THE 10th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE 2025

ASIAN SOCIETY OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

Co-host: Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam

BACKGROUND

In an era of rapid globalization and transformative technological advancements, international law faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Asia, home to diverse legal traditions and dynamic economies, plays an increasingly vital role in shaping the global legal order.

The 10th Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) is scheduled to take place in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, on 9-10 October 2025. Hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV), this event aims to provide a platform for intellectual exchange among scholars, practitioners, students, and individuals interested in international law. While the conference has an Asian focus, it welcomes participants from around the world who are keen on exploring Asian legal issues. One of its key objectives is to contribute to the development of international law scholarship, with a particular emphasis on Asian perspectives. This will be achieved through the publication of papers presented at the conference. The working language of the Biennial Conference will be English.

This year marks eighty years since the adoption of the United Nations Charter, a foundational document that continues to guide international peace, security, and cooperation. Reflecting on its legacy, the conference will examine how international institutions and legal frameworks adapt to the evolving global landscape. Key topics include the progressive development and codification of international law, particularly from an Asian perspective, as well as the growing access to international law and its implications for states and non-state actors alike.

The 2023 BBNJ Agreement, a landmark treaty on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, highlights the increasing need for robust legal mechanisms to address global environmental challenges. Discussions will explore carbon law, international environmental law, and climate change governance, with a focus on how Asian countries navigate these pressing issues through cooperation and legal innovation. Additionally, sessions on international judicial institutions and climate change will examine how courts and tribunals contribute to environmental jurisprudence.

Technological advancements continue to reshape legal landscapes, raising urgent questions regarding artificial intelligence law, digital governance, and cybersecurity law. The conference will analyze legal frameworks for AI governance, AI-generated works in international trade, and the intersection of new technologies with armed conflicts. As digital transformation accelerates, the need for updated intellectual property law, private international law, and international trade regulations becomes increasingly evident.

Maritime security remains a critical concern for the Asia-Pacific region, where issues of safety and freedom of navigation at sea have profound geopolitical implications. The role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in resolving maritime disputes and its contribution to the broader development of international law will be key discussion points. Similarly, the evolving landscape of investor-state dispute settlement presents unique challenges and concerns for Asian economies, necessitating a closer examination of international investment law.

Armed conflicts and warfare dynamics are also undergoing transformation, with new threats emerging in urban warfare and space law. The conference will provide a platform to assess international humanitarian law and its applicability to modern conflicts, particularly in densely populated areas.

As part of its commitment to advancing international cooperation in digital governance, Viet Nam will also host the signing ceremony of the Hanoi Convention against Cybercrime, a significant regional initiative aimed at strengthening legal frameworks to combat cyber threats. This landmark agreement is expected to be signed in Hanoi by the end of 2025, reinforcing efforts to enhance cybersecurity law and international collaboration in the digital era.

By addressing these critical themes, the 10th Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law seeks to foster dialogue and collaboration in advancing international law in an era of global uncertainty. With a strong emphasis on Asia’s role in shaping legal norms and institutions, the discussions will contribute to the progressive development and future codification of international law.

The Conference will be composed of two events:

• The 10th Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law to be held on 9th and 10th October, 2025;
• The Student Workshop, a half-day workshop, to be held at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam on 8th October,

The following section provides details on applying for each of these events.

OBJECTIVE

As the co-host of this event, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam aims to foster an academic forum for scholars, practitioners and junior scholars from around the world who share interest in international law broadly and in Asian perspective of international law specifically. Along with that, by bringing the attendees to Hanoi, Viet Nam’s capital city and the Land of Flying Dragon, the DAV also expects to offer a unique insight into the blend of traditional and modern values in the city’s development, which is believed to reflect the trend of international law’s development across many Asian countries.

COVERED THEMES

The broad theme of the Biennial Conference is “Strengthening the Role of International Law in Asia”.

There will be two plenary sessions:

• The Role of Asia in Development of International Law; and
• Strengthening the Role of International Law in Asia.

The 10th Biennial Conference welcomes papers on all topics of international law, including:

1. International Law in Asian’ perspectives
2. Progressive development and codification of international law: Asian contributions
3. Eighty years of United Nations Charter
4. The growing access to international law
5. 2023 BBNJ Agreement
6. The contribution of ITLOS to the development of international law
7. Safety and freedom of navigation at sea: implications for Asia-Pacific region
8. Artificial Intelligence Law and Artificial Intelligence Governance
9. International Trade and Energy Transition
10. International Trade and the Readiness for AI generated works
11. New Technologies and Armed Conflicts
12. International Law and Urban Warfares
13. International Humanitarian Law
14. Carbon Law and Asian countries
15. Recent dispute settlement in international law and implications for Asian countries
16. Navigating investor-state dispute settlement and Asian countries’ concerns
17. International Environmental Law and cooperation between Asian countries
18. International Judicial Institutions and Climate Change
19. Digital Law and Digital Governance
20. Cybersecurity Law
21. International Investment Law
22. Private International Law
23. Intellectual Property Law
24. International Human Rights Law
25. International Organization Law
26. Space Law

The topics listed above are not exhaustive.

