Conferences

Conferences

In accordance with our passion to promote international cooperation, FLIA is a regular host and participant in global conferences. Through participating in public dialogue, we hope to witness and determine the development of new ideas.

Upcoming Conferences

Panel Discussion: Implementing Minority Rights and Greater Inclusion through Law and Diplomacy

Organized by the George Washington University Law School, University College Cork School of Law, and the Foundation for Law and International Affairs

Time: Spring 2024

The Theme

Minority rights have been long recognised as human rights issues in various international agendas, including Article 27 of the ICCPR, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM), the UN Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities (UNDM), and paragraph 30 of the Document of the Copenhagen Meeting of the Conference on the Human Dimension, and so on.

It has been widely accepted that minority rights are individual and collective rights through which minority individuals and groups are entitled to enjoy their own culture, to use their own language, to profess and practice their own religion, to have the right to freedom of expression and assembly, to have equal opportunities to education and employment, and to enjoy full participation in public life.

Yet when it comes to global and local governance, on the one hand, gaps always exist between international consensus and local scenarios, between legislation and enforcement, and between national sovereign and international judiciary (or public judiciary); on the other hand, issues such as the change of identities based on gender, political views, religion and beliefs, or citizenship status and new frameworks and definition of marginalized groups could also trigger a marginalised mindset or reality for individuals and groups which eventually leads to minority rights practice. There issues create increasing needs for better understanding of the classic and emerging issues regarding minority rights, and for further developing the existing theories and frameworks.

This panel will examine various issues and best practices in implementing minority rights under the broader political and legal movement for greater inclusion of and protection for the minority groups and marginalized groups; review whether all stakeholders including governments, IGOs and NGOs have played their expected or desired roles in balancing the conflicts; and reflect on the wider implications of pursuing human rights and justice for minorities through empowering international organizations and individuals.

The panel will provide an inclusive, non-partisan and unbiased platform for a balanced exchange of perspectives and insights from critical stakeholders, scholars, and human rights experts to share perspectives on the topics that can be policy-oriented or practice based, or theory based.

With this background in mind, the George Washington University Law School, University College Cork School of Law, and the Foundation for Law and International Affairs invite fellow researchers and experts in all relevant disciplines to join our panel discussion titled “Implementing Minority Rights and Greater Inclusion through Law and Diplomacy” in October 2023, to discuss these vital issues and present your work.

Submission 

To participate in any of the panels, please submit a 250-500 word abstract, along with a copy of your resume, by June 30. Submissions should be sent to contact@flia.org with the subject title “Panel Discussion Submission.” The working language for these panels is English.

Publication

Selected papers and presentations may be published in the Fall 2023 issue of the Foundation for Law and International Affairs Review. To be considered for publication, completed papers should be between 8,000-10,000 words and in Western academic style, offering analysis or production of knowledge with an eye to the existing literature.  Alternatively, papers can focus on rigorous policy analysis considering perspectives from leaders or academics in the field. The papers will be peer reviewed.

Expenses

There is no registration fee to attend the event. Panel participants will be responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Please feel free to contact us at contact@flia.org with any questions or concerns.

 

Previous Conferences

October 22, 2022

International Symposium: The Future of Security in the Post-Pandemic Era: Marine Security and Cyber Security

On October 22, 2022, the Foundation for Law and International Affairs and the School of Marine Law and Humanities, Dalian Ocean University, co-organized an international symposium: Marine Security and Cyber Security.

This international symposium intended to shine a light on two important security issues in today’s global governance system -- Marine Security and Cyber Security. Scholars, practitioners, and students across the globe gathered for this event and discussed how to view these issues from different perspectives, how we as a collective group could better cope with these emerging challenges, and how the younger generation should prepare themselves in the Post-Pandemic Era through education and a better understanding of the world governance.

Admiral Mark Mellett delivered a keynote speech at the symposium titled “Ecosystem-Based Ocean Governance - Are we too late?”

