8th China-AALCO Exchange Programme (CAREP) on International Law, Beijing (23 June -3 July 2025) and Hong Kong, SAR (4 July – 9 July 2025)
The 8th Training Session of the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme on International Law (CAERP) was successfully convened from 23 June to 3 July 2025 in Beijing, and from 4 July to 9 July 2025 in the Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China.
The Programme was organized by the International Law Department of China Foreign Affairs University, under the guidance of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and with the support of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of the People’s Republic of China. It is designed to enhance the capacity-building of legal officials from AALCO Member States and relevant international organizations.
Delegates from the following AALCO Member States took part in the Programme: the Arab Republic of Egypt, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the People’s Republic of China (Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR), Republic of The Gambia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Lebanon, State of Libya, Malaysia, Republic of Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, State of Palestine, Republic of Senegal, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Somalia, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Türkiye, Republic of Uganda, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and Republic of Yemen. In addition, the Programme welcomed a delegate from the non-Member State, Lao P.D.R., as well as representatives from the African Union and the AALCO Secretariat, which was represented by Dr. Shikhar Ranjan, Director of Legal Affairs.
Beijing Session (23 June – 3 July 2025)
On 23 June 2025, H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO and Ms. Xiaoxia Ren, Counsellor of the Department of Treaty and Law, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the People’s Republic of China, jointly inaugurated the Beijing Session of the Programme and delivered opening remarks.
On this occasion, the Secretary-General also delivered a lecture entitled “The Role of Regional Legal Organizations in Strengthening International Law: The Experience of AALCO.” In his presentation, by highlighting AALCO’s origins in the 1955 Bandung Conference and its mandate since 1956, he emphasized that AALCO play a vital role in adapting universal legal principles to regional contexts and realities. AALCO, in particular, bridges global and local legal frameworks by facilitating consensus-building, legal research, technical assistance, and capacity development for its 49 Member States across Asia and Africa.
The Secretary-General provided a comparative overview of AALCO alongside other regional legal bodies such as the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) and the Council of Europe’s Committee of Legal Advisors on Public International Law (CAHDI). He detailed AALCO’s consultative, institutional, and practical functions - ranging from its work with the International Law Commission (ILC), UNCITRAL, and UN treaty bodies to its regional arbitration centres and legal model instruments. Through initiatives in areas such as the law of the sea, ISDS reform, cyberspace, asset recovery, environmental law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, AALCO has strengthened the legal voice of the Global South and promoted inclusive participation in international norm-making.
Concluding the lecture, the Secretary-General emphasized that regional legal organizations like AALCO are no longer peripheral actors but indispensable partners in building a balanced and responsive international legal system. He encouraged young professionals and legal scholars to engage with AALCO’s work, contribute to the evolution of international law, and help shape legal frameworks that reflect the values, priorities, and aspirations of developing countries.
The Beijing Session also featured lectures by several distinguished experts, including:
- Prof. Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union;
- Prof. Sienho Yee and Prof. Sun Jisheng (China Foreign Affairs University);
- Dr. Ntina Tzouvala (University of New South Wales, Australia);
- Prof. Huo Zhengxin (China University of Political Science and Law);
- Prof. Chen Li (Fudan University); and
- Prof. Zhu Lijiang (China University of Political Science and Law).
In addition to the academic programme, participants were introduced to elements of traditional Chinese culture and undertook site visits to the Tianjin Lawyers’ Historical Museum, Tianjin Smart Port, Beijing Internet Court, Xiaomi Corporation, and the Forbidden City.
The Third Forum on Developing Countries and International Law, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, 26 June 2025
The Third Forum on Developing Countries and International Law, held under the theme “The 80th Anniversary of the United Nations and the Development of International Law: Contribution of Developing Countries,” took place in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on 26 June 2025. Convened to commemorate UN Charter Day, the Forum was jointly organized by the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL), the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL), and the Wuhan University Institute of International Law.
The opening session featured keynote addresses by:
- Ms. Hua Chunying, Vice Foreign Minister of China;
- Ms. Elinor Jane Brit Hammarskjöld, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel (virtual);
- Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO; and
- Mr. Huang Jin, President of the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL).
In his address, the Secretary-General of AALCO emphasized the importance of the Forum as a platform for the Global South to share perspectives, strengthen cooperation, and reaffirm its role in shaping a fair and inclusive international legal order. Marking both the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and the 70th anniversary of the 1955 Bandung Conference, the Secretary-General called for developing countries to move from participation to co-authorship of international law - building frameworks rooted in shared histories, legal traditions, and aspirations for justice and equity.
Highlighting AALCO’s mandate, the Secretary-General outlined the Organization’s key contributions to the codification and progressive development of international law. He noted AALCO’s work on pressing issues such as climate change, the law of the sea, international criminal justice, cyberspace, human trafficking, trade and investment law, and the legal dimensions of outer space. He also emphasized the role of AALCO’s six Regional Arbitration Centres in promoting accessible, cost-effective dispute resolution and strengthening legal capacity across Asia and Africa.
The Secretary-General further acknowledged the importance of partnerships with regional legal organizations, academic institutions, and critical scholarly movements like TWAIL (Third World Approaches to International Law). He concluded by encouraging delegates to view the Forum as an opportunity to foster solidarity, innovation, and collective leadership in building a truly representative and rights-based international legal order.
