On 26^th June 2025, the Third Forum on Developing Countries and International Law has been held in Beijing, themed ‘The 80^th Anniversary of the United Nations and the Development of International Law: Contribution of Developing Countries.’ The forum was co-organised by Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL), Chinese Society of International Law, and Wuhan University Institute of International Law.

The Co-Chairman of the AAIL, Professor Teresa Cheng GBM GBS SC JP, gave the welcome address and moderated the keynote speech session. Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, the People’s Republic of China, Elinor Jane Britt Hammarskjöld, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol, Secretary General of Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, and Huang Jin, President of the Chinese Society of International Law attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks.

In her welcoming remarks, Professor Teresa Cheng GBM GBS SC JP said that the international legal order is at a critical juncture with rising unilateralism and armed conflicts. She addressed that meanwhile, Global South has injected dynamism into international norm making and institutional efforts, steadily and affirmatively, striving to restore a more equitable world order. The efforts and contribution that have been rendered should not be underestimated.

In Hua Chunying’s remarks, she said China always upholds and supports the settlement of disputes through negotiation and consultation and has made great efforts to the promotion of peaceful settlement of international disputes. Article 33 of the UN Charter specifies mediation as a priority to settle disputes by peaceful means, and she welcomes more countries to actively join the International Organization for Mediation.

This forum is also part of the 8^th Training Session of China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (CAERP) and the 4^th Research and Fellowship Program of the Belt and Road Legal Cooperation.

AAIL’s annual signature event, 2025 Colloquium on International Law to be held in Hong Kong on 4^th July, is also part of the 8^th Training Session of China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (Hong Kong SAR). It will bring together industry leaders and legal experts, along with diplomats and government officials to deliberate on ‘UN’s 80^th Anniversary, LawTech, AI and the Future of International Order.’