CIL Researchers - Dr Jon Truby, Amiel Ian Valdez, Dita Liliansa, Miguel Jaime Encarnacion, and Hla Yadanar Win attended the 10th Biennial Conference of the Asian Society of International Law in Hanoi, Vietnam from 9 to 10 October 2025.

The Conference was hosted by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, which is a public research university under Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Conference revolved around theme: ‘Strengthening the Role of International Law in Asia’ with a particular focus on key issues, such as, the progressive development of international law and the Asian perspectives towards it, Asian approaches to a multi-polar global order, and other emerging themes including the BBNJ Agreement, the opinions on climate change of the international judicial institutions, technological advancements, maritime security, armed conflicts and warfare, and many others.

Dr Jon Truby presented a paper on ‘Artificial Intelligence, Satellite Technologies and Climate Sustainability: International Frameworks and ASEAN Practice following the Global Digital Compact, and ITLOS and ICJ advisory opinions’. His presentation explored how artificial intelligence and satellite technologies underpin climate monitoring, emissions verification, and hazard mapping, while also highlighting the environmental footprint of digital and space systems. It assessed international law frameworks, emphasising Paris Agreement obligations focused on progressive NDCs and transparent data reporting, and UNCLOS duties to prevent GHG pollution. Dr Truby’s presentation connected the issue with the Global Digital Compact and recent ITLOS and ICJ advisory opinions, urging updates to international principles to ensure reliable access to climate data and analysis. Special attention was given to ASEAN capacities.

Amiel joined the panel on International Environmental Law. He presented his ongoing research project on precautionary principle and environmental impact assessment in deep seabed mining, exploring their interpretation through the lens of regulatory due diligence and the law on state responsibility. Amiel also took the lead, together with his Co-Chair, Mostafa Naser, on convening the Asian SIL International Environmental Law Interest Group. The group welcomed new members and discussed some future projects and publications.

Dita Liliansa participated in the First and Second Plenary Sessions, as well as Panels 1C (Dispute Settlement), 2B (International Law of the Sea), 3B (International Law and Approaches of Asian States), 4A (International Human Rights), and 5B (International Environmental Law).

During the Second Plenary Session, titled ‘Asian International Law in the Multipolar Global Order: An Inter-Civilization Approach’, Dita posed a question to the panel comprising Professor Venkatachala Hegde, Professor Araki Ichiro, Professor Upendra Acharya, and Judge Raul Pangalangan, inviting them to reflect on the prospects of establishing an Asian Human Rights Court. At the parallel sessions, she raised several questions, including those concerning state practice on military exercises on the high seas, the use of soft law instruments to promote regional cooperation on marine environmental protection, and the current state of business and human rights frameworks in ASEAN.

Miguel participated in the First and Second Plenary Sessions, Panels 1C, 2A, 3B, 4C, and 5C. He contributed to the discussions by raising questions on geographical indications, ESG and international commercial arbitration.

Hla Yadanar Win participated in the First and Second Plenary Sessions, Panels 1A, 2A, 3B, 4A and 5A. Hla participated in the discussions by questioning whether the lack of criminalization of certain serious crimes in many Asian States’ legislations could undermine international criminal justice and human rights in Asia, and how Asian States should approach the functional immunity principle.

Amiel, Dita, Miguel, and Hla have also distributed copies of the Asian Journal of International Law to the participants of the Conference.

More information about the key outcomes of the Conference can be read through the AsianSIL Voices Blog: https://asiansilvoices.com/strengthening-the-role-of-international-law-in-asia-the-10th-biennial-conference-of-the-asian-society-of-international-law-2025/

The Conference brought together over 200 participants and speakers from across Asian and other parts of the world. The discussions were enriched by the wide-ranging perspectives from the speakers who are academics, scholars, diplomats, practitioners, and students.