The Forum welcomed around 300 participants, including:
- Representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO);
- Renowned international law experts from countries including the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Australia, India, Sierra Leone, and Algeria;
- Diplomatic envoys of several countries to China; and
- Representatives from Chinese universities, research institutions, and government agencies.
The Forum was also attended by delegates participating in the 8th China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (CAREP).
2025 Colloquium on International Law, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China, 4 July 2025
The 2025 Colloquium on International Law, held under the theme “UN’s 80th Anniversary: Bridging Innovation and Governance – LawTech, AI & the Future of the International Order”, was jointly organized by the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL), the AAIL Foundation, and the Chinese Society of International Law (CSIL). The event took place on 4 July 2025 in the Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China.
The Opening Session featured addresses by:
- The Hon. Mr. John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR; and
- Mr. Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, former Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, who examined key international legal issues related to emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
Held in commemoration of the UN’s 80th Anniversary, the Colloquium provided an opportunity to reflect on the Organization’s past achievements and ongoing challenges, while also looking ahead to the future—particularly the impact of technology and AI on the international legal order and the imperative to ensure that AI is developed in a safe, inclusive, and equitable manner.
H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO was invited to deliver a keynote luncheon address at the 2025 Colloquium on International Law. In his address, the Secretary-General emphasized the United Nations’ enduring mission to promote peace, development, and justice, noting that in today’s world, international legal frameworks must evolve alongside rapid technological advancements. He highlighted artificial intelligence (AI) as both a transformative opportunity and a regulatory challenge, stressing the need for international cooperation to ensure AI is developed ethically, inclusively, and in accordance with the rule of law.
The Secretary-General drew attention to AALCO’s unique role in representing the collective legal voice of Asian and African nations for nearly seven decades. He outlined AALCO’s contributions to the codification and progressive development of international law, particularly in emerging areas such as cyberspace, cybercrime, and AI governance. The Secretary-General also highlighted the work of AALCO’s Open-ended Working Group on International Law in Cyberspace and its effort to articulate shared principles on digital sovereignty and principled state engagement in cyberspace. He underscored the Organization’s partnerships with UNCITRAL, HCCH, and UNIDROIT in advancing harmonized legal frameworks in areas such as e-commerce, arbitration, and cross-border civil procedure.
In highlighting Hong Kong SAR’s role as a global hub for legal innovation, The Secretary-General commended the work of the AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre (AALCO-HKRAC), particularly in applying AI and online dispute resolution tools to enhance access to justice across the region. He also acknowledged the significance of the newly established International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), which is headquartered in Hong Kong SAR and utilizes technology - including multilingual AI and digital platforms - to support inclusive and efficient dispute settlement. Concluding his address, the Secretary-General called for stronger Afro-Asian solidarity in shaping the future of international legal governance, emphasizing that technological progress must be anchored in shared human values and guided by the principles of international law.
The Secretary-General later moderated Panel II of the event, which focused on critical issues related to the intersection of technology and international law. The panel explored:
• The use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI);
• Data protection and cybersecurity challenges; and
• Regulatory, security, and ethical dimensions of emerging technologies.
The session featured a video presentation by Ms. Anna Joubin-Bret, Secretary of UNCITRAL, who outlined the Commission’s work on addressing legal challenges posed by digital technologies in the context of international trade. Professor Huang Zhixiong, Director of the Institute for Cyber Governance at Wuhan University and AALCO’s Special Rapporteur on International Law in Cyberspace, also delivered a substantive presentation on evolving norms in cyberspace.
Delegates participating in the 8th China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (CAERP) were also in attendance at the Colloquium’s Third Forum, further enriching the exchange of perspectives.
Hong Kong SAR Session (4 – 9 July, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China)
The Hong Kong SAR Session of the 8th China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (CAERP) commenced at the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The opening session featured remarks delivered by:
- Mr. Cui Jianchun, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong SAR;
- The Hon. Prof. Teresa Chang, Co-Chair, Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL);
- Dr. Anthony Neoh, Co-Chair, AAIL; and
- The Secretary-General of AALCO.
H.E. Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of AALCO, joined in delivering the opening remarks at the Hong Kong SAR Session of the 8th China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme on International Law (CAERP). The Secretary-General welcomed participants following a successful week in Beijing and emphasized Hong Kong SAR’s long-standing association with AALCO, including its role as host of the 59th Annual Session in 2021. The Secretary-General noted that the Hong Kong SAR session offers a unique opportunity to explore international legal developments in a city known for its leadership in finance, legal innovation, and global cooperation.
The Secretary-General reflected on the significance of 2025 as the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter and the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference, from which AALCO emerged. He emphasized the continued importance of multilateralism, international law, and South-South solidarity. He concluded by encouraging participants to build professional networks, exchange ideas, and contribute to international legal development in their home countries.
Renowned experts delivered lectures during the session, including:
- Prof. Teresa Chang;
- Dr. Anthony Neah;
- Mr. Nick Chan, Director, AALCO Hong Kong Regional Arbitration Centre;
- Mr. Albert Leung, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, eBRAM International Online Dispute Resolution Centre;
- Ms. Olga Boltenko, Barrister and Arbitrator;
- Prof. Zhang Wenliang, Renmin University of China;
- Mr. Adrian Lai, Deputy Secretary-General, AAIL;
- Dr. Sun Jin, Director-General, International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) Preparatory Office; and
- Prof. Huang Jiefang, Secretary-General, AAIL.
Delegates also visited key Hong Kong institutions:
- The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal;
- The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); and
- The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong SAR.