25 speakers presented their work in three panels: "Repacking Maritime Security and Maritime Law in the Post-Pandemic Era," "The Legal Preparedness for Cyber Security in the Post-Pandemic Era," and "Critical Directions of Higher Education in the Next Decade of the Post-Pandemic Era."

The selected papers and the conference review will be published in the forthcoming issue of the Foundation for Law and International Affairs Review.

Opening Remarks and Keynote Speech

Professor Zhaobin Pei, the Dean of the School of Marine Law and Humanities of Dalian Ocean University gave a welcome remark to the audience.

Admiral Mark Mellett delivered a keynote speech at the symposium titled “Ecosystem-Based Ocean Governance - Are we too late?”

Admiral Mark Mellett was the Chief of the Navy and the 31st Chief of Defence of Ireland. He has served Ireland for nearly 48 years in Ireland’s regular and reserve forces. He has been widely recognized as a change leader, contributing to the ongoing transformation and positioning the Irish forces in a post-modern setting.   He is recognized for his leadership in the response of the Irish Defence Forces throughout the shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Admiral Mark Mellett holds a Doctorate in Political Science and a Masters in Government and Public Policy, specializing in Ocean Governance and Sustainable Development. He is an Adjunct Professor of Law at University College Cork and has a great passion for supporting education and empowering the young generation in leadership skills and mindset.

Panel One: Repacking Maritime Security and Maritime Law in the Post-Pandemic Era
Panel Two: The Legal Preparedness for Cyber Security in the Post-Pandemic Era
Panel Three: Critical Directions of Higher Education in the Next Decade of the Post-Pandemic Era
Closing Remarks

February 27, 2021

International Symposium: Globalization in a Post-COVID World: Retreat or Revival?

On February 27, 2021, the East China University of Political Science and Law (ECUPL) School of Foreign Languages and the Foundation for Law and International Affairs held an International Symposium via webinar to strengthen international cooperation.

The International Symposium on “Globalization in a Post-COVID World: Retreat or Revival?” attracted 39 speakers from 11 countries, including Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Ethiopia, India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Korea, the United States, and Turkey, to present their academic research from a variety of perspectives at three panels. The conference lasted for 16 hours.

The three panels were: the Implications of the Coronavirus Outbreak on Globalization, chaired by Professor Yong Wang from the School of International Law at ECUPL; the Discourse System of International Law and International Governance, chaired by Professor Wei Shen from KoGuan School of Law at Shanghai Jiao Tong University; and Youth Resilience in a Post-Epidemic Era: Education and Action, chaired by Mr. John Hunter, Vice President of FLIA.

Opening Remarks

The International Symposium was commenced by opening speakers Dean Suqing Yu, Dr. Shaoming Zhu, and Professor Larry Backer. Professor Suqing Yu, Dean of the ECUPL School of Foreign Languages, emphasized the importance of international governance complying with international law, and called for multilateral exchanges and consultations. Correspondingly, the ECUPL School of Foreign Languages hopes to further strengthen the role of languages and dialects in law and business through academic activity. Dr. Shaoming Zhu, Founder and President of the Foundation for Law and International Affairs (FLIA), asserted that global governance requires inclusive participation, supplementing her speech with emphasizing FLIA’s dedication to empowering individuals in global governance through research work, educational resources, and community activity. Professor Larry Backer of Penn State University concluded the opening remarks, suggesting six considerations that frame the profound effects of the pandemic on the world order, and directly covered the topics of the collective task for this symposium.

