ABOUT THE ORGANISER / COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur is a premier National Law University committed to advanced legal education, interdisciplinary research, and public service, guided by its motto “Dharma Sansthapanartham.”

The School of Law and Technology at HNLU serves as a research hub focusing on areas such as technology law, international trade, intellectual property, data protection, artificial intelligence, and policy studies.

The Centre for WTO & WIPO Studies is dedicated to research and capacity-building in international trade and intellectual property law and collaborates actively under the WTO Chairs Programme.

DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT / OPPORTUNITY

The International Trade Law Summit 2026 is being organised to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The summit aims to foster awareness about global trade governance and create career opportunities for young professionals in international trade law.

The event will feature:

• Expert-led thematic panel discussions

• Technical sessions for presentation of selected research papers

• A Mock WTO Exercise (first of its kind in India) simulating trade negotiations and resolution drafting

The summit will critically examine the WTO’s evolution, present challenges, and future pathways for strengthening the multilateral trading system.

Structure of the Summit

Module I – International Conference

• Research paper presentations

• Thematic panel discussions led by experts

Module II – Mock WTO Exercise

• Student simulation of WTO negotiations

• Drafting negotiated outcomes and resolutions

• Participation through country delegations and committees such as:

  • Council for Trade in Services

  • Negotiating Group on Market Access

  • TRIPS Council

  • Trade and Competition

Conference Theme:
“The WTO@30: Reimagining Multilateralism in International Trade Law”

Indicative Sub-Themes

• Digital Trade and the Data-Driven Economy

• Trade, Sustainability, and Climate Action

• Emerging Goods, Services, and Hybrid Trade Forms

• Power Asymmetries in Global Trade Governance

• Reforming the Dispute Settlement System

• Services Liberalisation and the GATS Agenda

• Investment Facilitation and Trade

WHO IS IT FOR / ELIGIBILITY TO PARTICIPATE

Conference / Call for Papers

• Academicians

• Researchers

• Professionals and practitioners

• Students of law, business, and economics from India and abroad

Mock WTO Exercise

• Undergraduate and postgraduate students of law, economics, business, and allied disciplines (India and abroad)

MODE OF THE EVENT

Offline

LOCATION & VENUE OF THE EVENT

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU)
Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India

REGISTRATION / SUBMISSION LINKS & PROCEDURE

Abstract Submission (Conference Papers):
https://forms.gle/Y3oArfsPmyx4EHCW8

Mock WTO Registration:
https://forms.gle/tZmka8SX7wYQHLhq9

Submission Guidelines

Abstract

• Maximum 500 words (including 5 keywords)

• Bio-note: 50 words

• Format: MS Word, Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 spacing, justified alignment

Full Paper

• Maximum 10,000 words (including abstract and footnotes)

• OSCOLA (4th Edition) citation style

• Co-authorship allowed up to two authors

Selected authors will be notified and provided with a link/QR code for full paper submission, registration, and fee payment.

FEE DETAILS

Conference Only

• Indian Academicians / Professionals / Research Scholars: INR 2500

• Indian Students: INR 1500

• Foreign Participants: USD 20

Mock WTO Only (Students)

• Indian Delegates: INR 1200

• Foreign Delegates: USD 15

Conference + Mock WTO

• Indian Students: INR 2700

• Foreign Students: USD 35

ACCOMMODATION

• University hostel accommodation (Non-AC): INR 1500 per person for the duration

• Separate facilities for male and female participants

• Extension available at INR 500 per day (subject to availability)

DEADLINES / IMPORTANT DATES

• Opening of Registration (Mock WTO Delegates): 06 February 2026 onwards

• Deadline for Abstract Submission: 31 March 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

• Notification of Abstract Acceptance: 26 April 2026

• Opening of Conference Registration & Fee Payment: 27 April 2026

• Deadline for Registration & Fee Payment (Conference + Mock WTO): 20 July 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

• Deadline for Full Paper Submission: 06 September 2026 (11:59 PM IST)

• International Trade Law Summit Dates: 02 – 04 October 2026

CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr. Ankit Awasthi
Head, Centre for WTO & WIPO Studies
Email: itls@hnlu.ac.in

Ms. Kruthika Senthil Kumar
Student Convenor
Email: itls@hnlu.ac.in

OFFICIAL LINK OF THE EVENT / BROCHURE

• Event Details Folder:
  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1X80xjqDMnpvqU9JVEDgxqD1ienuwzFnP