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IDLO is an international intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting the rule of law and good governance in developing countries, countries in economic transition and in those emerging from armed conflict. We pursue our mandate on the belief that the establishment of the rule of law is an essential pre-condition for economic and social development. The rule of law provides the framework for achieving human security. It defines the role of the state and the relationship between the state and its citizens. It provides the rules for economic activity and the framework for guaranteeing of human rights. Without the rule of law, the universal potential for self-improvement and development cannot be realized. Without the rule of law violent conflict can become the norm. IDLO provides training opportunities for legal professionals in developing countries, and technical assistance in support of legal and judicial reform. IDLO seeks to establish sustainable impact in all of its work. It provides resources, tools and skills; not solutions. Improved laws and regulations and their more systematic application, improved legal skills and strengthened institutions of justice are the legacy of our work. Since its establishment, IDLO has worked with over 18,000 legal professionals in 175 countries and supports 44 legally established IDLO Alumni Associations around the world, which contribute to the overall impact and long-term sustainability of the Organization’s work. Our Headquarters are based in Rome, Italy and we have two Regional Offices: in Cairo, Egypt, covering Arabic-speaking countries and in Sydney, Australia, covering the Asia Pacific region. IDLO currently operates Project Offices in Afghanistan, Indonesia and Kyrgyzstan. In 2001, the United Nations General Assembly granted IDLO Permanent Observer Status which has permitted IDLO to establish a permanent liaison office at UN Headquarters in New York. IDLO is funded by volontary contributions from its 18 Member States and from governments, multilateral organizations, private foundations, international businesses and individuals. IDLO provides developing countries with the resources, tools and professional skills for establishing or strengthening the rule of law and good governance practices. We work with judicial and legal professionals, institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations toward achieving six main strategic objectives which contribute directly to development: Economic Growth and Trade Peace-Building Assistance Institutional Capacity Building Poverty Reduction Strategy Assistance Research and Policy Post-Disaster Legal Support IDLO uses a variety of programs in order to reach its objectives. These programs are fully consistent with the 2005 UN Summit and the Millennium Development Declaration and follow the Paris Declaration’s approach of putting aid recipients in charge of their development agenda. IDLO’s needs-based development programs include: Policy Dialogues Technical Assistance Training Global Network of Alumni and Partners Research Publications IDLO provides tools and skills to establish and maintain the rule of law and good governance within developing countries, countries in economic transition and countries emerging from armed conflict. It provides training, technical assistance, research and publication to governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local communities and professional associations. Since 1983 IDLO has: Provided training to more than 18,000 legal specialists from 175 countries on the rule of law, governance, anti-corruption, democracy, reform and independence of the judiciary. Provided technical assistance and resources to scores of governments, some for legal reform and others for peace-building recovery in the legal sector. Created a global rule of law network of Alumni Associations in 44 nations. These have become important and sustainable resources in those countries, each containing respected lawyers, judges, government policy makers and legal advisers of every political, religious and ethnic background and origin. Created a Distance Learning and Research Center that serves as a forum for policy dialogue among government representatives, training and dissemination of legal best practices to a global audience. Established long-term relationships with more than 120 in-country partner organizations on policy research and in delivering technical assistance, training, and continuing legal education. Building a Network of Jurists and Institutions to Promote the Rule of Law and Good Governance The Global Legal Network of civil society organizations has become an important resource for IDLO and for the communities that it serves. Based on lessons learned and sharing of experience, IDLO is building the institutional capacity of Alumni Associations so that more and more they are capable of managing their own training and technical assistance programs as self-sustaining organizations within developing, transitioning and post-conflict countries. Over 18,000 legal professionals from 175 countries have participated in IDLO training programs. This is a significant human resource. Participants to IDLO training courses contribute to development not only as individuals, but also and more importantly as part of a global network of legal professionals who, through independently established Alumni Associations, are able to do at the local and national level the same kind of quality training and legal technical assistance that IDLO does internationally. The empowerment of these institutions has become a vital measure of the long-term impact of IDLO's work. Training Courses offered in Rome and in regional centers are the engine that drives this strategy by providing the highest standard of continuing legal education. Since the selection of participants to international courses and their subsequent role in the development of Alumni Associations and Partner Organizations is key to the development of the IDLO global legal network, these institutions around the world assist at the local level in identifying the best and brightest new candidates for joining the IDLO network. Thus the global legal network expands as course participants, the "alumni", return to contribute actively to the Alumni Associations in their countries or to establish new alumni associations.