56th Congress

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

Since its foundation in 1927, the UIA (International Association of Lawyers) has held a unique place amongst professional lawyers’ associations, not only because it is the oldest, but also thanks to its international, multicultural and multilingual dimension.

Every year, the UIA gathers more than a thousand lawyers from all over the world, who come to discuss common and current issues, and participate in social activities to strengthen their professional relationships and friendships.

This year, we will meet in Dresden, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany - despite the fact that it is also one of the most tragically notorious in World War II history since it experienced a devastating bombing at that particular time.

Completely rebuilt, Dresden has now regained most of its Baroque monuments that distinguished it in the past. A truly cultural city, it boasts a dozen museums, mostly located within a short distance of each other.

Dresden will amaze you with its beauty, its friendliness and its hospitality!

From a scientific point of view, the three main themes that will be discussed in plenary sessions fully reflect our association’s fundamental objectives: sharing experiences, comparing practices, and confirming its universality. The UIA will insist on that aspect by providing simultaneous translation in several languages for the main themes.

Be sure to join us in Dresden!

Driss CHATER

UIA President

Dear Colleagues and UIA Friends,

It will be a great pleasure for me and all the members of the local organizing committee to welcome you soon in Saxony and its beautiful capital, the baroque city of Dresden.

The last time the UIA came to Germany for its annual congress, in 1992, the venue was Berlin. In those days the old historic center of Dresden, destroyed during the last days of the Second World War, was still in ruins for a large part. Twenty years later, Dresden has completely changed and emerged from this tragic past like a phoenix rising from the ashes. The historical center, with its wonderful buildings, has been completely re-built. Now, you can once again see one of the most beautiful baroque cities in Germany, which, in times gone by, was called the “Florence on the Elbe”.

You will be able to spend a very relaxed congress in this magnificent city. All the congress sites will be within 15 minutes’ walking distance of each other. You will have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the modern infrastructure of the congress centre, which is located directly on the river Elbe. All conference rooms have daylight.

The organizing team has put together a superb programme for this congress, which will bring you to the most attractive places in Dresden, such as the Albertinum Museum, the Ministry of Finance or during the general excursion the beautiful surroundings of the historical city of Meissen, including its famous Meissen Porcelain Factory and the surrounding beautiful vineyards. Please register for the Dresden congress; we look forward to seeing you there.

Michael BRAUCH

President of the 2012 Congress