Global

February 6, 2014 - The cost of corruption is a heavy toll that is levied on the global economy, private companies and people around the world. On a macro level, recent data suggests that the cost of corruption equals more than 5% of global GDP ($2.6 trillion), and corruption increases the cost of doing business up to 10% globally, according to the World Economic Forum and the World Bank, respectively.

With the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) rapidly approaching, various groups are convening to talk about what is next. Many have indicated an imperative need for the inclusion of a rule of law component in the post-2015 framework, either as a separate goal or as a necessary underpinning to accomplish all development goals. The American Society of International Law will host a diverse group of rule of law development experts to address the issues of legal reform and development in the context of the MDGs.

Cyber threats pose national, economic, and personal risks to both the public and private sectors. The frequency and complexity of cyber attacks are rising exponentially and outpace policy and legal regulations of the area. In this context, the issue for international law is in the applicability of traditional concepts to the realities of cyber threats. This event, cosponsored by the American Society of International Law and the United Nations Association, will explore the legal aspects of selected areas of cyber security in the United States.

2013 marks the 100th anniversary of American industrialist and ASIL founder Andrew Carnegie's gift of the Peace Palace to The Hague and the world community, realizing his vision of a forum for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. As part of the centenary events, the Society is pleased to host Judges Stephen Schwebel and Thomas Buergenthal, both formerly of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), housed at the Peace Palace, to reflect on the Court's impact, legacy, and continued role today and into the future.