CNLU, Patna To Host The First India-Peru Joint WTO Chairs Programme
Law School Correspondent
9 Sept 2026 8:36 PM IST
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, Bihar India and Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India, under the aegis of the WTO Chairs Programme-Chairs of India and Peru in collaboration, jointly invite paper submissions for its International Academic Research Conference titled 'Beyond The Text: Re-Imagining International Trade through a Gendered Lens' to be held on 15-16 December, 2026 at CNLU, Patna, Bihar, India. The Conference seeks to foster dialogue and encourage scholarly contributions on various issues pertaining to an overarching question-Is international trade truly gender-neutral merely because its rules are framed in gender-neutral terms? Or does the apparent neutrality of trade law conceal differentiated realities, opportunities and burdens across gendered and intersecting social contexts? The conference has been set up in this context and would endeavour to encourage discussions on reimagining trade rules through a gendered lens.
Original, unpublished research papers from students, academics, policy makers and researchers addressing issues including but not limiting to the following themes are welcome:
· FAIL (Feminist Approaches to international law) approach to theoretical/praxis-related International Trade Law
· Fourth World Approaches to International Trade Law
· Indigenous Women as stewards of sustainable economies
· Disability, Inclusion and International Trade
· Gender dispositions in Bilateral or Plurilateral Trade Agreements and their impact on Gender Equality in International Trade
· Intersectionality and International Trade
· Gender Inclusive Trade Facilitation Policy Making
· Mainstreaming Gender in Trade Agreements and Domestic Policies
· Women's Access to Trade Finance and Credit
· Women Representation as Negotiators in Trade Agreements
· Digital Trade and Gender Equality
· Barriers to Women's Participation in Global Value Chains
· Regional Approaches and Best practices on Gender in International Trade
· Gender-inclusive Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Investment policies
· Women-led Enterprises' Access to Electronic Commerce, Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
· Unpaid Care Burden and Access to Resources in International Trade
Submission Guidelines
· Last Date of Abstract Submission: 5 October, 2026 [11.59 PM IST]
· Notification of Acceptance: 10 October, 2026
· Last Date of Registration: 18 October, 2026 [11.59 PM IST]
· Full Paper Submission: 5 December, 2026 [11.59 PM IST]
Publication Opportunity
Selected papers will be considered for publication in: a Special Issue of CNLU Journal of International Trade and Investment Law (a Flagship Peer-Reviewed and Refereed Journal of CNLU Patna), published by Thomson Reuters; OR in an Edited volume published by a reputed International publisher.
Conference Directors
· Dr. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Associate Professor of Law and Director, Centre for Research in International Trade and Investment Law, CNLU, Patna, Bihar, India & Member, Gender Research Hub, WTO. [Email: ukmishra@cnlu.ac.in ]Ph. +91 7905017038
· Mr. Victor Saco, WTO Chair Holder – Peru, Associate Professor, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP). [Email: victor.saco@pucp.edu.pe ]
· Mr. Satwik Shekhar, Coordinator, WTO Chair – India, Assistant Professor (Consultant), Centre for Trade and Investment Law, IIFT, New Delhi. [Email: satwik@iift.edu ]
For more details, See the brochure attached.