Panel 1: The Implications of the Coronavirus Outbreak on Globalization
Panel 2: The Discourse System of International Law and International Governance
Panel 3: Youth Resilience in a Post-Epidemic Era: Education and Action
Conclusion

October 2 - 4, 2019

BRICS Cooperation: Facing International Changes together, Pursuing Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Result

In 2019, FLIA co-organized a series of seminars titled “BRICS Cooperation: Facing International Changes together, Pursuing Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Result” at Faculdades de Campinas, Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado, and Instituto de Política Pública e Relação Internacional – UNESP, in cooperations with Centro Chinês de Estudos dos Países de Língua Portuguesa da Universidade de Economia e Negócios Internacionais and Associação Desenvolvimento Econômico Brasil-China. Professor Jinlan Liu gave a presentation titled “The Construction and Effects of the Cooperation mechanism of China and Portuguese-speaking Countries.” Professor Rui Zhuang shared her research on the topic of “Chinese Belt and Road Initiative and the Opportunity of BRICS Economic Cooperation.” Professor Qingxin Lan talked about “Deepening the economic and trade cooperation of BRICS countries” at the seminars.

October 4, 2019

International Symposium: The Role of BRICS in Global Governance and International Law

FLIA, IEEI - São Paulo State University (UNESP), Graduate Program “San Tiago Dantas” (UNESP, UNICAMP, PUC-SP), the Brazil-China Economic Development Association, and IBRACHINA co-organized the international symposium: The Role of BRICS in Global Governance and International Law at Unesp - Praça da Sé, 108, 3th floor. São Paulo-SP. The conference invites paper submissions. We hope to bring ideas from across the globe considering historical and comparative contexts that foster interdisciplinary conversation. Papers from all disciplines and geographical areas are welcome.

November 3, 2017

Roundtable: the Implications of the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress

Roundtable on the 19th Chinese Communist Party Congress, sponsored by Penn State Law, Penn State School of International Affairs, the Coalition for Peace & Ethics, the Foundation for Law and International Affairs, and Res. Career Development Network of Law and International Affairs, was hosted on Friday from 10 AM through Noon at Katz 241, Penn State Law School. Academic scholars from the U.S., China, and Europe spoke via online chat to discuss the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and what the new constitution entails.

September 23, 2017

International Symposium on Rule of Law & Social Credit Systems

TheInternational Symposium on Rule of Law & Social Credit Systems was held successfully at KoGuan Law School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The symposium was guided by Shanghai Reform and Development Commission, and the Shanghai Public Credit Information Service Center. It was co-organized by Shanghai Jiao Tong University KoGuan School of Law, East China University of Political Science and Law School of Economic Law, Shanghai Law Academy Research Center for Banking Law Practice, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Research Center for Internet Law Innovation, East China University of Political Science and Law Research Center for Rule of Law, The Intellectual Property Office of Tencent Holdings Limited, and the Foundation for Law and International Affairs.

April 21-23, 2017

International Conference: New International Trade and Investment Rules between Globalization and Anti-Globalization

The Foundation for Law and International Affairs, Manchester University Alliance Manchester Business School Business and Human Rights Catalyst, The Coalition for Peace and Ethics, The Pennsylvania State University Center for Global Studies, Penn State Law, the Penn State School of International Affairs, and The Penn State University Research and Career Development Network for Law and International Affairs hosted the international conference “New International Trade and Investment Rules between Globalization and Anti-Globalization.” Featured guest speakers from China, the US, the UK, Italy, Denmark, and Hong Kong attended the conference. The conference included a pre-conference workshop, four panels, and one special session.

April 22 Opening Remarks

The conference began with opening remarks given by the Interim Dean James W. Houck and Dean Designate Hari M. Osofsky of Penn State Law School.

Pre-Conference Workshop
Keynote Speech
Panel 1
Panel 2
Panel 3
April 23 Opening Remarks
Panel 4
Special Session
Closing Remarks

November 21-22, 2016

The First Session of the Forum of the United Nations on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

FLIA's delegation attended the first session of the United Nations Forum on Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law in Geneva, Switzerland, at the Palais des Nations. The topic was widening the Democratic Space: the role of youth in public decision-making. FLIA and CPE (The Coalition for Peace and Ethics) organized a side event at the Forum titled “Political Participation and the Global Civic Education of Youth.”

