African and Asian nations urged to engage youth in shaping the legal foundations of both continents

Ordinary citizens as well as lawyers need to take an interest in international law as globalisation brings countries closer together, and African and Asian nations must harness intergenerational equity by engaging youth in shaping the legal foundations of both continents, said legal and political leaders meeting in Kampala this week.

“International law benefits the most when it is informed by the best practices, sharing and perspectives of our regions,” said Songchai Chaipatiyut, representing outgoing AALCO President Mrs Suphanvasa Chotikajan Tang, the Director-General of the Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand. 

In a historic move for Africa’s growing voice on the global stage, Uganda’s Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka has also ascended to the Presidency of AALCO, as the organisation’s five-day 63rd Annual Session is being held at Speke Resort Munyonyo. 

“This is not just about Uganda, it is about ensuring that Africa and Asia are not passive recipients of rules made elsewhere but active shapers of global norms,” said Kiwanuka, as Uganda hosts the AALCO session for the first time in over 30 years. “Our duty is to reflect the realities of developing states in the global legal order.” 

AALCO, originally established in 1956 as the Asian Legal Consultative Committee (ALCC) by seven Asian states – Burma (now Myanmar), Ceylon (Sri Lanka), India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, and the United Arab Republic (Egypt and Syria) has since grown to include 49 member states, including 17 from Africa and 32 from Asia.

AALCO seeks to bring the legal perspectives of the Global South to the world stage, discussing international law and communicating its members’ common positions to the United Nations and other global institutions on issues ranging from the law of the sea and migration to human rights, trade, and climate change. 

Key issues for discussion at this week’s 63rd annual session in Kampala include the Law of the Sea, International law violations in Palestine and other occupied territories, environment and sustainable development, International trade and investment law, asset recovery, legal issues in outer space, protection of migrant workers, prohibition of aggression and use of force in international law, protection of civilians during armed conflict (proposed by Iran) and crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s ongoing conflict (proposed by Sudan).

AALCO Secretary General Dr Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol called on members to not only reflect on AALCO’s proud legacy but to adapt international law to new realities, such as cyberspace, artificial intelligence, crime intelligence, and global trade.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni commended AALCO for amplifying African and Asian voices, and stressed that the two continents, once marginalised, now have the opportunity to shape and influence international law based on their shared values. 

“As we gather today, we face a world of unprecedented challenges,” said President Museveni in his speech. “Climate change threatens our ecosystems and livelihoods. Conflicts and insecurity test our stability. Economic inequalities strain our societies. Rapid technological advancements, from artificial intelligence to cyber security, raise complex legal questions that demand our attention.” 

The 63rd annual AALCO session continues throughout this week in Kampala.