International Trade and Global Energy Transition: Key Takeaways from NLU Odisha Conference

International Conference Explores Trade–Energy Nexus

A two-day International Conference on the “Role of International Trade in Global Energy Transition” was held at National Law University Odisha , bringing together jurists, diplomats, policymakers, academics, and international experts. The deliberations focused on how global trade rules can be aligned with climate objectives to enable a fair, efficient, and development-sensitive energy transition.

Institutional Collaboration and Programme Framework

The conference was organised by the Centre for Trade and Investment Law in collaboration with the Centre for International Trade Law at NLU Odisha, under the aegis of the World Trade Organization Chairs Programme. The forum examined the interface between international trade law, clean energy deployment, and sustainability—particularly the role of trade disciplines in scaling low-carbon technologies while safeguarding developmental space for emerging economies.

Judicial and Diplomatic Participation

The event was inaugurated in the presence of Justice Biraja Prasanna of the Odisha High Court as Chief Guest, with Professor N. L. Mitra as Guest of Honour. Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia, former Chairperson of the WTO Appellate Body, also participated, reinforcing the importance of institutional and adjudicatory perspectives in navigating trade–climate intersections.

Key Addresses and Thematic Sessions

Special addresses were delivered by Professor Werner Zdouc (former Director, WTO Appellate Body Secretariat), Dr. Kaushik Deb (Energy Policy Institute, University of Chicago), Professor James J. Nedumpara (Head, CTIL), and Ms. Alice Tipping (International Institute for Sustainable Development).
Thematic sessions explored:

• Green industrial policy and clean energy subsidies

• Sustainable trade frameworks and regulatory coherence

• Carbon governance, border measures, and emissions accounting

• Challenges and opportunities for developing countries in the energy transition

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• WTO Chairs Programme supports academic research on international trade

• Global energy transition focuses on shifting from fossil fuels to clean energy

• Green industrial policy integrates trade, industry, and climate goals

• Carbon governance refers to rules and institutions managing emissions

Platform for Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange

Each panel concluded with interactive Q&A sessions, fostering direct engagement between scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. Participants emphasised the need for policy coherence across trade, climate, and development agendas, and highlighted pathways for the multilateral trading system to support equitable, rules-based, and sustainable energy transitions.