The Fields Medal - mathematics' equivalent of the Nobel Prize - is presented during the International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) to recognize outstanding mathematical achievement. At the same time, the International Mathematical Union awards the Nevanlinna Prize for work in the field of theoretical computer science.

The proceedings of ICM-2002, published as a three-volume set, capture the spirit of the congress. The first volume features the works of Fields Medallists and the Nevanlinna Prize winner, the plenary lectures, and the speeches and pictures of the opening and closing ceremonies and award sessions. The other two volumes present the invited lectures, arranged with respect to 19 fields of mathematics.