The 69th UIA Congress Heads to Guadalajara: A Unique Legal and Cultural Gathering

From 29 October to 2 November 2025, the International Association of Lawyers (UIA) will celebrate its 69th Annual Congress in the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico. This prestigious event promises to be one of the most dynamic gatherings on the international legal calendar, bringing together legal professionals, academics, and bar leaders from over 80 countries for a week of dialogue, learning, and cultural immersion.

This year’s Congress not only reflects the diversity and global scope of UIA but also introduces several innovative developments. Notably, it will be UIA’s first fully sustainable Congress, held at Expo Guadalajara, a carbon-neutral venue and the largest event center in Mexico.

A City Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco, offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and innovation. Known as the birthplace of mariachi, tequila, and charrería, the city represents the heart of Mexican heritage. Yet, it is also a leading hub for technology and innovation, home to major international firms such as Oracle, Intel, HP, and IBM. This blend of past and future provides an ideal setting for a Congress that addresses both time-honored legal principles and emerging global challenges.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore Guadalajara’s colonial architecture, lush plazas, and renowned cuisine — from traditional tortas ahogadas to contemporary fusion dishes — making the Congress not only intellectually enriching but also a culturally immersive experience.

Themes of Global Importance

The Congress will feature two main themes of pressing international relevance:
• Foreign Investment Dispute Resolution (30 October):
This session will tackle the evolving landscape of investment arbitration, permanent courts, mediation, and dispute boards, particularly within the context of today’s geopolitical tensions, environmental concerns, and economic uncertainty. Legal practitioners will examine how bilateral treaties and international agreements are reshaping dispute resolution frameworks to ensure fairness, transparency, and legal certainty.
• Agrifood, Sustainability & International Trade (31 October):
Divided into two parts, this theme will first focus on sustainability issues within global food systems — covering topics such as land use, climate change, and genetically modified organisms. The second part will explore how international trade agreements, including CETA, TAFTA, and the USMCA, influence agrifood regulation and the global legal landscape.
These sessions reflect UIA’s commitment to addressing not only legal developments but also the broader socio-economic and environmental issues that shape the legal profession today.

Networking and Knowledge Exchange

The Congress opens with Networking Day on 29 October, providing opportunities for meaningful exchanges from the outset. Participants can join one of 11 specialized forums, organized by language and regional affinity, to discuss legal developments in their specific contexts. The afternoon will feature the popular UIA Networking Session, where representatives from law firms worldwide will take part in a fast-paced “Speed Dating” format to introduce themselves and explore collaborative opportunities.
The week will also include sessions on human rights and climate emergency, women and sustainable development, and law firm strategy under the UIAdvance program. UIA’s 40 commissions will conduct over 45 working sessions, ensuring that legal professionals across all practice areas will find topics relevant to their work and interests.
New participants will be welcomed during a special Get-Together Breakfast on 31 October, ensuring a supportive and inclusive experience from the very beginning.

Social and Cultural Highlights

In addition to academic and professional programming, the Congress features a rich agenda of social events:
• The Opening Ceremony will take place at the iconic Teatro Degollado, one of Latin America’s most stunning and historic theaters.
• An informal evening at Cortijo Los Fernández on 30 October offers a relaxed setting for networking.
• The Gala dinner on 31 October will be held at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the monumental murals of José Clemente Orozco.
• The Closing Ceremony on 1 November will mark the transition of UIA leadership and reflect on the Congress’s scientific achievements.
For those wishing to extend their stay, a full-day excursion to the town of Tequila on 2 November offers the chance to visit agave fields, tour the famed Mundo Cuervo distillery, and enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch — an ideal conclusion to an unforgettable week.

Practical Information

Early-bird registration rates are available until 31 July 2025, and participants are encouraged to book their accommodation early through UIA’s partner, Bnetwork, due to high demand.
• Register at: gdl.uianet.org
• Book accommodation: www.uia-guadalajara.bnetwork.com

A Message from the Congress President

“In a globalized world, exchanging ideas and experiences with colleagues from different legal traditions is not just enriching — it’s essential. Guadalajara offers a unique setting to do just that. We look forward to welcoming you to Mexico for a Congress that promises legal insight, cultural discovery, and unforgettable memories.”
— Arturo Pueblita Fernández, President of the 69th UIA Congress

The 69th UIA Congress in Guadalajara represents more than a professional gathering — it is a celebration of international collaboration, cultural heritage, and the evolving role of the legal profession in a complex world.
Join us in Guadalajara — where the world’s lawyers come together.