Youth Forum on Recent Developments in International Law and International Relations

The Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Lao PDR, in collaboration with ILSTA, hosted a Youth Forum to discuss recent developments in international law and international relations. Chaired by Mr. Phoukhong Sisoulath, Director-General of the Department of Treaty and Law, this event marked the first joint activity under the Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation, signed in July 2024. Officials from various ministries, including the Ministry of Justice, the People’s Supreme Court, and the National Assembly, joined students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science to exchange views on key legal issues and global trends.
In its opening remarks, ILSTA emphasized that international public law stands as the cornerstone of the international community, fostering peace and justice. ILSTA highlighted that capacity building and technical assistance demonstrate a shared belief in addressing the needs of Lao PDR and its officials in this area of governance, underscoring how international law plays a vital role in managing common challenges and maintaining justice, and also supporting compliance with international standards. ILSTA with Luxembourg Development Cooperation, aims to strengthen international public law and contribute to the development of the Rule of law in Lao PDR.
Discussions highlighted advancements in international humanitarian law—often referred to as the law of armed conflict—and explored the mechanisms and roles of major international tribunals, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). A panel discussion featuring MoFA speakers also addressed ways to approach peace-building efforts in the Middle East from the perspectives of international law and diplomacy in a changing global context.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Sisoulath underscored the importance of implementing and adhering to international law worldwide, pointing to the legal and diplomatic resources available for peacefully resolving international tensions.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in the collaboration between ILSTA and the Department of Treaty and Law under the current MoU. With Luxembourg Development Cooperation, ILSTA is committed to strengthening legal capacities and advancing Lao PDR’s engagement with international legal standards.