pg 21-40

Financial Support for International Conferences

  • The necessity for financial backing for international conferences is emphasized, stating that achieving dreams requires funding.

  • The Korean Bar Association (KBA) has voiced complaints regarding insufficient budgetary support for operations.

  • The planned international conference by KBA is projected to cost 15 million won, raising concerns about the feasibility of funding.

Funding Sources

  • The KBA intends to acquire the necessary funds from three key sources:

    1. Government's Contingency Fund: Support from the relevant government office.

    2. Financial Aid from Asia Foundation: Expected contributions from the Asia Foundation along with other external sources.

    3. Membership Dues: KBA members are expected to pay dues of 6,000 won each, which would cover expenses for members attending the conference.

  • Historical Context:

    • Previous fundraising efforts for constructing a KBA building were unsuccessful.

    • Membership dues have consistently been paid late, indicating potential difficulties in securing funds from members for the conference.

Government Stance

  • A statement from the concerned government minister indicates that no government funds will be released unless the KBA demonstrates its capability to partially meet the financial requirements.

  • There is skepticism surrounding the likelihood of receiving aid from the Asia Foundation for an unjustifiable conference.

  • The political climate, specifically the forthcoming general elections, is likely to hinder fundraising efforts from the business sector.

Conclusion and Recommendation

  • In light of the above points, there seems to be no viable method of raising funds for the conference.

  • The recommendation is to postpone the proposed Asian Lawyers Conference indefinitely, influenced by:

    • The impending general elections.

    • The need to facilitate future conferences by the Asian and Oceanian Lawyers Association, which occur every two years according to set conventions.

Correspondence and Meeting Coordination

  • Various memos and correspondence highlight communication between the KBA, The Asia Foundation, and members of international legal associations regarding conference details.

Invitation to Attend the Conference

  • Joon Won Kim, KBA president, has issued an invitation for delegates to attend the Asian Lawyers Conference scheduled for June 10-12, 1967, asserting the following purposes:

    1. Explore and understand mutual legal foundations and unique legislative systems of participating countries.

    2. Exchange studies and theses for mutual benefit.

    3. Foster good-will and understanding among Asian lawyers.

  • The conference will include the formation of five sub-committees addressing:

    • Public Law

    • Civil Law

    • Commercial Law

    • Criminal Law

    • Labor Law

  • Observers are allowed to attend sub-committees.

Support and Cultural Events

  • The welcoming remarks indicate a strong desire to engage legal professionals from various Asian nations, with plans for cultural events and tours of significant Korean sites.

  • Support from the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea is also mentioned, indicating governmental interest.

Fundraising Challenges

  • Fundraising strategies were discussed, revealing potential barriers:

    • Government suggestions to delay the conference due to upcoming elections.

    • KBA's confidence in generating funds irrespective of Asia Foundation's assistance, claiming they could possibly procure up to $20,000 from the government and $10,000-$20,000 from local donations and registration fees.

    • Acknowledgment that the invitation process has already started, with foreign delegates expected to cover their own costs.

Ethical Considerations

  • Ethical implications were addressed regarding the foundation's decision not to support the conference, emphasizing the need for coordination with international legal organizations and the potential for duplicative efforts.

  • The Asia Foundation's representatives expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the KBA's planning and the realistic prospects of having distinguished attendees participate given the short notice and inadequate planning.