The Global Corporate Governance Forum is delighted to be an official partner of the 2008 ICGN Annual Conference hosted by the Korea Exchange and the Korea Corporate Governance Service. The conference is officially supported by the Government of Korea and the Mayor of Seoul, reflecting Korea's commitment to sustained corporate governance reform. You can view the conference agenda and benefit from a special "partner" registration fee by registering on-line at www.icgn.org using the code "ICGN08KOPAR."

The ICGN Annual Conference is the premier international event in corporate governance. It regularly attracts over 500 delegates including investors, directors, policy makers and other stakeholders. This year's theme is the globalisation of capital markets and the impact this has on traditional corporate governance. Major global trends will be explored by over 70 leading speakers from around the world including:

• Angel Gurria, Secretary General, OECD
• Chris Ailman, Chief Investment Officer, CalSTRS
• V. Balakrishnan, Chief Financial Officer, Infosys, India
• Ann Byrne, CEO, Australian Council of Superannuation Investors
• Bill Hwang, Chief Executive Officer, Tiger Asian Management, USA
• Hasung Jang, Dean, Korea University
• Yuji Kage, Managing Director, Pension Fund Association, Japan
• Rosemary Martin, outgoing General Counsel, Reuters, UK
• Ira Millstein, Senior Associate Dean for Corporate Governance, Yale School of Management and Senior Partner, Weil Gotshal & Manges, USA
• Rod Munsters, Chief Investment Officer, ABP, Netherlands
• Professor Sang-koo Nam, President, Korea Corporate Governance Service
• Jim Quigley, Global CEO, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, USA
• Mauro Rodrigues de Cunha, Partner, Maua Investimentos, Brazil
• Dr Daochi Tong, Director General of International Affairs, China Securities Regulatory Commission
• Eddy Wymeersch, Chairman, European Committee of Securities Regulators
• Hugh Young, Managing Director, Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, Singapore

 The conference begins with an overview of corporate governance developments since the Asia Crisis over 10 years ago. Keynote sessions then focus on the key drivers of globalisation and corporate governance reform including:

• New risks and opportunities in the capital markets - Who are the new power brokers in capital markets - hedge funds, private equity or sovereign wealth funds? What should be done by regulators, companies or the market in ensuring adequate transparency and accountability?
• Director and shareholder dialogue: getting on the same page - How can we promote better engagement and trust between managers and owners of companies? What lessons can be learnt from around the world?
• Corporate reporting: trends and tensions in convergence - Global convergence is becoming a reality, but is it suboptimal to have one single set of standards? What are the challenges this poses as companies and auditors implement IFRS?
• Cross-border regulation, cooperation and competition - Do different approaches to regulatory enforcement undermine global harmonisation? Does competition improve or drive down corporate governance standards?
• Proxy voting agencies: a help or hindrance? - Are proxy advisors a bridge or a barrier to effective communication?  Is their increasing power and influence supported by adequate governance oversight?

Delegates are encouraged to participate by asking questions and voting on debate outcomes. Hot Topic Workshops and Breakout Sessions enable focused discussion on major issues including: the sub-prime meltdown; shareholder activism; the governance of gatekeepers; barriers to cross-border voting; environmental sustainability and corporate governance progress in BRIC economies.

ICGN members can attend a number of member-only policy and governance Committee Meetings.  These open sessions provide an opportunity for members to meet with committees and hear plans for the coming year. In addition members are encouraged to attend the AGM to vote on nominating new ICGN Board Governors, new ICGN position papers and other business.

The social programme includes a Welcome Reception in the spectacular Korean Gardens of The Shilla Hotel. The Gala Dinner promises a memorable experience at the historic Changgyeong Palace, one of Korea's National Treasures, dating back to 1418.

The 2008 ICGN Annual Conference in Seoul, Korea promises to bring together leading commentators in corporate governance from around the world. It provides a unique opportunity to meet with peers, exchange ideas and learn about leading edge corporate governance issues from a global, regional and national perspective.

Please contact the ICGN Secretariat by telephone on +44 (0) 207 612 7098 or email: secretariat@icgn.org for more information or visit the website at www.icgn.org.