NLU Odisha Concludes Two-Day International Conference On Role Of International Trade In Global Energy Transition
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
23 Jan 2026 11:37 AM IST
The National Law University Odisha concluded its l two-day International Conference on the “Role of International Trade in Global Energy Transition” on 17 January 2026 at its Cuttack campus. Organized by the NLUO Centre for International Trade Law (CITL) in prestigious collaboration with the WTO Chairs Programme and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL) under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, the event served as a premier forum for a distinguished assembly of global trade scholars, policymakers, and legal practitioners. The proceedings commenced on 16 January with a formal welcome by Dr. Priyanka Anand, Co-Director of CITL, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp to signify the commencement of the intellectual exchange. In her welcoming address, Professor Ved Kumari, Vice-Chancellor of NLUO, emphasized the university's dedication to fostering high-level dialogue on issues of profound national and international significance, particularly at the crossroads of legal frameworks and sustainable global shifts.
The inaugural day featured a series of high-level panel discussions and special addresses from some of the world's foremost authorities in trade law, including Professor Werner Zdouc, Former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat, who delivered a special address on the rapidly evolving landscape of global trade, and Ms. Alice Tipping, Director of Trade and Sustainable Development at the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD), Canada, who provided critical insights into soft-law pathways necessary for a just energy transition. The sessions were further enriched by the expertise of Professor James Nedumpara, Head of the WTO Chair Program (CTIL), and Professor James Harrison of the University of Warwick. Morning sessions delved into the intricacies of Green Industrial Policy, specifically addressing the thin line between supportive climate action and economic protectionism, while the afternoon featured a series of parallel technical sessions covering diverse themes such as the "Genome to Global Market" framework, the paradox of greenwashing, and technology licensing agreements in cross-border renewable energy investments. Notable focus was also placed on good regulatory practices in clean energy trade within the Global South and the strategic navigation of mineral dependencies in the renewable energy sector.
Under the visionary leadership of Professor (Dr.) Sheela Rai, Director of the Centre for International Trade Law, the Centre has initiated vital research and academic collaborations to bridge the gap between international trade norms and environmental sustainability. Her efforts in securing partnerships with the WTO Chairs Programme and CTIL have positioned NLUO as a premier hub for trade law discourse.
The second day of the conference focused on building clean energy systems within global trade rules and India's efforts toward a green energy transition, featuring distinguished participants such as Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, Professor Nandan Nawn, and Professor Kaushik Deb. Technical sessions on the final day addressed Indian carbon emission regulations, the role of MSMEs in energy transitions, and the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on India's global competitiveness. The university expects the proceedings to yield significant policy recommendations and legal implications that will shape the future of global trade governance.