`In April 1996 the ICJ/UNITAR Colloquium on Increasing the Effectiveness of the Court brought together from all corners of the world judges, legal advisers, practitioners of international law and jurists. It provided an unprecedented opportunity for an in-depth and detailed exchange of views not only on the Court's performance to date, but also on its future role, as well as on possible ways and means of enhancing its operation. There were some fifteen panels, covering subjects ranging from the Court's jurisprudence to its working methods, from assessment of its achievements to evaluation of its ability to handle issues arising from space exploration and the growing concern for the environment. All in all, it was a most comprehensive approach to the subject. This publication, which presents the papers delivered at the Colloquium and the discussions which took place around them, accordingly constitutes instructive reading for all who are concerned with the management and peaceful resolution of disputes. I hope for its widest possible dissemination.'
From the Foreword by Kofi A. Annan, Secretary-General of the United Nations.