The United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026 is an in-person training programme organized by the Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs. The course will take place at the facilities of ESCAP in Bangkok from 23 November to 16 December 2026 and will be conducted in English.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026
Category: Training Programme
Organizer: Codification Division of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs
Partners: Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and ESCAP
Country: Thailand
Location: Bangkok
Programme Dates: 23 November to 16 December 2026
Application Deadline: 29 June 2026
About the United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026
The Regional Course is organized under the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. It is designed to provide high-quality training in international law through seminars delivered by prominent scholars and practitioners.
The 2026 Asia-Pacific course will accommodate up to 26 participants. The official page states that this includes a limited number of spaces for self-funded participants.
You may like: IATSS Forum 2027 Leadership Development Training in Japan
Course Purpose and Format
The Regional Courses are intended to help qualified professionals deepen their knowledge of international law and the legal work of the United Nations. The programme is especially relevant for government officials and teachers of international law from developing countries and countries with emerging economies.
The course is conducted through interactive seminars and discussions. Participants are expected to contribute actively to discussions on topics included in the curriculum.
Topics Covered
The course may include seminars on core subjects of international law. Confirmed topics listed by the official materials include:
• Introduction to international law
• Treaty law
• State responsibility
• International peace and security
• Peaceful settlement of international disputes
• Diplomatic and consular law
• International organizations
• United Nations institutions and law making
• International human rights law
• International humanitarian law
• International criminal law
• International environmental law
• Law of the sea
• International trade law
• International investment law
• Legal research
• Legal drafting
A comprehensive set of training materials is provided to each participant at the beginning of the course. Certificates are awarded only to participants who complete the Regional Course in its entirety.
Financial Arrangements and Covered Support
The official page distinguishes between fellowship participants and self-funded participants.
For participants receiving a fellowship, the fellowship covers:
✓ Economy-class travel
✓ Accommodation
✓ Medical insurance
✓ Training materials
✓ A modest stipend for other living expenses
Self-funded participants are selected through the same application process and follow the same selection criteria. However, except for training materials, self-funded participants must cover the costs associated with their participation, including travel, medical insurance, accommodation, and living expenses.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to participants with disabilities upon request.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the official qualification requirements for the Regional Course.
• Candidates must have a legal background.
• Candidates must have professional experience in the field of international law.
• Candidates must be fluent in English.
• Selected candidates must certify that they can attend the full Regional Course.
• The course is open to candidates from Member States and the observer State to the United Nations in the Asia-Pacific region.
The official FAQ states that the course is also open to academia and professionals from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as similar institutions engaged in international law activities in the relevant region.
Current staff members of the United Nations are not eligible.
Related opportunity on GrantForYouth: ASEF Gender Equality Training 2026 in China
English Language Requirement
The Regional Course will be conducted in English. The official brochure states that fluency in spoken and written English is required.
Applicants whose mother tongue or language of instruction is not English are required to submit proof of their language abilities and provide a valid language certification.
Application and Nomination Notes
Applicants do not have to submit their application through a government. The official FAQ states that a sponsoring institution must fill out certain parts of the application form, but the completed form can be sent directly to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs.
Candidates who are not government officials can be nominated by the institution they work for or the institution with which they are affiliated.
Discover: ISEAS Wang Gungwu Visiting Fellowship 2027
Selection Process
The selection process considers several factors connected to the applicant’s background and professional role.
Applications are reviewed with due consideration given to:
• Candidates’ qualifications
• Scope of professional duties
• Relevance of the training to professional duties
• Gender balance
The official page states that female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Deadline
Complete applications should be sent by email no later than Monday, 29 June 2026, to rcil-asia@un.org.
Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the application and selection process. It also does not require information about candidates’ bank accounts.
Apply Here
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official United Nations Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific 2026 Page
