Hammad Baig attended the 29th East Africa Law Society Annual Conference and General Meeting in Kampala, Uganda, from November 27th to 30th, 2024. He reports that it was an enriching experience. As a legal professional from the UK, he was thrilled to join over 800 colleagues from across East Africa at the Speke Resort for this significant event.
The conference's theme, "Leveraging the Legal Profession for Sustainable Growth and Development in the East African Community," set the stage for insightful discussions on regional growth and integration. Key issues such as legal reforms, cross-border trade, and human rights were at the forefront of the sessions.
Hammad was invited to speak on the panel on sovereign debt. He spoke on how international trade and taxes can be harnessed to better service sovereign debt emphasising the need for robust trade policies and efficient tax systems to boost revenue generation and ensure sustainable debt servicing. This approach is vital for fostering economic stability and growth within the East African Community.
The conference also provided a fantastic platform for networking. Hammad found it inspiring to engage with both senior practitioners and young lawyers, sharing insights and experiences that will undoubtedly shape the future of the legal profession in the region.
Overall, Hammad reports that the EALS conference was a remarkable event that highlighted the critical role of the legal profession in driving sustainable development. He left Kampala with a wealth of knowledge and new connections.