Events and Announcements: 10 August 2025

To have your event or announcement featured in next week’s post, please send a link and a brief description (1-2 paragraphs) to ojeventsandannouncements@gmail.com.

Calls for Papers

Volume 29 of the Max Planck Yearbook of UN Law – Rethinking the notion of ‘territory’ in international Law: The Max Planck Yearbook of United Nations Law (UNYB) invites abstract proposals for a special thematic forum on the concept of territory under international law. Territory has long been a cornerstone of international law—defining the scope of core concepts like statehood, sovereignty, and jurisdiction. Yet, contemporary realities are placing unprecedented strain on these foundations. Climate change threatening statehood; non-state actors exercising de facto territorial control; contested maritime and land boundaries; extraterritorial jurisdiction; and the enduring legacies/challenges of decolonisation and self-determination. In parallel, the prohibition on the use of force, the resilience of territorial integrity, and the role of international adjudication mechanisms in deciding territorial disputes are increasingly being tested by ongoing military conflicts and deeply contested geopolitical contexts. Against this backdrop, an overarching question emerges: Does international law’s understanding of territory remain fit for purpose in responding to the complex realities of the twenty-first century, or does it require a significant rethinking to remain relevant?

The UNYB issues a special call for papers inviting contributors to critically assess and rethink the notion of ‘territory’ as it is understood in international law. The deadline for abstract proposals is 15 August 2025. The full call for papers and submission guidelines can be found here. In case of any queries, please reach out to Sai Venkatesh, Managing Editor at unyb@mpfpr.de. 

14th UN Research Colloquium – The United Nations and Peacekeeping: The 14th UN Research Colloquium, organised by the Working Group on Young UN Research of the German United Nations Association and the Institute for Peacekeeping Law (University of Cologne), will take place from 13–15 November 2025 at the University of Cologne. The event will explore the UN’s role in maintaining peace, from the legal foundations of the prohibition on the use of force to the challenges of sustaining peace after conflict. Contributions from all academic disciplines, as well as practitioners, are welcome.

Abstracts (300–500 words) in English or German should outline the research question, objectives, approach, and key arguments. Suggested topics include the evolution of peace concepts, legal and institutional frameworks, UN peace missions, and the intersection of peace processes with sustainability and climate change. The submission deadline is 24 August 2025. More information and submission forms are available here.

Event

Webinar – Reflecting on the First 25 Years of the Constitutive Act of the AU: Kabarak University Press, in partnership with the Pan African Lawyers Union, is hosting an exclusive webinar series titled “Reflecting on the First 25 Years of the Constitutive Act of the African Union” as part of International Law Month 2025. The second webinar, scheduled for 14 August, will address the successes, challenges, future prospects, and necessary reforms of the African Union since its inception. With expert panelists including Don Deya and Chenai Mukumba, this session aims to critically assess the AU’s impact and explore strategies for its continued development. These webinars offer a valuable opportunity for legal scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders to engage with key issues regarding regional integration and governance in Africa. You can register via this link.