The Legal Aid Foundation (LAF), established in 2004, has consistently focused on learning from experiences in other countries, promoting international exchanges, and strengthening international integration. To better understand the operations of legal aid organizations overseas, the LAF organized the first Legal Aid International Forum in the year following its establishment (2005). Representatives and scholars from over 17 countries in Europe, America, and Asia were invited to attend. Subsequent forums were held in 2009, 2014, and 2018, each receiving an enthusiastic response from legal aid organizations in other countries. By hosting this sequence of four international forums, Taiwan has made it known to the world that it has established a comprehensive legal aid system and is part of the international legal aid community, working together with other countries to uphold the universal value of ensuring equal access to justice for the people.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war since February 24, 2022, have brought significant changes to many countries, both politically and economically. Democracy and human rights are facing great crises and challenges. In this international environment, legal aid organizations in various countries, which were originally established to safeguard the fundamental litigation rights of the people, are facing rigorous tests. Issues such as legal challenges arising from lockdowns due to the pandemic, the legality of measures to control the freedom of movement of the people, and how to provide legal aid in times of war and unrest are all pressing concerns. Furthermore, the nature of legal services is undergoing changes with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). These developments deserve attention.

The theme of the fifth Legal Aid International Forum, which was postponed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is “Legal Aid in the Postpandemic Era—Democracy, Technology, and Access to Justice.” Scholars, experts, and representatives from institutions in more than 17 countries or regions will participate in discussions. Through in-depth deliberation and exchanges, the forum aims to delineate the future landscape of legal aid.