A very warm welcome to you all to the official website of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL)
It is a profound honor and privilege to deliver this message as the newly elected President of the Asian Society of International Law (AsianSIL). I accept this responsibility with deep humility, mindful of the remarkable legacy built by our founding members, past presidents, and the vibrant community of scholars and practitioners who have shaped the Society since its establishment in 2007.
From the beginning, AsianSIL has been a forum where ideas meet, where perspectives from across our diverse region find expression, and where the discipline of international law is enriched through the voice of Asia. Through our biennial conferences, publications, and regional initiatives, the Society has helped show that international law is not merely a Western construct, but a shared human enterprise, deeply informed by the cultures, histories, and values of our region. I wish to pay tribute to our predecessors, including Professor Onuma and Professor Mani, whose intellectual leadership and dedication to the cause of international law continue to inspire us. Their contributions remind us that the strength of this Society lies in its people, and in the spirit of collaboration, dialogue, and respect that unites us across borders.
As we look to the future, we face a world marked by profound transformation: climate change, technological disruption, migration, and the continuing struggle for human rights and dignity. These challenges are global, yet their solutions must be informed by regional experience and wisdom. The Asian Society of International Law has a crucial role to play in this dialogue. We must continue to advance research and teaching that reflect Asia’s perspectives and priorities, and explore how our legal traditions, philosophies, and institutions can contribute to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful international order.
In this regard, let me assure you that the upcoming biennial conference, to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in 2027, will represent not only a gathering of minds but also a reaffirmation of our shared purpose. We will continue to build bridges between the global and the local, between tradition and innovation, and between principle and practice.
During my tenure, I pledge to strengthen the Society’s inclusivity and reach. We will encourage greater participation from early-career scholars, practitioners, and institutions across the region, from South and Southeast Asia to the Pacific and Central Asia. We will expand collaboration between our national chapters and partner organisations worldwide. Our aim is not only to promote international law in Asia, but also to promote Asia in international law, as an active, creative, and principled contributor to the development of the field.
Dear friends and colleagues, I believe that our shared journey will continue to affirm the values that unite us: respect for international law, commitment to peace, and faith in the power of dialogue. Together, we can ensure that the Asian Society of International Law remains a beacon of scholarship, integrity, and cooperation in a changing world.
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I look forward to working with all of you in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
Professor Borhan Uddin Khan
President, Asian Society of International Law
Professor in the Department of Law, University of Dhaka