Annual Report 2023
Dear colleagues!
For the International and Comparative Law Research Center, 2023 was the year of developing new projects and areas of expertise and rethinking the existing ones.
We launched the Investment Law and Arbitration Lab and the Scholarship for Young International Law Researchers; held the Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice” using the format of the Summer School on Public International Law; set up the additional education program “Resilience and Sustainability of Energy and O&G Sector” in partnership with Skoltech. New experts joined our team, we continued to support various competitions and participate in the work of a number of international organizations and bodies. In our research, we paid a lot of attention to sustainable development, carbon regulation, and Eurasian integration. Our Library was replenished with hundreds of new editions from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, the US, as well as with a personal collection of Professor Anton Asoskov.
We prepare for publication new research papers on current issues and work on new projects, contribute to the activities of international bodies and organizations, and plan further to develop and disseminate the Center’s expertise among all those who are open to the study of international law and interested in using the best practices in this field.
We thank all experts and partners who help us to create intellectual products and realize unique educational projects, and we hope to continue our fruitful cooperation.
We launched the Investment Law and Arbitration Lab and the Scholarship for Young International Law Researchers; held the Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice” using the format of the Summer School on Public International Law; set up the additional education program “Resilience and Sustainability of Energy and O&G Sector” in partnership with Skoltech. New experts joined our team, we continued to support various competitions and participate in the work of a number of international organizations and bodies. In our research, we paid a lot of attention to sustainable development, carbon regulation, and Eurasian integration. Our Library was replenished with hundreds of new editions from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, the US, as well as with a personal collection of Professor Anton Asoskov.
We prepare for publication new research papers on current issues and work on new projects, contribute to the activities of international bodies and organizations, and plan further to develop and disseminate the Center’s expertise among all those who are open to the study of international law and interested in using the best practices in this field.
We thank all experts and partners who help us to create intellectual products and realize unique educational projects, and we hope to continue our fruitful cooperation.
Yulia Mullina
General Director
Highlights of the Year
14
sessions
The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL): 56th UNCITRAL session, Working Group III: Reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement, Working Group IV: Electronic Commerce, Working Group VI: Negotiable Cargo Documents
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, 58th and 59th sessions of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, 58th and 59th sessions of the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
3
international organizations/bodies:
4
competitions received support
The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
The moot court competition “Dispute Resolution in the EAEU 2023”
The All-Russian Youth Competition on Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law — IP&IT LAW
The National Moot Court on Arbitration of Corporate Disputes named after Professor V. P. Mozolin
The moot court competition “Dispute Resolution in the EAEU 2023”
The All-Russian Youth Competition on Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law — IP&IT LAW
The National Moot Court on Arbitration of Corporate Disputes named after Professor V. P. Mozolin
25
new experts/speakers from 8 countries
- Brazil
- France
- Kazakhstan
- Lithuania
11
students completed internships at the ICLRC
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Thailand
- US
Key Topics and Projects of the Year
As a result of the ninth competition for the Award, the winner was Adam Nalgiev with his paper Inconsistency in the Practice of Investment Tribunals on Issues of Proof: Does the Reform Have Anything to Offer? and three papers were specially noted:
Alexey Nikitin:
European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in Light of the Law of the World Trade Organization
Artem Kasumyan:
Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform Initiatives of the European Union: Investment Chapter of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada
Vladislav Donakanyan:
The Invisible Piece of the Puzzle: The Role of Individual Opinions of Judges in the Administration of International Justice in the Practice of the International Court of Justice
Alexey Nikitin:
European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in Light of the Law of the World Trade Organization
Artem Kasumyan:
Investor-State Dispute Settlement Reform Initiatives of the European Union: Investment Chapter of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada
Vladislav Donakanyan:
The Invisible Piece of the Puzzle: The Role of Individual Opinions of Judges in the Administration of International Justice in the Practice of the International Court of Justice
The competition was theme-based … It definitely drew the attention of many people to specific topics, which means the competition was higher in some ways. …
I think that the Russian science of international law is in safe hands.
