The Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, is inviting research papers for an international online symposium focused on improving access to credit for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This event will take place on December 8, 2026, as part of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Asia Pacific Days 2026.
- The symposium will explore legal frameworks for secured transactions to enhance MSME financing.
- Research papers must be submitted by November 25, 2026.
- Registration is free and open until December 1, 2026.
- Selected papers may be published in an edited book.
- Participants include academics, legal professionals, policymakers, and students worldwide.
What is the purpose of the HNLU Raipur symposium?
The symposium aims to discuss how legal frameworks can improve access to finance for MSMEs. It marks the 60th anniversary of UNCITRAL, which was established in December 1966 by a United Nations General Assembly resolution. The event is organized by HNLU’s Centre for WTO and WIPO Studies and the School for Law and Technology, in partnership with the UNCITRAL Regional Centre for Asia and the Pacific.
Who can participate and submit papers?
Academics, researchers, legal professionals, policymakers, banking and finance experts, industry representatives, doctoral scholars, and students from India and abroad are invited to submit research papers. Contributions are accepted from fields such as law, economics, banking, business, international trade, and public policy. Papers must be written in English.
What are the submission guidelines for research papers?
Research papers should be between 8,000 and 10,000 words, including the abstract and footnotes. Authors must follow the 21st edition of Bluebook citation rules. Submissions can have up to two authors and should use Times New Roman font, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing and justified alignment. The deadline for submitting full papers is November 25, 2026.
How will papers be selected and what opportunities are available?
Papers will be shortlisted based on quality, originality, and relevance to the symposium’s themes. Accepted papers will be presented during the online event, which includes an inaugural session, a panel discussion on the future of MSME finance, and technical sessions for presentations. Selected papers may also be considered for publication in an edited book, depending on editorial requirements.
How can interested participants register?
Registration for the symposium is free and open until December 1, 2026. Participants can register to attend the online event without any fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main theme of the symposium?
A: The main theme is improving access to credit for MSMEs through legal frameworks for secured transactions.
Q: Who can submit research papers?
A: Researchers, academics, legal professionals, policymakers, and students from relevant fields worldwide can submit papers.
Q: When is the deadline for paper submission?
A: The deadline to submit full research papers is November 25, 2026.
Q: Is there a registration fee for the symposium?
A: No, registration for the symposium is free.
