The International and Comparative Law Program (ICLP) at UCLA School of Law and the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) invite you to join us for International Law Weekend - West on February 20-21, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.

The theme of the 2026 ILW-West is New Frontiers, Evolving Rules: The Future of International Law.

As global power dynamics shift and new frontiers expand beyond traditional borders, international law stands at a critical crossroads. This conference brings together leading experts to explore how international legal frameworks must evolve to meet the demands of an increasingly complex and multipolar world - to protect humanity, the planet and future generations. From governing emerging technologies and new frontiers to reshaping geopolitical influence and reimagining international norms, we will confront the possibilities and tensions that define the next era of international law.

Panels and keynotes will include:

• Standing Up for International Law
• Cities as Global Norm-Shapers: Urban Power at the New Frontiers of International Law
• Revisiting the Use of Force: Legal Norms, State Practice, and Emerging Contours in International Law
• Reflecting on the Ongoing Negotiations for a New Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity: Challenges and Prospects
• Artificial Intelligence and the Boundaries of International Law
• A Necessary IDEA: International Human Rights Law and U.S. Public Policy in Differential Treatment of Social Groups
• Protest and International Law
• Feeding the Future: International Law and Food Security
• “The Veto” Film Screening: What is the Future of the Security Council
• Governing the Final Frontier: From Cities to Orbit
• Careers in International Law

The conference is sponsored by the UCLA Journal of International and Foreign Affairs, which will publish a collection of essays from the conference in its 30th volume in 2026.

The full Conference Program is available here.

Conference Program

The full Conference Program is available here.

Conference Accommodation

There are a lot of hotels within close proximity of UCLA School of Law. Two that we recommend are:

The W Beverly Hills (walkable to the Law School)
930 Hilgard Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90024
310-208-8765, call and ask for UCLA rate
Rate: $279/night
Book your group rate for UCLA Law Conference*
Start Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
End Date: Saturday, February 22, 2026

*Please use this link to reserve your room at the W Beverly Hills from Feb 19-22, 2026 at a special rate of $279.00/night before January 30th, 2026. Starting January 30th, rooms will be available to book at the retail rate.

Hotel Angeleno (a short car ride from the Law School)
170 N Church Ln
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-476-6411
Rate: approx. $190/night but subject to change so the earlier you book the better
Hotel Angeleno | Hotels in Los Angeles | West LA Hotels