A4ID will host a seminar for NGOs entitled "How Civil Society Can Influence International Investment Arbitration". The seminar will give NGOs an introductory understanding of investment arbitration processes, including how and when they may be able to participate in arbitral proceedings as amicus curiae (a "friend of the

court").

On 9th May 2008, Advocates for International Development (A4ID) hosted a bespoke training seminar, in partnership with law firm Clifford Chance and microfinance social business Grameen-Jameel Pan-Arab Microfinance Ltd (GJ). The seminar was held in Tunisia and provided guidance to representatives from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) throughout the Middle East and North Africa on the negotiation of loan agreements.

Advocates for International Development (A4ID) and the International Centre for Media Studies and Development in West Africa (INCEMSADWA), delivered a bespoke training programme on international law and institutions to 50 senior editors and reporters from the Liberian and Sierra Leonean press.

Stand Up Speak Out (http://www.standagainstpoverty.org/) is an opportunity for thousands of people around the world to come together today to support the UN Millennium Development Goals and make a stand against world poverty.

On 17th October 2007, at Lincolns Inn Fields, the 3 core legal institutions of England and Wales - the Bar Council, Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society came together through Advocates for International Development (A4ID) to declare their support for the UN's Stand Up Speak Out initiative.

A4ID is proud to announce that Katie Hutt, newly appointed Executive Officer of A4ID, and until August 2007 a trainee at international law firm Reed Smith Richard Butler, has won 'Trainee of the Year' at the 'Young Solicitors Group Awards'. The awards were held at the Law Society, on 14 November 2007, during the sixth annual pro bono week.

Salil Shetty, the director of the UN Millennium Campaign at the UNDP, spoke exclusively to A4ID members about the UN Millennium Development Goals and how lawyers can assist in their achievement.

Article that appeared in The Law Society Gazette in the run up to our event with the UNDP 19 April 2007.