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The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, is organising the Call for Papers for the International Symposium 2026 under the WTO Chairs Programme in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Laws (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
The symposium invites abstract submissions from students, scholars, academicians, and professionals interested in exploring contemporary issues in international trade, climate governance, and global justice.
About the WTO Chairs Programme 2026
The WTO Chairs Programme is a global initiative aimed at strengthening research, teaching, and policy dialogue related to international trade law and economic governance. Under this programme, institutions across the world collaborate to promote scholarship and policy-oriented discussions on trade-related issues.
As part of this initiative, CITIL at DNLU Jabalpur is hosting the Third Edition of the International Symposium 2026, focusing on emerging challenges at the intersection of trade law, climate policy, and global justice.
About DNLU Jabalpur
Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur was established in 2018 under the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act, 2018. The university was founded with the objective of advancing the cause of legal education and promoting excellence in value-based legal learning for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The institution’s motto, “Satyam Vada Dharmam Char” (Speak the truth and follow Dharma), reflects its commitment to justice, ethical governance, and social responsibility. The university seeks to develop legal professionals and scholars capable of contributing to the evolving fields of law, public policy, and governance.
About CITIL
The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at DNLU Jabalpur is a specialised research centre dedicated to advancing academic and policy-oriented discourse in the fields of international trade law, investment law, and economic regulation.
CITIL actively engages in interdisciplinary research, collaborations, academic events, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving understanding of global trade and investment frameworks. The centre works at the intersection of law, economics, and public policy, providing a platform for students, scholars, and practitioners interested in international economic law.
About CTIL
The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) was established in 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT).
The centre’s primary objective is to provide rigorous legal analysis and technical support to the Government of India on issues related to international trade and investment law. CTIL plays a significant role in strengthening India’s participation in international trade negotiations, dispute settlement mechanisms, and global economic governance.
The centre also focuses on developing expertise in areas such as WTO law, international investment law, and economic integration.
Theme of the Symposium
The central theme for the symposium is:
“Carbon Governance and Global Justice: Reconciling Trade Competitiveness and Climate Responsibility.”
The theme highlights the increasing intersection between climate-responsive trade measures and international economic governance. As nations attempt to balance environmental commitments with economic competitiveness, issues such as carbon pricing mechanisms, sustainability standards, and Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs) have become central to international trade discussions.
The symposium aims to examine how these mechanisms influence global trade dynamics, environmental policy, and principles of equity and justice in international law.
The event is organised with the mentorship of Prof. James J. Nedumpara, India Chairholder of the WTO Chairs Programme and Head of CTIL at IIFT.
The symposium also benefits from the leadership and academic guidance of:
- Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, DNLU
- Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, DNLU
- Prof. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Director, CITIL
Symposium Highlights
Participants can expect a range of academic and professional engagements during the symposium, including:
Expert Talks
Leading scholars and practitioners will share insights on trade–climate linkages, WTO law, and global carbon governance.
Panel Discussions
Interactive discussions will focus on equity, climate justice, trade competitiveness, and the future of sustainable global trade.
Technical Sessions and Paper Presentations
Selected participants will present their research papers addressing key issues related to climate policy, international trade law, and global economic governance.
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Eligibility
The symposium is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students (legal and non-legal disciplines)
- Research scholars and PhD candidates
- Academicians and faculty members
- Lawyers, advocates, and policy makers
- Professionals and industry experts
Important Dates
- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 30 March 2026 (Extended)
- Intimation of Abstract Selection: 1 April 2026 (Extended)
- Last Date for Registration (Presenters): 5 April 2026
Awards and Publication
Participants selected to present their papers will receive academic recognition and opportunities for publication.
- Top 5 Best Papers: Certificate of Merit
- All Presenters: Certificate of Paper Presentation
- All Attendees: Certificate of Participation
Additionally, selected high-quality papers may be considered for publication in an edited volume with a reputed academic publisher, subject to editorial review.
Registration Fee
For Presenters
- UG/PG Students and Research Scholars
- ₹5000 (with accommodation)
- ₹3000 (without accommodation)
- Academicians, Lawyers, Professionals, Policy Makers
- ₹7000 (with accommodation)
- ₹5000 (without accommodation)
- DNLU Students
- ₹1500 (without accommodation)
The registration fee is payable only after the abstract is selected.
Registration Procedure
Participants can submit their abstracts and register through the link provided below.
Contact Information
Mr. Suryansh Pandey
Convenor, CITIL
📞 6260995890
Ms. Aditi Mishra
Co-Convenor, CITIL
📞 7999056841
For queries, participants may write to:
Email: citilcourse@mpdnlu.ac.in