AALCO Participates in the Second Tokyo International Law Seminar (United Nations University, 26-30 August 2024)
The Second Tokyo International Law Seminar is the training programme organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, held from August 26 to 30, 2024, at the United Nations University (UNU), Tokyo, Japan. The Seminar provides lectures in the field of international law for officials and legal experts from Asia and Africa. It aims to enhance knowledge of international law and contribute to peace guided by the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region. Alongside the Seminar, “Asia Cup”, one of the largest international law moot court competitions in Asia, also took place. “Asia Cup” has been held annually in Japan since 1999 for students from Asian countries.
The Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) served as a supporting partner for the event. The AALCO’s delegation included Secretary-General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Jun Yamada, and Senior Legal Officer Mr. Kiran Mohan Vazhapully.
The Seminar covered a wide range of topics in international law, including: International Litigation (Mr. Paul Reichler, International Lawyer), The Influence of the Common Law and Civil Law Traditions on International Adjudication and Arbitration (Judge Joan E. Donoghue, Former President of the International Court of Justice), International Criminal Law (Judge Tomoko Akane, President, International Criminal Court), State, State Official, Diplomatic Immunities (Prof. Philippa Webb, King’s College London), Business and Human Rights (Ms. Rachel Davis, Vice-President and Co-Founder, Shift), The Reform of the Investment Regime and of ISDS (Prof. Makane Moïse Mbengue, University of Geneva), International Law and the Use of Force (Prof. Dapo Akande, University of Oxford; ILC member), Responsibility of States (Prof. Hamamoto Shotaro, Kyoto University) and, Preparation and Participation in ISDS (Mr. Ben Juratowitch KC, Barrister, Essex Court Chambers).
The Seminar also included a panel discussion on “Rule of Law in International Community - Perspectives from the Global South” with panellists Prof. Erika de Wet (University of Graz), Prof. Dapo Akande, and Prof. Makane Moïse Mbengue, moderated by Prof. Hamamoto Shotaro.
On the final day, Secretary General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol delivered closing remarks for the Seminar. The Secretary General introduced AALCO and its role in promoting the Rule of Law through the process of development and codification of international law in the Asian-African region. The Secretary General also highlighted AALCO’s contributions in providing a platform for its Member States to exchange views and formulate positions on important legal issues.
