Doha:The Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL) Intersessional Conference, hosted for the first time in the Middle East by Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) College of Law, underscored the university's dedication to advancing legal scholarship and reinforcing Qatar's role as a center for global policy dialogue.

According to Qatar News Agency, the conference, themed "Is a New Normative International Legal Order in the Making," brought together experts to discuss Asia's evolving influence on the international legal order. Discussions focused on how international law can adapt to changing geopolitical dynamics, new centers of power, and ethical challenges faced by institutions.

Dr. Khalid Mubarak Al Kuwari, Conference Chair and Lecturer at HBKU College of Law, expressed that hosting the conference was a privilege, emphasizing Asia's critical position at the strategic, economic, and technological crossroads, which plays a significant role in shaping the international legal order. The conference provided a platform to explore how Asian perspectives could guide the future of global governance, environmental policy, and emerging technologies.

Dr. Susan L. Karamanian, Dean of HBKU College of Law, highlighted the honor of welcoming global scholars and practitioners, noting Qatar's unique blend of rich traditions and a forward-looking vision for education as the perfect setting for debates on international law's future. She noted Asia's significance, housing over half the world's population, as central to defining and solving modern global challenges.

A notable aspect of the conference was the main panel, featuring Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan, President of the Asian Society of International Law, Professor Surya P. Subedi, a Founding Member of the Society, and Dr. Susan L. Karamanian. The panel discussed topics such as environmental governance, small-state diplomacy, and international humanitarian law, emphasizing how non-hegemonic and regional viewpoints are reshaping global legal practices.

The event also included a Junior Scholars Workshop, offering undergraduate students, postgraduates, and early-career researchers the chance to present draft articles and receive mentorship from senior scholars.