This meeting was a continuation of the first Asia-Pacific Academic Forum, which was attended by representatives from ten universities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Mongolia — institutions with which the Court has signed MoUs.
From March 17 to 19, 2026, an off-site meeting of the coordinators of the Asia-Pacific Academic Network on International Criminal Justice took place at the headquarters of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague (Netherlands). This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
Four coordinators participated in the event: Professor Philip Osten from Keio University (Japan), who is the regional coordinator, as well as national coordinators from the Republic of Korea — Professors Yong Sok Kim and Hyeon Lee from Ewha Womans University and Seoul National University, respectively, and Professor Tamir Boldbaatar from the National University of Mongolia.
Also present were ICC President Tomoko Akane, judges Kibong Baek and Erdenebalsuren Damdin, Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shamim Khan, as well as Court staff involved in initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region.
This meeting continued the work initiated at the first Asia-Pacific Academic Forum, which took place in November 2025 in Tokyo in partnership with Keio University. The forum brought together representatives from ten universities in Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Mongolia to discuss prospects for cooperation and dialogue in the field of international criminal justice.
Over three days, participants continued discussions that began in Tokyo and worked on establishing the Asia-Pacific Academic Network. The focus was on strengthening ties between academic institutions and the ICC, developing joint research initiatives, and defining areas of cooperation for 2026 and beyond.
ICC President Tomoko Akane noted: “Academic institutions play a key role in disseminating knowledge and dialogue on issues of international criminal justice.” She added that through the Asia-Pacific Academic Network, the Court aims to strengthen cooperation with universities in the region and support a new generation of scholars dedicated to issues of accountability and the rule of law.
As part of this initiative, the Court plans to expand engagement with regions, deepen academic dialogue on international criminal justice in the Asia-Pacific region, and create a sustainable network of researchers and educational institutions interested in this topic.
