The Tokyo International Law Seminar 2025, held from 4-8 August at the United Nations University in Tokyo, brought together government officials, legal experts, and scholars from Asia and Africa.
The Tokyo International Law Seminar 2025, held from 4-8 August at the United Nations University in Tokyo, brought together government officials, legal experts, and scholars from Asia and Africa to deepen their expertise in public international law. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and Co-organized and supported by leading international legal institutions, the seminar featured lectures from distinguished experts such as Mr. Paul Reichler, Prof. Phoebe Okowa (ILC Member), Prof. Philippa Webb, Ms. Nilufer Oral (ILC Member), Prof. Mohamed Helal, Mr. Yoshimitsu Yamauchi, Ms. Catherine Amirfar, Prof. Masahiro Kurosaki, and Mr. Viren Mascarenhas. Topics ranged from state and diplomatic immunities, international litigation, the law of the sea, climate change, and international criminal law to contemporary challenges like cybersecurity, business and human rights, and investor–state dispute settlement. The programme also included a high-level panel discussion on “AI and International Law-Navigating the Uncharted Waters,” reflecting the seminar’s forward-looking approach to emerging legal issues. Alongside the Seminar, the “Asia Cup,” one of Asia’s largest international law moot court competitions was also held. Secretary-General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol delivered remarks for the Asia Cup Award Ceremony Reception.
Delegates from the following States attended the seminar:
People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of Indonesia, Kingdom of Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Kingdom of Cambodia, Republic of Djibouti, Arab Republic of Egypt, Republic of India, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, State of Kuwait, Malaysia, Republic of Mauritius, Kingdom of Morocco, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of the Philippines, State of Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Singapore, Kingdom of Tonga, Turkmenistan, Republic of Uganda and Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In addition, experts specializing in international law from Asia and Africa staying in Japan for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training also participated in the seminar.
Through a blend of lectures, discussions, and networking, the seminar fostered a collaborative environment for participants to exchange perspectives and build professional relationships. Emphasizing the “rule of law among nations,” the seminar sought to strengthen legal capacity and mutual understanding among countries in Asia and Africa, contributing to global peace and stability. The Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) served as a supporting partner for the event. AALCO’s delegation included Secretary-General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Deputy Secretary-General Mr. Jun Yamada, and Legal Officer Dr. Sumi Pant. At the completion ceremony, Secretary-General Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol delivered the closing remarks, introducing AALCO and highlighting its role in advancing the Rule of Law in the Asian-African region through the development and codification of international law.
