The annual flagship legal event organised by the Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, is being held from 2 to 6 November under the theme ‘Collaboration and Innovation: Legal Connectivity for a Shared Future.’ The event brings together legal professionals, representatives of international organisations, policymakers, and academics from around the world to discuss important issues including international legal cooperation, cross-border dispute resolution, legal technology, and regional rule of law development.

As one of the key events on the opening day of Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, the ‘UNIDROIT Centennial Celebration: Opening Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Office and Asia-Pacific Regional Conference’ was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL), as one of the supporting organisations, fully supports the event and actively participates in promoting the development of the rule of law and cross-border legal cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region.

Dr Anthony Neoh SC JP, Chairman of AAIL was invited to join the Panel on ‘Beyond Centenary – The Asia-Pacific Liaison Office and the Promotion of Regional Legal Harmonisation and Cooperation’. He noted that the three international legal organisations, UNIDROIT, HCCH, and UNCITRAL, have made outstanding contributions over the years in the areas of the harmonisation of private law, cross-border judicial cooperation, and the development of international commercial law rules. He also remarked that AAIL, through research, training, academic exchange, and capacity-building initiatives, can further strengthen connections between legal communities across Asia and these international organisations, while promoting a deeper understanding and application of international legal rules throughout the region.

Dr Neoh reflected on AAIL’s development since its establishment in 2017, noting how the Academy has evolved from a platform for international legal dialogue into an institution actively contributing to legal research and capacity building. He highlighted AAIL’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of international legal professionals through initiatives such as the Hong Kong SAR Session of the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law and the Hague Academy of International Law’s Advanced Course in Hong Kong.

With the official establishment of UNIDROIT’s Asia-Pacific Office in Hong Kong, it is with eager anticipation that Hong Kong is entering a new phase of opportunities for deeper international legal cooperation. Looking ahead, the combined efforts of international organisations, legal institutions, and professional bodies will further promote international legal exchange and regional connectivity, injecting new momentum into global governance and sustainable development.

The presentation slides are available for viewing here.