The President of the International Court of Justice has appeared at an exclusive event at the London Muslim Centre in London, his only UK appearance before retirement.

His Excellency, Hisashi Owada spoke to a packed audience at the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre (LMC) on 20 January, giving a speech about the 'evolving world' and the consolidation of universality of international law.

"The fate of the world depends upon the rule of law at international level, and it depends very much on the consolidation of that law," said Judge Owada to more than 500 ambassadors, judges, lawyers and other dignitaries.

He added that there are was a time when scholars talked about a divided international law in a divided world. "This was a period of cold war days," he said. "Indeed, the world was divided - fortunately that time is gone. However, we are facing a new challenge and that is the evolving world of globalisation."

Judge Owada was then taken on a brief tour of the Centre by chairman Dr Muhammad Bari and chief imam, Shaykh Abdul Qayum, before meeting other guests and invited visitors at a private function.

The Evolving World talk was hosted by Pro-Bono legal services team, which provides free weekly legal advice sessions in the LMC, chaired by Robin Knowles QC CBE and Mizan Abdulrouf. Pro-Bono has previously organised a similar high-profile event, called ‘Equality Before the Law' with a speech from Lord Chief Justice, Lord Philips in 2008.

[ENDS]

> See photos from the event here.

Event Details:

A speech on the role of the International Court of Justice by President of the World Court, H.E. Hisashi Owada.

Event Date:20th January 2012
Event Start:5.45 - 7.15pm

London Muslim Centre
46 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1JX
FREE EVENT - Register for tickets*

Register here: www.pblmc.eventbrite.com
1 Hour CPD.

Organised by: Pro-Bono in the LMC

Terms & Conditions:
PBLMC reserves the right to refuse entry,
*Registration does not guarantee allocation of a ticket.