His Excellency Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary-General of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), undertook an official mission to the People's Republic of China from 23 to 28 June 2026, during which he participated in a series of high-level academic and institutional events in Beijing and Wuhan. The mission further strengthened AALCO's longstanding partnership with leading Chinese institutions and reaffirmed the Organization's commitment to promoting the progressive development and codification of international law, advancing legal capacity-building, and fostering cooperation among Asian and African States.
In addition to his official engagements in China, the Secretary-General also delivered a pre-recorded video message to the 2026 Colloquium on International Law, organized by the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Fourth Forum on Developing Countries and International Law
The Secretary-General participated in the Fourth Forum on Developing Countries and International Law, held in Beijing under the theme "International Rule of Law and Global Governance: Vision for Sustaining Peace and Advancing Prosperity."
Delivering the Opening Address, the Secretary-General highlighted the enduring importance of the international rule of law, particularly from the perspective of developing countries. He emphasized that international law is not merely a body of legal rules but a practical framework through which States cooperate, peacefully resolve differences, and address challenges that no country can tackle alone.
Reflecting on AALCO's seventieth anniversary, he recalled the Organization's origins in the Bandung Spirit and its seven decades of contributions to the progressive development and codification of international law. He stressed that developing countries should not merely be recipients of international law, but active participants in shaping its future.
The Secretary-General also underlined the importance of multilateral dialogue and international legal institutions in responding to contemporary challenges, including technological transformation, climate change, cyber governance, and other emerging areas of international law.
Ninth China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme (CAERP)
The Secretary-General also participated in the Ninth China-AALCO Exchange and Research Programme (CAERP), one of AALCO's flagship capacity-building initiatives for government officials, diplomats, scholars, practitioners, and young professionals from across Asia and Africa.
He delivered an interactive lecture entitled "Seventy Years of AALCO and Its Contribution to the Progressive Development and Codification of International Law: Reflections on the Past and Prospects for the Future."
The lecture examined AALCO's historical evolution and its contributions to major fields of international law, including the work of the International Law Commission, the law of the sea, international trade and investment law, and its increasing engagement with emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, cyber governance, climate change, and outer space.
The Secretary-General highlighted AALCO's unique dual role as both a forum for consultation among Asian and African States and a legal advisory organization supporting Member States through research, legal analysis, technical cooperation, and capacity-building.
The lecture concluded with a lively interactive discussion, during which participants exchanged views on the future development of international law and the important role of regional organizations in responding to evolving global legal challenges.
Opening Ceremony of the Wuhan University School of International Law
On 27 June 2026, the Secretary-General attended the Opening Ceremony of the Wuhan University School of International Law.
In his congratulatory address, he warmly congratulated Wuhan University on this significant milestone and commended the University for its longstanding contributions to international legal education and scholarship.
He emphasized the close partnership between AALCO and Wuhan University under their Memorandum of Understanding and expressed appreciation for the University's continued support in implementing the China–AALCO Exchange and Research Programme over many years.
The Secretary-General also noted with appreciation that several alumni of Wuhan University have served with distinction in the AALCO Secretariat, reflecting the University's valuable contribution to the development of international legal professionals across Asia and Africa.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the newly established School of International Law would become an important centre for academic excellence, international legal research, and the education of future generations of international lawyers.
2026 Colloquium on International Law: Creating New Frontiers – Law, Commerce and Order in Outer Space
In conjunction with his official mission, the Secretary-General also delivered a pre-recorded video message to the 2026 Colloquium on International Law, organized by the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the theme "Creating New Frontiers: Law, Commerce and Order in Outer Space."
In his message, the Secretary-General observed that outer space has evolved from a domain of scientific exploration into an increasingly important frontier for commerce, innovation, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
He emphasized that while expanding commercial space activities present significant opportunities, they also give rise to new legal and governance challenges requiring clear international rules, responsible conduct, and effective multilateral cooperation. Recalling AALCO's decision to reintroduce Legal Aspects of Outer Space into its Work Programme in 2023, he highlighted the growing interest of AALCO Member States in this emerging field of international law.
The Secretary-General further stressed that the future governance of outer space should be guided not only by technological advances but also by the principles of international law, ensuring that the perspectives and interests of developing countries are appropriately reflected in future legal and governance frameworks.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
Throughout the mission, the Secretary-General held extensive exchanges with senior government officials, distinguished academics, international legal experts, and representatives of partner institutions. The visit further consolidated AALCO's strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Wuhan University, the Chinese Society of International Law, and other leading institutions dedicated to the advancement of international law.
The mission also reaffirmed AALCO's Strategic Vision (2026-2029), particularly its commitment to strengthening partnerships with universities and international institutions, promoting legal capacity-building, supporting the next generation of international lawyers, and ensuring that the voices and perspectives of Asian and African States continue to contribute meaningfully to the progressive development and codification of international law.
As AALCO celebrates its 70th Anniversary, the Secretary-General's mission to China demonstrated the Organization's continuing relevance as a leading platform for dialogue, legal cooperation, and capacity-building, while further reinforcing its longstanding commitment to promoting an inclusive, representative, and rules-based international legal order.
