▎GLOBAL OUTLOOK

The Ninth Biennial Global Conference of the Society of International Economic Law (SIEL)—the most respected academic gathering in its field—successfully concluded on July 9–11, 2025, co-hosted by the Asian Center for WTO & International Health Law and Policy (ACWH) at National Taiwan University (NTU). As the foremost platform for advancing scholarship and policy dialogue in international economic law, SIEL brings together an unparalleled network of scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and institutions from across the globe.

This year’s conference was a landmark event, drawing nearly 300 distinguished participants from 47 countries for three days of high-level exchange. The program featured three keynote addresses, four roundtable discussions, 28 panel sessions, in-depth conversations, poster presentations, and multiple side events addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ranging from geopolitical tensions and environmental crises to economic security, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

The conference opened with a compelling keynote address by Dr. Ing-Wen Tsai, former President of Taiwan. Senior government officials and industry leaders—including Chen-Chung Deng, former Minister of the Office of Trade Negotiations; Wen-Chen Shih, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Environment; Ya-Lun Yen, Commissioner of the Fair Trade Commission; Nicholas Liao, Head of Foxconn’s Taiwan Legal Division; and Viola Lin, Head of Ørsted’s APAC Legal—brought decades of expertise to roundtables and sessions, offering concrete insights into real-world challenges and policy solutions.

In the prestigious Hudec Lecture, Prof. José Manuel Alvarez Zarate explored the complex interplay between power and law in international relations, underscoring the urgent need for legal innovation to address global instability. A special conversation among leading figures—Prof. Thomas Cottier, Professor Gabrielle Marceau, and Ambassador Ujal Singh Bhatia—examined how recent geopolitical shifts have redefined the international economic order and reshaped the priorities of international economic law.

The success of the conference was the culmination of over 18 months of meticulous preparation involving more than 40 NTU faculty members and students. Special recognition goes to Prof. Yueh-Ping (Alex) Yang, Prof. Mao-Wei Lo, and Secretary Guan-Ye Lee for their exceptional leadership and dedication, which ensured the event’s smooth execution and professional caliber.

With SIEL 2025, NTU and ACWH have once again demonstrated their capacity to convene the world’s foremost experts to address urgent global challenges. Looking ahead, NTU remains committed to supporting impactful international academic events and strengthening Taiwan’s role in shaping the future of global economic governance.