The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade Law at National Law University Odisha (NLUO), organised a two-day International Conference on “Role of International Trade in Global Energy Transition” at the NLU Odisha campus in Cuttack. The Conference was conducted under the aegis of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Chairs Programme and brought together experts from law, policy, academia and international institutions.
Senior Judiciary and Global Trade Leaders Attend
The event was attended by Justice Biraja Prasanna of the Odisha High Court as the Chief Guest, along with Prasanna Satapathy. Professor N. L. Mitra joined the Conference as the Guest of Honour. Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, former Chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body, was also present and shared insights from his experience in global trade governance.
Special Addresses by International Experts
The Conference featured special addresses by Professor Werner Zdouc, former Director of the WTO Appellate Body Secretariat; Dr. Kaushik Deb, Executive Director, Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago; Professor James J. Nedumpara, Head, Centre for Trade and Investment Law; and Ms. Alice Tipping, Director, Trade and Sustainable Development, International Institute for Sustainable Development.
Focus on Trade and Energy Transition
Discussions centred on the role of the multilateral trading system in supporting the global energy transition. Speakers explored how international trade rules intersect with climate action and energy policy, especially as countries adopt cleaner and more sustainable energy systems.
Key Technical Sessions and Themes
High-level technical sessions addressed green industrial policy, sustainable trade frameworks, clean energy systems, regulatory practices, carbon governance and the challenges faced by developing economies in the global energy transition.
Interactive Dialogue and Knowledge Sharing
Each panel finished with interactive question-and-answer sessions, facilitating meaningful connection between speakers and participants. Experts from international institutions, academia and policy bodies highlighted the importance of aligning trade rules with climate and sustainability goals, reinforcing the Conference’s role as a valuable platform for policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.