I think that the Russian science of international law is in safe hands.
Natalia Sokolova
Chair of the International Law in the XXI Century Award Council
Adam Nalgiev, the winner of the International Law in the XXI Century Award
Award ceremony
Award ceremony
The winner and the authors of outstanding works — Alexey Nikitin and Vladislav Donakanyan
Chair of the Award Council Natalia Sokolova, the winner, and the authors of outstanding works
Monetary support for three scholars during the period of their research (from 3 to 6 months) on thematic areas determined by the ICLRC.
Scholars:
Elizaveta Umrikhina:
Role of the Mechanism of Advisory Opinions in Fighting Climate Change in International Legal Regime
Egor Sigauri-Gorsky:
The Integration Model of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an International Legal Phenomenon
Ekaterina Martynova:
Artificial Intelligence: Factors of Threat to International Peace and Security
Scholars:
Elizaveta Umrikhina:
Role of the Mechanism of Advisory Opinions in Fighting Climate Change in International Legal Regime
Egor Sigauri-Gorsky:
The Integration Model of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an International Legal Phenomenon
Ekaterina Martynova:
Artificial Intelligence: Factors of Threat to International Peace and Security
The main idea of the Scholarship is to give young scientists the opportunity to do science full-time, i.e. to spend on it as much time as possible. … The Scholarship is an opportunity to choose science, at least for a while.
Yulia Mullina
Lectures of Anna Joubin-Bret Substantive Standards of Protection in International Investment Law delivered at the Summer School 2021 were published.
Research
As part of the research on privileges and immunities of international organizations, the ICLRC collected and studied Russian practice on the topic of settlement of disputes to which international organizations are parties, which is under consideration by the International Law Commission.
In the context of the Center’s participation as an observer in various international fora, the regulation and decision-making practices of international conferences, including those related to the drafting of international treaties, were studied.
In the context of the Center’s participation as an observer in various international fora, the regulation and decision-making practices of international conferences, including those related to the drafting of international treaties, were studied.
… the Agreement is intended to expand and complement existing general obligations for the protection and sustainable use of biological diversity with specific obligations and practical tools for areas beyond national jurisdiction (high seas and the Area …), including those related to cooperation.
Research of issues related to marine spatial planning, legal regimes of various maritime spaces
Review of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)
Review of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement)
Analytical paper Carbon Regulation Infrastructure of the EAEU Member States and Their Main International Partners
Research paper The Court of the Eurasian Economic Union: Qualifications of Judges, Selection, and Termination of Their Powers
Support of the moot court competition on international law “Dispute Resolution in the EAEU 2023”
Participation in the expert meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission on the EAEU climate agenda
Research paper The Court of the Eurasian Economic Union: Qualifications of Judges, Selection, and Termination of Their Powers
Support of the moot court competition on international law “Dispute Resolution in the EAEU 2023”
Participation in the expert meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission on the EAEU climate agenda
The EAEU countries are actively supported by international organizations and third countries that have both advanced competencies and their own approaches to carbon regulation. Against this background, it is the dialog within the EAEU that will help ensure that the emerging infrastructure is in line with the peculiarities and needs of the countries of the Union, as well as prevent risks from future differences in regulation.
During the two-week on-campus course more than 20 renowned Russian and foreign experts were giving lectures to the lawyers from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia on the international and national climate law, its relation with other branches of law, scientific insights and practical measures for adaptation and response to climate change. Some of the topics covered the climate change impact on the world economy, the role of climate change in international trade, shipping, aviation, and related legal issues.
I was really impressed by the questions that were asked to me, very challenging questions sometimes, but really helped in my own research. So, I really enjoyed teaching in this program.
