Stakeholders in the international legal community have urged young professionals to uphold high ethical standards in their study, practice and research.

They describe integrity as a critical pathway to global recognition and success in the field of international law.

The call was made during the maiden International Law Conference for Young Professionals organised by the Young Members Committee of the International Law Association Nigeria (ILA-YMC).

The one-day conference brought together leading legal practitioners, academics, policymakers and young professionals from across Nigeria to examine emerging global legal trends and discuss ways Africa can play an influential role in shaping international law.

Participants engaged in discussions on a range of global challenges, including the impact of technology, climate change, cross-border commerce, and the evolving mechanisms for dispute resolution.

Speakers stressed that Africa’s growing influence in international legal development requires a new generation of lawyers equipped with strong ethical foundations and globally competitive skills.

Delivering the keynote address, Michael Osilama Otu, Legal Counsel and Board Secretary (General Manager) at Zenith Bank Plc., highlighted the need for institutional resilience and ethical leadership in a rapidly changing global environment.

According to him, young professionals must combine technical competence with ethical responsibility to remain relevant and effective in international legal practice.

The conference featured two plenary sessions that addressed key issues shaping global legal discourse.

The first session, titled “Beyond Borders: Climate Justice, Artificial Intelligence, Trade, and the Evolution of Global Legal Norms from an African Perspective,” examined the intersection of technological innovation, environmental responsibility, and global governance.

Speakers explored how African perspectives can influence emerging international norms in areas such as climate accountability and digital regulation.

The second plenary session, “Resolving Disputes in a Globalised Economy: International Arbitration, Cross-Border Commerce, and Africa’s Business Environment,” focused on dispute resolution mechanisms in international trade.

Panellists discussed the growing role of arbitration, legal reforms, and the importance of strengthening Africa’s legal institutions to boost investor confidence and facilitate cross-border commerce.

In addition to the plenary discussions, the event featured two fireside chats that provided a platform for conversations on mentorship and preparing young lawyers for the future of global practice.

The discussants emphasised practical legal training, technological competence, and the importance of maintaining a global outlook in an increasingly interconnected legal landscape.

Another highlight of the conference was a research showcase where young scholars presented innovative research ideas and emerging scholarship.

The presentations reflected the intellectual contributions of a new generation of African international lawyers and their role in advancing legal thought and policy development.

Beyond the technical sessions, the conference also included mentorship engagements, an awards and recognition ceremony, and a presidential dinner, creating opportunities for professional networking and intergenerational dialogue within the legal community.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the ILA Nigeria Young Members Committee, Joshua Daranijo, said the success of the conference demonstrated a collective commitment to positioning African lawyers as active contributors to global legal development.

Daranijo noted that the initiative aimed to strengthen Africa’s voice in shaping international law practice while preparing young professionals to compete effectively on the global stage.

Founded in 1873 in Brussels, the International Law Association promotes the study and clarification of international law, both public and private.

The Nigerian branch deepens its understanding of international law and enhances the capacity of legal practitioners in Nigeria by regularly organising lectures, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programmes.