The Centre for Trade and Investment Law and the Centre for International Trade Law, National Law University Odisha, organised a two-day international conference on the role of international trade in the global energy transition. Held at the NLU Odisha campus in Cuttack under the WTO Chairs Programme, the event brought together judges, diplomats, academics and policy experts to examine how trade rules can support climate goals and clean energy transformation.
Conference Theme
The central theme was the intersection of international trade and the global energy transition. Discussions examined how the multilateral trading system can adapt to support sustainable development while remaining consistent with trade law principles. The conference brought into light the growing relevance of trade policy in shaping energy markets and climate action.
Key Participants
The conference was attended by Justice Biraja Prasanna of the Odisha High Court, Prasanna Satapathy as Chief Guest, and Professor N. L. Mitra as Guest of Honour. Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, former Chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body, also participated. Special addresses were delivered by Professor Werner Zdouc, Dr. Kaushik Deb, Professor James J. Nedumpara and Ms. Alice Tipping.
Major Discussion Areas
- Green industrial policy and its trade implications.
- Sustainable trade frameworks for energy transition.
- Clean energy systems and regulatory practices.
- Carbon governance and related compliance issues.
- Challenges faced by developing economies in balancing growth and decarbonisation.
Policy Relevance
The conference served as a platform for dialogue on aligning international trade rules with climate and sustainability objectives. Panel discussions included interactive question-and-answer sessions, enabling exchange between speakers and participants from international institutions, academia and policy-making bodies. The event underlined the importance of coherent trade governance in supporting a just and inclusive energy transition.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026