Co-hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and AsianSIL, with support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and other partners, the event welcomed 150 international delegates from 30 member countries, alongside a diverse group of Vietnamese diplomats, legal practitioners, and students. Over the course of two days, the conference attracted more than 200 participants across both Plenary and Thematic Sessions.
His Excellency Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Dang Hoang Giang in his keynote reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to the rule of law in international relations, asserting that relations among nations must be governed by law, not force. He highlighted that even eight decades after its founding, international law remains essential for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. Asia’s growing role in shaping legal norms - through free trade agreements, maritime law, climate legislation, human rights advocacy, and regional security mechanisms like ASEAN - reflects its commitment to inclusive and collaborative legal development.
Ambassador Dr. Pham Lan Dung, President of AsianSIL, emphasized Asia’s pivotal role in global transformation. She underscored the importance of collective efforts in advancing international law, stating that international law anchors predictability amidst uncertainty and transforms competing claims into structured dialogue.
Further reinforcing the spirit of collaboration, Mr. Lewe Paul, Resident Representative of KAS Vietnam, marked the organization’s inaugural support for the conference. He reiterated KAS’s dedication to promoting democracy and the rule of law across Asia, stating “KAS sees itself as a bridge builder – between politics and academia, between Germany, Europe, and Asia.”
The event also welcomed representatives from the KAS Rule of Law Programme Asia (Singapore) and distinguished legal experts. Notably:
- Mr. Ritwick Dutta (Legal Initiative for Forest and Environment, India) moderated the panel on International Environmental Law.
- Assoc. Prof. Linda Yanti Sulistiawati (Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law, National University of Singapore) led a panel discussion on the same topic.
Their contributions showcased KAS’s commitment to transnational legal dialogue and its role in advancing legal development across borders.
Over two days, the conference featured two plenary sessions and more than 20 thematic panels, reflecting Asia’s dynamic engagement with both traditional and emerging areas of international law. Key topics included:
- Law of the Sea & Marine Biodiversity: BBNJ Agreement implementation and regional maritime cooperation.
- Dispute Settlement: Innovations in mediation, arbitration, and advisory jurisdiction.
- International Investment & Economic Law: Balancing investor rights with environmental and cultural considerations.
- AI & Data Governance: Legal frameworks for cybersecurity, digital sovereignty, and cross-border data flows.
- Environmental Law: Climate litigation, marine plastic waste control, and rights of nature.
- Human Rights: Counter-terrorism laws, business and human rights, and universal jurisdiction.
- Space Law & Intellectual Property: Addressing regulatory gaps in space debris and AI-generated works.
The AsianSIL 10th Biennial Conference 2025 successfully achieved its core objectives: fostering scholarly exchange, promoting regional collaboration, and amplifying Asian perspectives in international law. Through vibrant discussions and diverse panels, the event reaffirmed Asia’s growing influence and responsibility in shaping legal norms.
It also strengthened professional networks and emphasized the need for inclusive, forward-looking legal frameworks to address global challenges.
