It is so clear that since the Inaugural Asia Pro Bono Conference was first held in Laos in 2012, the world has been undergoing great transitions. While this has been true, each year since that first incredible event in Laos, there is no denying that the year 2020 marks a type of transition likely unseen and unexperienced before. Some of these transitions have proved challenging, but simultaneously there have been many positive components that have arisen.
One of these positive components is the Inaugural Asia Pro Bono Virtual Conference & Access to Justice Exchange (September 24-28, 2020). Due to the current situation of the COVID-19 virus, the 9APBC and Access to Justice Exchange, original scheduled to be held in Cebu, Philippines in September, 2020 had to be posted to February 22-March 2, 2021. However, in postponing the physical conference it was recognized that was a great need to continue to stay connected and further strengthen pro bono and A2J services and initiatives, especially in this era of the Corona Virus.
As a result, it was decided that the Inaugural Asia Pro Bono Virtual Conference & Access to Justice Exchange will be held between 24-28 September, 2020 (during the dates of the original 9APBC & A2J Exchange). This epic, virtual event, will focus on many pro bono and access to justice issues, including providing a platform to discuss justice issues resulting from the current pandemic.
The relevant, and incredibly timely theme of the Conference is: “Pro Bono in a Transitioning Environment”