I am pleased to welcome you to the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).  By promoting the rule of law and good governance for more than twenty-five years, we have been helping developing and transitional countries establish legal frameworks that enable them to break the vicious cycle of exclusion and poverty and improve their chances to prosper and live in peace.  IDLO has become a leading international intergovernmental organization wholly dedicated to this cause.

During the time of our existence, our understanding of the process by which the rule of law evolves has deepened.  IDLO was founded upon the belief that increasing the knowledge of legal professionals in the developing world would help them better protect and promote their societies' interests.  While this has been very effective, we now know that more can be done to apply law to create social and economic opportunity for all.

One of the key factors in achieving the development of laws which are applied and followed is to involve multiple stakeholders in the legal and regulatory process.  IDLO is able to assist countries in this effort through its equal access to decision makers, civil society, stakeholders and the public.  Because IDLO has gained the trust of people and groups who hold widely divergent views and positions, we can help break down barriers and find solutions to some of our most difficult challenges.

I am fortunate to work with many talented and committed people around the world, and I continue to share many wonderful experiences with them.  I thank you for the time you have taken to learn about our organization.  I invite you to contact me with any thoughts you may have on how all of us can work together to make the rule of law the rule, and to help the poor escape the indignity of poverty.

William T. Loris
Director-General