Our mission at the International Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) is to bring together international lawyers through global meetings, topical programs, mentorship opportunities, publications, writing competition, and much more. We have over 60 chapters across the globe, and dozens of committees.

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting challenges, but our mission remains the same. And the Section having embraced the challenges, our global community is stronger than ever. Along with the other groups comprising NYSBA, we are planning our first-ever virtual annual meeting, for Jan. 27, 2021, from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., EST. The program will include two international CLE topics:

• "Cross Border Litigation. When we need the most from our allies around the world: Best practices and recommendations."
• "A Breath of Fresh Air: 2020′s Impact on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion."

We also will confer the International Section's award for outstanding contributions in the area of international law and affairs, recognizing the work of the United Nation Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Hon. Izumi Nakamitsu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, will accept the award on behalf of UNODA. We also will announce the winner of the Albert S. Pergam International Law Writing Competition for law students, which this year received a record number of over two dozen submissions. Additional annual meeting events will include virtual sessions with our global chapter chairs, and another session with the Section's Latin American Council, which will update on developments in this region.