Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), IIFT, under the WTO Chairs Programme, invite paper submissions for the International Academic Research Conference “Beyond The Text: Re-Imagining International Trade through a Gendered Lens”, to be held on 15 to 16 December 2026 at CNLU, Patna.
About the Organisers
Chanakya National Law University (CNLU), Patna, was established on 15 July 2006 to provide quality legal education and raise national legal standards to a competitive international level. It has a dedicated Centre for Research in International Trade and Investment Laws. The WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) enhances knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system among academics, policymakers and other stakeholders. It supports trade-related research, curriculum development and outreach at academic institutions in developing and least developed WTO members and observers.
Eligibility
• Open to students (undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral), academics, policy makers, think tank professionals, practitioners and institutional representatives
• Original, unpublished research papers are welcome
• Submissions may be co-authored by a maximum of two authors
• The conference requires in-person participation, though online participation may be allowed in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Conference Directors
Conference details
• The conference asks whether international trade is truly gender-neutral merely because its rules are framed in gender-neutral terms
• Objective: critically examine the intersections of gender in international trade law and policy
• Objective: highlight best practices and innovations that inform inclusion in international trade rules and domestic policy making
• Objective: create a platform for dialogue between academics, practitioners, policy makers and institutions on integrating gender equality in global value chains
• Suggested themes (not exhaustive): Feminist Approaches to International Law (FAIL) in trade law, Fourth World Approaches to International Trade Law, Indigenous women as stewards of sustainable economies, Disability, Inclusion and International Trade, Gender provisions in Bilateral or Plurilateral Trade Agreements, Intersectionality and International Trade, Gender Inclusive Trade Facilitation Policy Making, Mainstreaming Gender in Trade Agreements and Domestic Policies, Women’s Access to Trade Finance and Credit, Women Representation as Negotiators in Trade Agreements, Digital Trade and Gender Equality, Barriers to Women’s Participation in Global Value Chains, Regional Approaches and Best Practices, Gender-inclusive Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Investment Policies, Women-led Enterprises’ Access to E-commerce, Technology and AI, Unpaid Care Burden and Access to Resources in International Trade
Submission guidelines
• Abstract must be submitted via email only, outlining the title of the paper, research problem, relevance, methodology and argument
• Abstract length: 350 to 500 words
• Abstract must be accompanied by a mini-bio of all authors with current institutional affiliations (maximum 150 words per author)
• Email subject line: WCP2026 Patna: Abstract Submission
• Submissions will be assessed on originality, relevance, scholarly quality and potential to contribute to the conference discussions
• Papers with explicit AI generated content will not be considered for the publication opportunity
• Full paper word limit: 6000 to 8000 words, excluding references and footnotes
• Formatting, citation style and structure details will be shared on acceptance of the abstract
Publication, fee and important dates
• Publication: Selected papers will be considered for a Special Issue of the CNLU Journal of International Trade and Investment Law (peer-reviewed, published by Thomson Reuters), or an edited volume by a reputed international publisher
• Registration fee: Rs. 3,000 per author for Indian nationals, payable on acceptance of the abstract, and waived for overseas/foreign participants
• Fee includes: Registration kit, reading material, lunch, refreshments and access to all conference sessions on both days
• Accommodation: Not included, but the host institution will facilitate lodging in Patna on request and publish a Logistics Note on hotels
• Last date of abstract submission: 5 October 2026, 11:59 PM IST
• Notification of acceptance: 10 October 2026
• Last date of registration: 18 October 2026, 11:59 PM IST
• Full paper submission: 5 December 2026, 11:59 PM IST
• Conference dates: 15 to 16 December 2026, CNLU, Patna
• Dr. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Director, Centre for Research in International Trade and Investment Law, CNLU: ukmishra@cnlu.ac.in, +91 7905017038
• Mr. Victor Saco, WTO Chair Holder, Peru (PUCP): victor.saco@pucp.edu.pe
• Mr. Satwik Shekhar, Coordinator, WTO Chair India (CTIL, IIFT, New Delhi): satwik@iift.edu
• General queries: tradegender@cnlu.ac.in
How to apply
Interested candidates may apply by sending their abstract via email only to tradegender@cnlu.ac.in with the subject line: WCP2026 Patna: Abstract Submission
