From June 6 to 8, 2024, the 34th Presidents of Law Associations in Asia ("POLA") Conference was held in Hong Kong. This conference was hosted by the Law Society of Hong Kong, and the theme was "Sustainability of the Global Legal Profession." Over 60 representatives from bar associations of 18 countries and regions, as well as 3 international lawyers organizations, attended the conference. A delegation from the Belt and Road International Lawyers Association ("BRILA") was invited to attend the conference as an observer . 

Group photo of the heads of the delegations attending the 34th POLA Conference

Began in 1990, POLA Conference aims to provide a platform for leaders of bar associations in the Asia-Pacific region to exchange and discuss common issues facing the legal profession, strengthening ties between legal service profession in the region.  As the host of this year's conference,  The Law Society of Hong Kong is one of the 85 founding members of BRILA，which plays an active role in promoting legal services under the Belt and Road Initiative and supporting the work of BRILA. 

Group photo of the delegates attending the 34th POLA Conference

As an international lawyers' organization initiated by China, BRILA has grown from its initial 85 founding members from 36 countries and regions to over 2,670 group and individual members from 54 countries and regions. It has established six representative offices in Xi'an, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Haikou, Hangzhou, and Harbin. BRILA serves as a bridge and link connecting lawyers and other legal professionals from countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. It is gradually playing an important role in deepening exchanges and cooperation in legal services. 

Kang Yu, Secretary-General of BRILA speaks at the 34th POLA Conference

During the conference, BRILA delegation actively introduced China's progress in law-based governance, China's initiative of promoting high-quality "Belt and Road" development , and the role of BRILA in providing high-quality and efficient legal services for the "Belt and Road" construction.

Secretary General of the BRILA, Mr. Kang Yu had friendly and in-depth conversations with various representatives on enhancing mutual exchanges, deepening practical cooperation, and collectively fostering the advancement of the legal profession. 

By participating in the conference, BRILA has strengthened understanding, renewed friendship and promoted cooperation with lawyers from Asia-Pacific countries and regions. 

BRILA delegation exchanges with all parties attending the 34th POLA Conference