Call for papers: DNLU to host WTO Chairs symposium 2026 on cross-border trade and carbon governance

Last date to submit an abstract is February 28, 2026.

DNLU CITIL WTO Symposium

Published on:

23 Dec 2025, 2:43 pm

2 min read

The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Law (CITIL), Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur has announced the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chairs Programme - International Symposium 2026 themed 'Carbon Governance and Global Justice: Reconciling Trade Competitiveness and Climate Responsibility' to be held on April 24-25, 2026.

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.

For many developing or emerging economies, disparities in technological capacity, data infrastructure for monitoring emissions, and access to climate finance create the risk of such measures acting as de facto trade barriers. Meanwhile, legal concerns around compatibility with multilateral trade rules also arise.

These measures have ignited discussion on the non-discrimination obligations within the World Trade Organisation and the scope of the environmental exceptions under Article XX of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Beyond this discussion, they also raise normative questions. For instance, can carbon-pricing through trade-policy instruments foster equitable global climate action, or will they deepen existing inequalities between the Global North and the Global South?

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

Symposium highlights

Expert Talks

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

Panel Discussions

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.

For sub-themes, submission guidelines, formatting requirements for the abstract and paper please refer to the brochure.

Important dates

Last Date for abstract submission: February 28, 2026
Intimation of abstract selection: March 5, 2026
Last date for registration (Presenters & Attendees): March 20, 2026
Last date for full paper submission: April 10, 2026

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

Registration details

Registration Fee:

For Presenters: For undergraduate and post-graduate students research scholars (PhD): ₹5000 (with accommodation) and ₹3000 (without accommodation).
For Academicians, professionals, lawyers, policy makers and advocates: ₹7000 (with accommodation) and ₹5000 (without accommodation).
For DNLU students: ₹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