On 18 September 2026, the International Criminal Court (ICC) hosted the Eighth 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 Counsel from the Asia-Pacific region.
Opening the event, ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane recalled that, amidst the challenges it faces, the ICC's activities span across several regions, including the Asia-Pacific. "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."
Judge Keebong Paek provided perspectives on common law and civil law traditions in the ICC judicial work. Judge Erdenebalsuren Damdin reflected on appeals perspectives from the Asia-Pacific, including judicial methods, international criminal law and recent ICC case developments.
Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan shared reflections on prosecution and investigation at the ICC, including expertise and methods from the Office of the Prosecutor.
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, the forum continued with a Panel discussion, Inside the Courtroom: Advancing International Justice through Diverse Roles of Parties and Participants. Representatives from the Chambers, the Office of the Prosecutor, the Registry and the ICC Bar Association shared their perspectives and experiences on the diverse roles of parties in advancing international justice.
The forum concluded with an Information Session, Working for International Justice, offering insights into career opportunities at the Court and a first-hand perspective from an ICC intern about their experience working in international justice.
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 engagement in the field of international criminal justice.
The Asia-Pacific Forum forms part of a broader effort to enhance global understanding and support for the Rome Statute and the Court and to promote cooperation at the regional level.
