On 4 November 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) hosted the Seventh Asia-Pacific Forum of The Hague, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote awareness of the Court in the Asia-Pacific region and to encourage greater engagement with the Rome Statute system. The webinar featured the President of the Court, judge Tomoko Akane, ICC judges Keebong Paek and Erdenebalsuren Damdin, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan and other ICC representatives and Counsels from the Asia-Pacific region.
Opening the event, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane stated: "We are at a time when we see more and more engagement by the Asia-Pacific region with the Rome Statute system. We must seize this momentum to further enhance the understanding and support for the Rome Statute system and to promote cooperation at the regional level".
Judge Keebong Paek provided a comprehensive overview of the Asia-Pacific region's history and evolving engagement with the ICC. He emphasized that armed conflicts frequently act as gateways for subsequent serious international crimes and underscored the crucial value of pursuing 'Justice for Peace,' rooted in the principles of a rules-based international order. Further, he detailed the ICC's four-pillar approach to deepening engagement in the Asia-Pacific region and urged the participants to take a proactive role in shaping the future of the ICC.
Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin reflected on his first year and a half at the ICC and shares insights into the work of the Appeals Chamber.
Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan highlighted tangible results from the ICC's investigative work, including in situations in the Asia-Pacific. "Justice speaks a universal language, and this unity and commitment to upholding the equality of all lives has been the cornerstone of the Rome Statute and something that has made it truly resilient."
After a High-level dialogue with ICC Judges and Deputy Prosecutor under the theme Justice Across Borders: The Role of the ICC in the Asia-Pacific" and a Panel discussion, "Inside the Courtroom: Advancing International Justice through diverse roles of Parties, the forum concluded with an Information Session with the Court's Human Resources, "Working for International Justice,", offering insights into career pathways at the Court.
Since its launch in 2018, the Asia-Pacific Forum has served as a vital platform for dialogue between the ICC and participants from the Asia-Pacific region, one of the most underrepresented regions at the Court, fostering awareness, cooperation, and international criminal justice.
