the ongoing crises, with specific reference to hotspots like Ukraine and the Middle East. His seasoned insights stood as a potent reminder of the immense responsibility that Europe and its legal fraternity shoulder in these tumultuous and war times.
