International Trade Law Summit 2026: WTO@30 at Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur is set to host a prestigious International Trade Law Summit 2026 from 2–4 October 2026. The summit commemorates the 30th anniversary (WTO@30) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and brings together global experts, scholars, students, and policymakers.
Organised through the Centre for WTO & WIPO Studies, the summit is conducted in collaboration with the WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), IIFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
About the International Trade Law Summit 2026
- Three-day in-person international summit at HNLU, Raipur
- Focus on WTO@30: Reimagining Multilateralism in International Trade Law
- Aims to promote:
- Global trade awareness
- Academic research and dialogue
- Career opportunities in international trade law
- Participation from India and abroad
Significance of WTO@30
Over the last three decades, the WTO has played a vital role in shaping global trade. The summit highlights both achievements and challenges:
- Strengthening of rule-based global trade systems
- Promotion of economic integration and trade liberalisation
- Key developments:
- Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
- Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA)
- Current challenges:
- Appellate Body paralysis
- Negotiation deadlocks
- Rise of unilateral trade policies
Key Highlights of the Summit
Module I: International Conference
- Paper presentations in technical sessions
- Expert-led panel discussions
- Academic and professional engagement
Module II: Mock WTO Exercise (Unique Feature in India)
- Simulation of real WTO negotiations
- Student-exclusive participation
- Drafting of trade agreements and resolutions
- Representation through country delegations
Indicative Themes for Research Papers
Participants can submit papers on the following topics:
- Digital trade and data-driven economy
- Trade and climate sustainability
- Emerging trade models (goods and services)
- Power imbalances in global trade governance
- Reform of WTO dispute settlement system
- Services liberalisation under GATS
- Investment facilitation and trade
Call for Papers: Submission Guidelines
Abstract Submission
- Maximum 500 words
- Include 5 keywords
- 50-word author bio-note
- Format: MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 pt
Full Paper Submission
- Maximum 10,000 words
- Citation style: OSCOLA (4th Edition)
- Co-authorship allowed (up to 2 authors)
Mock WTO Exercise Details
Objective
- Provide practical exposure to international trade diplomacy
- Simulate real WTO negotiation processes
Eligibility
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Disciplines: Law, Economics, Business, and allied fields
Participation Structure
- WTO Member country delegations
- Committees include:
- Council for Trade in Services
- TRIPS Council
- Negotiating Group on Market Access
- Trade and Competition
Registration Fees
Conference Only
- Indian Academicians/Professionals: INR 2500
- Indian Students: INR 1500
- Foreign Participants: USD 20
Mock WTO Only
- Indian Students: INR 1200
- Foreign Students: USD 15
Combined Participation
- Indian Students: INR 2700
- Foreign Students: USD 35
Accommodation Details
- University hostel available (non-AC)
- Separate facilities for male and female participants
- Charges:
- INR 1500 for full duration
- INR 500 per extra day (subject to availability)
Important Dates
- Opening of Mock WTO Registration: 6 February 2026
- Abstract Submission Deadline: 20 April 2026
- Acceptance Notification: 26 April 2026
- Conference Registration Begins: 27 April 2026
- Final Registration Deadline: 20 July 2026
- Full Paper Submission Deadline: 6 September 2026
- Summit Dates: 2–4 October 2026
About the Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur
- A premier National Law University in India
- Known for excellence in legal education and interdisciplinary research
- Focus on public service and policy development
- Motto: “Dharma Sansthapanartham”
School of Law and Technology (SLT)
- Research hub for:
- Technology law
- Trade law
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data protection
Centre for WTO & WIPO Studies
- Dedicated to research in international trade and intellectual property law
- Works under the WTO Chairs Programme
- Promotes academic research and capacity building
Partner Institutions: World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Global body regulating international trade
- Ensures smooth and fair trade between nations
WTO Young Trade Leaders Programme
- Builds a global network of young professionals
- Promotes awareness of WTO and trade systems
Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), IIFT
- Established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Provides legal analysis on trade and investment issues
How to Register
- Notification: Click Here
- Register Now: Click Here
- Abstract Submission: Click Here
Contact Information
- Dr. Ankit Awasthi
Head, Centre for WTO & WIPO Studies
Email: itls@hnlu.ac.in - Ms. Kruthika Senthil Kumar
Student Coordinator
Email: itls@hnlu.ac.in