The First Session of the Forum of the UN on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law

FLIA’s Delegation attended the first session of the Forum of the United Nations on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law on November 21 and 22, 2016. The theme was “Widening the Democratic Space: the Role of Youth in Public Decision-making”.

Side Event at the UN Forum: Political Participation and the Global Civic Education of Youth

October 5, 2016

Seminar: “The Hague Ruling on the South China Sea: The Divergence of Law and Diplomacy”

The Penn State Research and Career Development Network for Law and International Affairs, Center for Global Studies, The Penn State International Arbitration Group, and Foundation for Law and International Affairs hosted a seminar at Penn State University on the topic of "The Hague Ruling on the South China Sea: The Divergence of Law and Diplomacy." Featured guest speakers from China, the US, Italy, the UK attended the seminar. The Interim Dean and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Penn State Law and the School of International Affairs, Professor James W. Houck, gave the opening remarks. The seminar included three panels.

Panel 1

The Role and Reach of International Arbitration in Disputes between Sovereign States

Panel 1 discussed “The Role and Reach of International Arbitration in Disputes between Sovereign States.” Panel 1 was moderated by Professor Catherine A. Rogers. The speakers on this panel included Professor Thomas E. Carbonneau, Dr. Liang Zhang, and Mr. Oluwaseun Ajayi.

Panel 2
Panel 3

June 18, 2016

2016 conference: The Constitutional Dimension of Judicial Reform

Professor Flora Sapio gave the keynote speech on Judicial Reform in Italy at East China University of Political Science and Law.

Professor Flora Sapio Keynote Speech on Judicial Reform in Italy at East China University of Political Science and Law

Professor Flora Sapio delivered an excellent paper on this topic, her paper ‘Constructing an European Area of Justice: Judicial Reform in Italy” perfectly captured this modern conundrum: “how a sovereign state such as Italy, always at the side of recipient of legal norms, preserve features and traditions of their own social norms in light of integrating with globalization that demand efficiency and predictability.”

 欧美司法制度四人谈

2016年6月18日,华东政法大学法治中国研究中心、法律与国际事务学会(FLIA)及意大利都灵国际事务研究所联合举办了司法改革的学术座谈会:欧美司法制度四人谈。

10
7

FLIA-organized events on the topic of "From Constitution to Adjudication"

FLIA organized three presentations on the topic of “From Constitution to Adjudication.” The presentations examined constitutional issues from the perspective of pubic legislation, private legal rights, and the judicial system, respectively.

Dr. Yuhua Sun

How Can the Judicial Interpretation of Internet Libel Break through the Firewall of the Constitution?

Dr. Sun is a professor of law at Eastern China University of Political Science & Law and visiting scholar at Columbia University Law School. He specializes in constitutional and procedural law. In his presentation, he argued that the current judicial interpretation of Internet libel in China failed to balance the needs to protect freedom of speech, rights of supervision, and human dignity. He also suggested a resolution to this constitutional problem.

Dr. Ulisses Schwarz Viana
Prof. Zhiwei Tong

October 17th - 23rd, 2015

FLIA-organized events at top Chinese universities in Xi'an - Shanghai - Beijing 

FLIA presents "Socio-Economic Rights and Global Orders – China’s Challenges, Opportunities and Contributions", bringing leading scholars from China and the U.S. for a discussion on China’s approaches to social, economic and cultural rights, and on the opportunities and challenges for Chinese enterprises in the area of corporate social responsibility.

October 17th

Invited Lecture at Northwest University of Politics and Law

FLIA co-sponsored an event with the “West China Legal House” Journal at the Northwest University of Politics and Law in the city of Xi'an. FLIA resident scholar Professor Larry Backer presented a lecture titled “Written Constitutions and Unwritten Constitutions.”

October 19th
October 20th
October 22nd