Judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and court officials discussed regional perspectives, international justice, and career opportunities during the ICC’s annual forum.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court brought together judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and other legal professionals on September 18, 2026, for the Eighth Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague.
Hosted as a webinar, the annual forum is part of the ICC’s efforts to increase awareness of the Court throughout the Asia-Pacific region and encourage deeper engagement with the Rome Statute system, which established the ICC.
The event featured ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane, Judges Keebong Paek and Erdenebalsuren Damdin, Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan, representatives from different sections of the Court, and legal counsel from the Asia-Pacific region.
Opening the forum, Akane emphasized the importance of regional diversity within international institutions, particularly as the ICC continues its work across multiple parts of the world.
“Diversity is of key importance for institutions such as the ICC, as it improves decision-making and the credibility of those decisions, while also allowing for regional perspectives to be reflected in international criminal justice,” Akane said.
Judges Examine Different Legal Traditions
During the forum, Paek discussed how common-law and civil-law traditions influence judicial work at the ICC.
Damdin addressed appellate perspectives from the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on judicial methods, international criminal law, and recent developments in ICC cases.
Khan offered insight into prosecutions and investigations at the Court, including the expertise and methods used by the Office of the Prosecutor.
Their presentations formed part of a high-level dialogue titled Justice Across Borders: The Role of the ICC in the Asia-Pacific. The session examined how the Court’s work intersects with regional legal systems and how Asia-Pacific perspectives can contribute to international criminal justice.
Forum Explores Roles Inside the Courtroom
A second panel, titled Inside the Courtroom: Advancing International Justice Through Diverse Roles of Parties and Participants, focused on how different areas of the ICC contribute to its proceedings.
Representatives from the Court’s Chambers, Office of the Prosecutor, and Registry joined members of the ICC Bar Association to discuss the responsibilities of the parties and participants involved in international criminal cases.
The session offered attendees a closer look at how judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, court administrators, and other legal professionals work within the ICC system.
Career Opportunities in International Justice
The forum concluded with an information session titled Working for International Justice.
The session provided information about career opportunities at the ICC and included a first-hand account from an intern about working in international criminal justice.
The career discussion reflected the forum’s broader goal of developing stronger connections between the Court and legal professionals, students, and institutions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Addressing Regional Underrepresentation
The ICC launched the Asia-Pacific Forum in 2018 to create a regular platform for dialogue with a region the Court describes as one of its most underrepresented.
Since then, the forum has promoted awareness, cooperation, and professional engagement in international criminal justice. It also forms part of the ICC’s wider effort to increase global understanding of the Rome Statute and strengthen regional cooperation with the Court.
Through the annual event, ICC officials hope to ensure that Asia-Pacific legal traditions and perspectives have a stronger voice in the continuing development of international criminal law.
More Stories
When Food Prices Surge, Governments Must Choose Relief Programs Carefully
ICC to Deliver Judgment in Mahamat Said War Crimes Case on September 23
ICC Honors Emma Bonino, Champion of International Justice, After Her Death at 78