CITIL’s WTO Chairs Programme 2026
International Symposium on “Carbon Governance and Global Justice: Reconciling Trade Competitiveness and Climate Responsibility”
The Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Law (CITIL) at Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur in collaboration with the Centre for Trade and Investment Laws (CTIL) , Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, proudly announces the Third Edition of CITIL’s WTO Chairs Programme – International Symposium 2026, to be held on 24–25 April 2026.
Theme of the Symposium: “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 refer to WTO Chairs Programme – International Symposium 2026 – CITIL.
Contact Information
Mr. Suryansh Pandey
Convenor, CITIL| 6260995890
Ms. Aditi Mishra
Co-Convenor, CITIL| 7999056841