Call for Papers: AsianSIL Intersessional Conference 2026, 10-11 November 2026

The AsianSIL Intersessional Conference 2026 will be hosted by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) on 10-11 November 2026. This conference aims to explore the evolving role of Asia in shaping the international legal order. Amid dynamic geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and pressing global challenges, including climate change, humanitarian crises, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance, Asia’s growing influence and contributions to international law warrant closer examination.

The conference brings together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to engage in critical dialogue and interdisciplinary exchange. It will take place over two days; Day One will feature a junior scholarship workshop, by invitation only, while Day Two will host the main conference as a public session.

The conference will feature expert-led discussions on critical topics, including but not limited to:

Environmental Governance and Climate Action – Examining Asia’s role in global climate agreements, regional environmental policies, and sustainable development initiatives.
Humanitarian Law in the Modern Era – Addressing challenges in international humanitarian law, particularly in conflict zones and disaster-prone regions within Asia.
AI and Public International Law – Exploring legal and ethical implications of AI for global governance, trade, and security.
Small States and Emerging Economies: Asia Diplomacy and Multilateralism – Examining the role of small states and emerging economies in Asia’s legal and diplomatic landscape, including international dispute resolution, economic partnerships, and regional stability.

Please note that a single submission form is used for both submissions. Applicants are required to indicate whether they are submitting abstracts for the Junior Scholar Workshop or the 2026 AsianSIL Intersessional Conference within the form.

Junior Scholar Workshop

The Junior Scholar Workshop will be held on Day 1 of the event and will take place in-person. This workshop is aimed at providing selected junior scholars with a platform to present their current research projects (draft articles) and receive feedback from a panel of senior scholars Undergraduate students, LLB graduates, postgraduate students, and early-career researchers are eligible to apply, with the registration fee waived.

To be eligible for the Junior Scholar Workshop, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Undergraduate students
LLB graduates
Postgraduate students (LLM/PhD)
Early-career researchers (postdoctoral researchers, research associates/fellows, and non-tenured academics)

Abstract and Paper Submission Guidelines

Conference Submissions
- Abstracts and Papers should be submitted through the link below. Late submissions may not be considered.
- In your Abstract submission, please include the following information:
  - Paper title
  - Proposed panel
  - Abstract: Summarize your paper in no more than 300 words. Abstracts should not include footnotes. Please note that AI-generated abstracts will be automatically rejected. Academic integrity is strictly upheld.
  - Full CV of the author(s).
- In your Paper submission, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  - Clearly state Author’s Title, Name, University/Organization, Title of Paper, and Email Address on the cover page.
  - The paper’s length is 5,000 to 10,000 words, inclusive of footnotes.
  - The paper should be submitted in Microsoft Word format, using Times New Roman (font size 12), single-spaced, and in accordance with the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. Papers should be submitted with the subject line: “Completed Paper Title – Author Name”.
- The organizing committee reserves the right to adjust panel assignments as necessary.
Junior Scholar Workshop Submissions
- Abstracts should be submitted through the link below. Late submissions may not be considered.
- In your Abstract submission, please include the following information:
  - Paper title
  - Abstract: Summarize your paper in no more than 300 words in Microsoft Word format. Abstracts should not include footnotes. Please note that AI-generated abstracts will be automatically rejected. Academic integrity is strictly upheld.
  - Full CV of the author(s).
- Panel assignments for the Junior Scholar Workshop will be arranged by the organizing committee based on the topics and abstracts selected. Applicants are not required to propose a panel.
- The organizing committee reserves the right to determine the workshop format and panel structure as necessary.