ABSTRACTS & PAPERS

1. Abstracts and papers should be submitted to email address: vietnam.asiansil25@dav.edu.vn. Late submissions may not be considered.
2. In your abstract submission, please include following information:

• Paper title;
• Proposed panel;
• Abstract: summarize your paper in no more than 300 words, including any footnotes;
• Author’s biography: provide a concise overview of your professional status, educational background, and relevant experience in no more than 250 words.

3. In your paper submission, please adhere to following guidelines:

• Clearly state author’s title, name, university/organization, title of paper, and email address on the cover page of the paper;
• The paper’s length is 5,000 to 10,000 words, inclusive of footnotes;
• Paper should be formatted in Microsoft Document Format, Font – Size 12, Times New Roman, single space, 17th Chicago Manual of Style Citation;
• Papers to be sent with the subject “Completed Paper’s title _ Author’s name”.

4. The organizing committee reserves the right to adjust panel assignments as necessary.

IMPORTANT DATES

** !!NOTIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE ABSTRACT – DELAY!!

Due to the large number of high-quality submissions, over 500 abstracts, the Organizing Committee decided to delay the notification of abstract acceptance for one week to have additional time to thoroughly review and consider all submissions.

The new notification date for acceptance results: April 8

The new deadline for full paper submission: August 15

We appreciate your patience and understanding and look forward to your participation in the Conference.

REGISTRATION

To encourage broad participation in the Conference, the registration fee will be waived. Participants are encouraged to arrange their own accommodation and flights. Travel costs to and accommodation fee in Hanoi may be covered for speakers upon request and depending on the availability of funds. Please indicate if you need financial supports for participating the Conference when submitting your papers.

Scholars who wish to attend the Conference please follow steps below:

- Step 1: Fill out information in this link;

- Step 2: Download this Registration Form and send us your details at vietnam.asiansil25@dav.edu.vn

VISA REQUIREMENTS

A Vietnamese visa is a type of travel document issued by the competent Viet Namese authorities, granting permission to travel to and enter Viet Nam. Please refer to the instructions for applying for a Viet Nam e-Visa at: https://evisa.gov.vn/.

Please note that a Viet Nam e-Visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days, for single or multiple entries.

Visa exemption is limited and only granted to citizens of the countries listed [here].

TRANSPORTATION AND ACCOMMODATION

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation and flight arrangements. To ensure availability and avoid potential difficulties with hotel reservations or airfare, it is strongly advised that these arrangements be completed before August 2025.

PERSONAL DATA

PROTECTION POLICY

Email Addresses

Participants’ email addresses will be included in a contact list shared during and/or after the workshop unless you explicitly request otherwise.

Photography & Videography

Please note that the organizers may take photographs and record videos throughout the workshop sessions. These images and recordings may be used in marketing materials, publications, and social media, and participants may be identified by name.

By attending the workshop, participants grant the organizers permission to publish, republish, or distribute these images in any format for various purposes. Participants waive the right to review or approve the final product or how their image is used. The organizers are not responsible for any claims or compensation related to the use of these images, including unforeseen consequences.

If you do not wish to have your email address or photographs used in this way, please notify the 10th Biennial AsianSIL Conference Organizing Committee.

Contact details:

Dr. Trang Ngo

Faculty of International Law

Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam

Tel: +84906001290

Email: vietnam.asiansil25@dav.edu.vn

*********

THE STUDENT WORKSHOP

About the Workshop

The Student Workshop is scheduled for October 9, 2025, one day prior to the 10th AsianSIL Biennial Conference, and will be hosted at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam campus.

This half-day workshop offers selected students an opportunity to present their papers and receive constructive feedback from a panel of esteemed senior scholars.

Eligibility and Qualifications

To be eligible for the Workshop, applicants must be:

• Undergradute students;
• LLB graduates.

Application

The registration fee for Workshop will also be waived.

Please find details for registration below:

- Step 1: Fill out information in this link;

- Step 2: Download this Registration Form and send us your details at vietnam.asiansil25@dav.edu.vn