Benoit Mayer
Expert of the Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice”
Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice” 2023
Lecture by Alexander Shestakov “Climate Change and Biodiversity: Two Global Crises – Same Solutions”
The Summer School expert Benoit Mayer communicates with the audience after his lecture “International Law on Climate Change: The Sources”
Business Game on Climate
The Summer School expert Mikhail Yulkin and students
Evening cruise along the Moskva River
Participation in the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, 58th and 59th sessions of the subsidiary bodies as observers to the UNFCCC process
Commentary to the draft documents of the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body
Review of the main issues on the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) agenda and the negotiation process
Commentary to the draft documents of the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body
Review of the main issues on the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) agenda and the negotiation process
… the outcome documents demonstrate significant progress in the general understanding of the tools of global decarbonization, but there is hardly any significant progress in expanding the toolkit of the green transition. Questions about setting a collective goal for adaptation and the finance needed not only to mitigate climate risks but also for developing countries to increase their ambitions to reduce emissions remain unresolved.
Materials for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT)
Participation in the joint session of the UNCITRAL group of experts and the UNIDROIT Working Group on the legal nature of voluntary carbon credits
Participation in the UNCITRAL Colloquium on Climate Change and the Law of International Trade
Commentaries on the UNCITRAL Secretariat’s notes on, inter alia, carbon market terminology and differences in the approaches of EAEU member states to determining the legal regime of carbon units
Participation in the UNCITRAL Colloquium on Climate Change and the Law of International Trade
Commentaries on the UNCITRAL Secretariat’s notes on, inter alia, carbon market terminology and differences in the approaches of EAEU member states to determining the legal regime of carbon units
Analytical paper on the highlights of negotiation process for the new treaty under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
Review of the key international legal instruments addressing the problem of plastic pollution
Round table to discuss selected issues in the development of the international instrument on plastic pollution with participation of more than 30 experts from different fields
Participation in two sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international instrument on plastic pollution under the auspices of UNEP
Participation in the First All-Russian Conference “Microplastics in Polymer Science”
Review of the key international legal instruments addressing the problem of plastic pollution
Round table to discuss selected issues in the development of the international instrument on plastic pollution with participation of more than 30 experts from different fields
Participation in two sessions of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international instrument on plastic pollution under the auspices of UNEP
Participation in the First All-Russian Conference “Microplastics in Polymer Science”
In general, while there are many legally binding international instruments addressing various issues in the lifecycle of plastics, regulation is still disparate and fragmented.
An advanced training program for managers in strategy, risk management, finance and investment in O&G and energy-intensive industries “Resilience and Sustainability of Energy and O&G Sector” in partnership with Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)
11 issues on the most essential topics of the environmental and green agenda, both at the international and national level — in partnership with the Gazprombank’s Sustainable Development Hub
3 briefs on carbon regulation containing concise information about the main regulatory acts and mechanisms of climate policy of Russia, Kazakhstan, and India
Review of the EU Сarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
Analytical paper on the possibilities for reducing the financial burden within the framework of the EU CBAM mechanism
Analytical note in which the Center’s expert highlights the development of cross-border carbon regulation at the international level and its relationship with carbon price
Analytical paper on the possibilities for reducing the financial burden within the framework of the EU CBAM mechanism
Analytical note in which the Center’s expert highlights the development of cross-border carbon regulation at the international level and its relationship with carbon price
Although the Framework is not legally binding, governments have to demonstrate their progress in fulfilling the national biodiversity strategies and actions plans, similarly to nationally determined contributions … as set forth in the Paris Agreement. Such a policy will influence companies and banks, assets owners and managers, insurance companies.
