Affirming Asia's active role in the development of international law

Photo caption — Ambassador, Dr. Pham Lan Dung, President of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) delivered the opening speech at the conference.

Attending the opening session of the conference were representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice , departments, ministries, branches, training and research institutions, international organizations, and leading Vietnamese and international law experts.

Opening the conference, Ambassador, Dr. Pham Lan Dung, President of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) stated that since its establishment in 2007, the Asian Society of International Law has been a community where ideas are freely exchanged, a forum for professional exchange in the field of international law, and a bridge connecting the international law research community in Asia.

Over the past 18 years, AsianSIL has developed into a dynamic intellectual community. Through conferences, seminars and leading Asian international law journals, AsianSIL has created spaces for dialogue, nurtured young scholars and given voice to Asian perspectives in the global legal arena.

Emphasizing the timeliness of the conference's theme of "Enhancing the role of international law in Asia", Ambassador Dr. Pham Lan Dung said that trust in global institutions and trust in multilateral cooperation are facing challenges, and respect for international law is being tested in many areas. Asia, one of the most dynamic but complex regions in the world , is at the center of these shifts.

"In that context, the role of international law is indispensable. This is the framework that helps us manage differences peacefully , regulate the behavior of states and non-states, and protect stability and prosperity.... For Asia, strengthening this role means both maintaining the core principles of international law and actively participating in the progressive development of the region," Ambassador Dr. Pham Lan Dung emphasized.

Mr. Lewe Paul, representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation (KAS, Federal Republic of Germany), affirmed that Asia is the largest and most dynamic continent, and at the same time a central factor in global politics, economics and legal development. It is completely natural that voices from this region increasingly shape the codification of rules and standards as well as the progressive development of international law.

Taking place over two days, 9-10 October, with two plenary sessions and several panel discussions, the 10th AsianSIL Plenary Conference will cover the entire spectrum of international legal issues, such as the law of the sea, dispute settlement, trade and investment; and chart new frontiers of international law, from space governance to data governance, artificial intelligence to digital sovereignty. The diversity of topics on the panel reflects Asia’s dynamic engagement with international law. The conference will hear from experienced judges, renowned professors, leading experts in international law and promising young scholars.

In the post-opening discussion on Asia’s role in developing international law, speakers and delegates emphasized that the journey to strengthen international law in Asia is a long one that requires collective efforts, and no single country, organization or scholar can do it alone. Asia is increasingly asserting itself as an active contributor to the development and implementation of international law. From shaping global trade norms through free trade agreements, to promoting the law of the sea, climate change law, human rights and regional security cooperation, Asia has demonstrated how its practices can enrich international law through inclusiveness, mutual respect and cooperation.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/khang-dinh-vai-tro-tich-cuc-cua-chau-a-trong-phat-trien-luat-phap-quoc-te-20251009165452247.htm