Jabalpur, 10 Feb 2025 — Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, has achieved a significant milestone as one of its esteemed faculty members, Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra, Assistant Professor of Law and Director, Centre for Studies in International Trade and Investment Laws (CITIL), along with four undergraduate students, has been invited by the World Trade Organization (WTO) to present their research at the WTO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in June 2025.
The selected students, Mr. Saurav Tiwari, Ms. Nehal Yadav, Ms. Poorva Vatsa, and Mr. Vasujit Dubey, all pursuing their B.A. LL.B (Hons.) degrees, will represent DNLU on a fully funded basis, a testament to their academic excellence and research capabilities.
Prestigious Invitation Following a Landmark Conference
This remarkable invitation follows the successful organization of the International Conference on ‘Gender Dimensions in International Trade’ in August 2024. The conference was led by DNLU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Registrar Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Prof. (Dr.) Shailesh N. Hadli, and Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra. Conducted in collaboration with the WTO’s Trade and Gender Unit and the Centre for Trade and Investment Law, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, the event was part of the WTO Chairs Programme.
Anoush Der Boghossian, Senior Designate Official from the WTO, graced the event as the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker, further elevating the university’s international presence.
The WTO Gender Congress 2025
The upcoming WTO Gender Congress 2025, themed “Gender Equality and Innovation: The Keys to Sustainable Trade” is scheduled from June 24 to 27, 2025, at the WTO’s headquarters in Geneva. This biennial international research conference on trade and gender is organized in partnership with UN Women and the WTO Gender Research Hub. The event will feature high-level sessions, networking opportunities, and technical discussions aimed at fostering gender-responsive trade policies based on research and data.
The Congress will explore how women’s empowerment can drive innovation and how trade can serve as a catalyst for this transformation. DNLU’s participation underscores its dedication to contributing to global trade policies and gender discourse at an international level.
Global Recognition for DNLU’s Research Excellence
DNLU’s selection among just 45 researchers from a pool of 200 global applicants highlights the university’s research-driven academic excellence. The outstanding research contributions of Mr. Saurav Tiwari, Ms. Nehal Yadav, Ms. Poorva Vatsa, and Mr. Vasujit Dubey have not only brought recognition to the institution but also reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing world-class scholars.
Adding to this achievement, Mr. Utkarsh K. Mishra was earlier invited to join the WTO’s Gender Research Hub as a Member and Expert, further strengthening DNLU’s academic footprint on the global stage.
Strengthening DNLU’s Research Culture
DNLU’s continued focus on fostering a dynamic research culture and promoting global academic engagement has once again been validated through this achievement. The university remains committed to preparing its students to make a meaningful impact on the world stage.
As DNLU’s faculty and students prepare to present their research in Geneva, this milestone stands as a proud moment for the institution, reinforcing its role as a center of excellence in legal education and international trade research.
