His Excellency Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), participated in the Fourth Tokyo International Law Seminar, held in Tokyo from 24 to 28 August 2026. He was accompanied by Ms. Sakura Ozaki, Deputy Secretary-General of AALCO, and Ms. Nuzhat Nasreen Islam, Legal Officer.
The Tokyo International Law Seminar has developed into an important platform for capacity-building, dialogue and professional exchange among young legal professionals from Asia, Africa and beyond. AALCO has supported the initiative since its establishment in 2023, reflecting the Organization’s commitment to developing the next generation of international lawyers and strengthening cooperation with academic and training institutions.
The five-day programme brought together 26 participants from 20 countries, including the Republic of Angola, the Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Gabonese Republic, the Republic of Ghana, the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Mongolia, the Republic of Singapore, the Republic of South Africa, the Syrian Arab Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Türkiye, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Republic of Zimbabwe, as well as representatives from the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The participation of Japanese scholars, international law researchers and lawyers from leading Japanese law firms further enriched the programme and the exchange of perspectives. Participants engaged with leading experts on a wide range of contemporary international legal issues, including international litigation, the International Court of Justice, immunities, investor–State dispute settlement, business and human rights, the use of force, State responsibility and the law of the sea. This year’s programme also included practical sessions on international legal practice and treaty drafting.
At the Completion Ceremony held at the United Nations University on 28 August 2026, the Secretary-General delivered remarks congratulating the participants on completing the intensive programme. He highlighted three features that make the Seminar distinctive: the relevance and timeliness of its subject matter; the diversity of its participants and professional perspectives; and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the International Law Commission, international judges, distinguished professors and experienced practitioners.
The Secretary-General emphasized that the Seminar closely reflects AALCO’s own priorities in capacity-building, youth engagement and cooperation with academic and training institutions. He also noted the particular significance of the Seminar as AALCO celebrates its seventieth anniversary—its Platinum Jubilee—in 2026. The spirit of dialogue, cooperation and mutual learning promoted by the Seminar carries forward the ideals of Asian-African solidarity that have guided AALCO since its establishment in 1956.
During the week, the Secretary-General also participated in activities connected with the Asia Cup International Law Moot Court Competition. At the Asia Cup reception on 26 August, he congratulated all participating teams for their preparation, dedication and engagement with international law. He also welcomed the growing strength of the younger generation of international lawyers from the Global South. The Secretary-General was particularly pleased to congratulate the team from Thammasat University, Thailand, on winning the competition.
On the margins of the Seminar, the Secretary-General held meetings with senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, including Dr. Kazuhiko Nakamura, Director-General of the International Legal Affairs Bureau, and Mr. Kengo Otsuka, Deputy Director-General. The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Japan and AALCO and covered Japan’s continued engagement in AALCO’s work, capacity-building activities, the Organization’s seventieth-anniversary initiatives and opportunities for further substantive cooperation.
The Secretary-General also met Mr. Naoki Ando, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). They exchanged views on their shared commitment to capacity-building and explored possible cooperation involving seminars, webinars and training programmes for government legal officials from AALCO Member States.
As part of his official engagements in Japan, the Secretary-General visited the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), where he met Ms. Kayo Ishihara, Director of UNAFEI. They discussed opportunities for future cooperation between AALCO and UNAFEI, particularly in capacity-building, crime prevention and criminal justice for the benefit of AALCO Member States.
In addition, the Secretary-General met Professor Kyo Arai, President of the Japanese Society of International Law and Professor at Doshisha University. Their discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between AALCO and the Japanese academic community, encouraging contributions by Japanese scholars to the AALCO Journal of International Law, and creating further opportunities for students and young researchers. The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between AALCO and Doshisha University further reaffirmed their commitment to practical and sustained academic cooperation.
The visit underscored the strong and enduring relationship between AALCO and Japan. It also demonstrated the shared importance both attach to international legal education, professional exchange and investment in future generations. AALCO looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with the Government of Japan, academic institutions and other partners in advancing international law and strengthening the collective voice of Asia and Africa.