The Center’s experts, Natalia Stapran, Evgeniy Zamyatin and Alexander Solntsev, took part in the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution under the auspices of UNEP
Presenting certificates to graduates of the education program “Resilience and Sustainability of Energy and O&G Sector”
Yulia Mullina, General Director of the ICLRC, speaks at the Ecumene Discussion Club round table coincided to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Participation in the sessions of the UNCITRAL Working Group IV
Event dedicated to the development of the Draft Digital Code of the Kyrgyz Republic — in partnership with experts of the UNCITRAL Working Group IV and Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic
Support of the All-Russian Youth Competition on Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law IP&IT LAW — 2023
Panel discussion “Intellectual Property in the Era of Information Technology Development” — in partnership with IP CLUB and Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ
Round table “Opportunities and risks of digitalization of the Russian economy in the context of global economy transformation” — in partnership with the Department of World Economy and International Business of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Event dedicated to the development of the Draft Digital Code of the Kyrgyz Republic — in partnership with experts of the UNCITRAL Working Group IV and Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic
Support of the All-Russian Youth Competition on Information Technology and Intellectual Property Law IP&IT LAW — 2023
Panel discussion “Intellectual Property in the Era of Information Technology Development” — in partnership with IP CLUB and Coordination Center for TLD .RU/.РФ
Round table “Opportunities and risks of digitalization of the Russian economy in the context of global economy transformation” — in partnership with the Department of World Economy and International Business of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Participation in the sessions of the UNCITRAL Working Group III and Working Group VI
Participation in the International Colloquium on Exploring the Negotiability of Railway Consignment Notes and Other Cargo Documents
Participation in the International Colloquium on Exploring the Negotiability of Railway Consignment Notes and Other Cargo Documents
The Lab is set up to facilitate the investor-state dispute settlement reform discussed in the UNCITRAL Working Group III. Participants of the Lab have an opportunity to engage in research supervised by experts specializing in investment law and arbitration and to contribute to the further progress of the reform.
Research advisors:
- Anna Kozyakova
- Sergey Alekhin
Participants:
- Daria Zavershinskaya
- Artem Kasumyan
- Sergey Korotkov
- Ksenia Kuritsyna
- Valeria Matorina
- Elena Murashko
- Nikita Sinitsyn
At the end of December 2023, the Library’s collection consisted of 9,000 printed units. In addition, the ICLRC is subscribed to the Westlaw International Materials legal database.
The Library is replenished in accordance with the approved policy and taking into account recommendations by the Center’s leading experts and its agenda. Current topics of the Center’s research are a priority.
When selecting and systematizing books, the Library uses a classifier on international law specially designed by the Center’s experts.
The Library is replenished in accordance with the approved policy and taking into account recommendations by the Center’s leading experts and its agenda. Current topics of the Center’s research are a priority.
When selecting and systematizing books, the Library uses a classifier on international law specially designed by the Center’s experts.
New arrivals
In 2023, the Library acquired more than 300 printed books from the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the US. Also, the Library fund was replenished with a collection of 834 books on civil and private international law from the personal collection of Professor, Doctor of Law Anton Asoskov. As a result, in 2023, the Library received in total 1,112 books.
To support the Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice”, the Library completely updated its collection on international environmental law, which now includes more than 200 printed and online publications.
To support the Summer School “Climate Change: Science, Law, Practice”, the Library completely updated its collection on international environmental law, which now includes more than 200 printed and online publications.
>9,000
Library fund
1,112
new books
147
readers in total
738
new readers
Library service
The ICLRC fulfilled thematic requests from the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation; provided priority service to the Lomonosov Moscow State University and HSE University teams that were preparing to participate in the Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot Court Competition and in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, and also to the members of the moot-court community of the Russian State University of Justice and MGIMO, as well as colleagues from partner organizations and masters students of the Institute of State and International Law at the Ural State Law University named after V. F. Yakovlev (Yekaterinburg).
The Library continues digitization and connection of electronic versions of books with differentiation of access to them for different categories of readers (in compliance with the requirements of Part IV of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation and copyright law).
Currently, more than 1,000 books in the online catalogue have their electronic versions.
Currently, more than 1,000 books in the online catalogue have their electronic versions.
© International and Comparative Law Research Center, 2024
