International Conference Examines Trade’s Role in Global Energy Transition

A two-day International Conference on “Role of International Trade in Global Energy Transition” was organised at the National Law University Odisha campus in Cuttack, bringing together jurists, policymakers, academics, and international experts to deliberate on aligning global trade rules with climate and sustainability goals. The event highlighted the growing importance of trade law in facilitating a just and effective global energy transition.

Institutions and Programme Framework

The conference was organised by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade Law, NLU Odisha. It was held under the aegis of the World Trade Organization Chairs Programme at the National Law University Odisha. The forum aimed to examine how international trade can support clean energy transitions while addressing developmental concerns.

Judicial and Diplomatic Participation

Justice Biraja Prasanna of the Odisha High Court attended the conference as Chief Guest, while Professor N.L. Mitra participated as Guest of Honour. The event also saw the presence of Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, former Chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body. Their participation underscored the relevance of legal and institutional perspectives in shaping trade responses to global energy challenges.

Key Addresses and Thematic Discussions

Special addresses were delivered by Professor Werner Zdouc, former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat; Dr. Kaushik Deb of the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago; Professor James J. Nedumpara, Head of CTIL; and Ms. Alice Tipping from the International Institute for Sustainable Development. High-level technical sessions focused on green industrial policy, sustainable trade frameworks, clean energy systems, regulatory practices, carbon governance, and the challenges faced by developing economies in the energy transition.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• WTO Chairs Programme promotes academic research on international trade.
• Global energy transition involves shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy.
• Green industrial policy links trade, industry, and climate objectives.
• Carbon governance refers to regulatory frameworks for emissions control.

Platform for Policy Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange

Each panel concluded with interactive question-and-answer sessions, enabling direct engagement between experts and participants. Speakers from international institutions, academia, and policy-making bodies shared insights on harmonising trade rules with sustainability objectives. The conference emerged as a constructive platform for advancing policy dialogue on how the multilateral trading system can support equitable and sustainable global energy transitions.