CITIL's WTO Chairs Programme 2026- International Symposium On “Carbon Governance And Global Justice: Reconciling Trade Competitiveness And Climate Responsibility”

About DNLU Jabalpur

Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur (M.P.) was established in 2018 by the Madhya Pradesh Dharmashastra National Law University Act 24 of 2018, with the objective of advancing the cause of legal education and promoting excellence for imparting value-based legal learning to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University's motto, “Satyam Vada Dharmam Char” (Speak the truth and follow Dharma), reflects its enduring commitment to justice, ethics, and social responsibility. DNLU strives to prepare competent legal professionals and scholars who can contribute to the evolving landscape of law, policy, and governance.

About the Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL)

The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL) at DNLU, Jabalpur, is a specialized research Centre dedicated to fostering academic and policy discourse in international trade, investment, and economic law. CITIL has consistently engaged in interdisciplinary research, collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing understanding of global trade and investment frameworks. The Centre's work extends to issues of law, economics, and public policy, positioning it as a dynamic platform for students and scholars alike.

About the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL)

The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) was established in the year 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 sound and rigorous analysis of legal issues pertaining to international trade and investment law to the Government of India and other governmental agencies. The Centre is aiming to create a dedicated pool of legal experts who could provide technical inputs for enhancing India's participation in international trade and investment negotiations and dispute settlement. The Centre also aims to be a thought leader in the various domains of international economic law such as WTO law, international investment law and legal issues relating to economic integration.

Theme of the Symposium

Theme: “Carbon Governance and Global Justice: Reconciling Trade Competitiveness and Climate Responsibility”

This year's theme underscores the growing intersection between climate-responsive trade measures, carbon governance, and principles of global justice, particularly as nations strive to balance trade competitiveness with environmental responsibility. The Symposium aims to explore how mechanisms such as Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs), carbon pricing, and sustainability standards are reshaping international trade and economic governance.

The event is organised with the valued mentorship of Prof. James J. Nedumpara, India Chairholder, WTO Chairs Programme, and Head, CTIL, IIFT. The Symposium further benefits from the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, DNLU, the administrative support of Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, DNLU, and the academic direction of Prof. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Director, CITIL.

Symposium Highlights

Expert Talks

Insights from leading scholars and practitioners on trade–climate linkages, WTO law, and global carbon governance.

Panel Discussions

Engaging deliberations on equity, competitiveness, climate justice, and the future of sustainable global trade.

Technical Sessions / Paper Presentations

Selected participants will present original research contributing to contemporary debates on climate policy and international economic law.

Who May Participate

- UG/PG students (legal and non-legal disciplines)

- Research Scholars and PhD Candidates

- Academicians and Faculty Members

- Lawyers, Advocates & Policy Makers

- Professionals and Industry Experts

Important Dates

- Last Date for Abstract Submission: 28 February 2026

- Intimation of Abstract Selection: 5 March 2026

- Last Date for Registration (Presenters & Attendees): 20 March 2026

- Last Date for Full Paper Submission: 10 April 2026

Awards & Publication

- Top 5 Best Papers: Certificate of Merit

- All Presenters: Certificate of Paper Presentation

- All Attendees: Certificate of Participation

- Selected high-quality papers may be considered for publication in an edited volume with a reputed academic publisher (subject to editorial review).

Registration Details

Registration Fee:

- For Presenters: For undergraduate and post-graduate students (from legal and non-legal disciplines) and Research Scholars (PhD): Rs. 5000/- (with accommodation) and Rs. 3000 (without accommodation).

- For Academicians, Professionals, Lawyers, Policy Makers and Advocates: Rs. 7000/- (with accommodation) and Rs. 5000 (without accommodation).

- For DNLU Students: Rs. 1500/- (without accommodation)

Fees to be paid only after the Abstract Selection. The selected abstracts will be notified through email.

For Attendees: Rs. 1000/- (without accommodation) and Rs. 3000/- (with accommodation)

Registration & Submission Link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeho94a5LVuncP1kLf68QiKSbHho0ghJLjPD7UkdswPXPJy7w/viewform

Payment Link:

https://erp.mpdnlu.ac.in/events/eventdetails.php?slug=830df0297f0c071

For any queries, write to: citilcourse@mpdnlu.ac.in

For more details regarding the sub-themes of the Symposium and the submission guidelines, kindly check the brochure.

Contact Information

Mr. Suryansh Pandey
Convenor, CITIL| 6260995890

Ms. Aditi Mishra
Co-Convenor, CITIL| 7999056841