The 8th Training Session of China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (Hong Kong SAR Session) was attended by legal officers representing the Secretariat of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), the African Union Commission (AUC), as well as 32 jurisdictions.

Pursuant to an MOU signed between the China-AALCO Exchange and Research Program on International Law (CAERP) and the Asian Academy of International Law (AAIL) in 2017, AAIL has been providing the Hong Kong SAR Session of the Training, which aims to promote capacity building of AALCO’s Member States in the field of international law by carrying out relevant training, discussion and research activities on international law.

On the first day, delegates attended the 2025 Colloquium on International Law, engaging in in-depth discussions with government representatives, industry leaders, and international law scholars on constructing a global regulatory framework for AI development and key challenges in formulating international norms.

In subsequent sessions:
⦁ The Honourable Professor Teresa Cheng GBM GBS SC JP (Co-Chairman of AAIL) systematically analysed the distinctive ‘One Country, Two Systems’ principle, its legal mechanisms, and achievements in integration, drawing on Hong Kong’s practice since its return to the People’s Republic of China.
⦁ Dr Anthony Neoh SC JP (Co-Chairman of AAIL) examined the evolution of Hong Kong as an international financial centre, analysing its rule of law foundations and emerging development opportunities.
⦁ Professor Huang Jiefang (Secretary-General of AAIL) elucidated the evolution of the international air law system and contemporary challenges.
⦁ Dr Anthony Neoh SC JP introduced the international law framework regulating the outer space and discussed the sustainability issue of the outer space.
⦁ The Honourable Professor Teresa Cheng GBM GBS SC JP, Mr Adrian Lai JP (Deputy Secretary-General of AAIL), and Ms Olga Boltenko of Prince’s Chambers delivered lectures on the fundamental systems and practical experience in international commercial and investment arbitration, drawing on their extensive professional experience.
⦁ Dr Sun Jin, Director of the Preparatory Office of the International Organization for Mediation, introduced the establishment of the Organization and the global value of mediation mechanisms.
⦁ Professor Zhang Wenliang of Renmin University of China provided a specialised interpretation of key provisions of the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Delegates also visited the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the Hong Kong SAR, Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), and Court of Final Appeal (CFA). These on-site exchanges deepened their understanding of the operational mechanisms of Hong Kong’s common law system, the achievements of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, and its role as an international legal hub.

Since its launch in 2015, the CAERP Program has trained nearly 300 legal officials coming from over 40 Asian and African jurisdictions and international organisations.