High-Level Conference on the Universalization of the PCA and the HCCH

A high-level conference dedicated to the universalization of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) was held in Dakar from 15 to 17 April 2026.

Co-organized by the PCA, the HCCH, and Senegal, with the support of France, Belgium, Morocco, and Switzerland, the conference brought together senior representatives of Francophone African States, as well as representatives of the African Union, ECOWAS, and OHADA, for high-level discussions on the advantages and practical aspects of deeper engagement with the PCA and the HCCH.

The conference was officially opened on 16 April 2026 by H.E. the Minister of Justice of Senegal, Ms. Yassine Fall, who welcomed the delegations alongside H.E. Ambassador Ramatoulaye Ba Faye and reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to dialogue and to the observance of international law.

Over a three-day period, participants shared perspectives and experiences through a programme of presentations, roundtable discussions, and informal exchanges. The discussions underscored a common interest among the participating States in enhancing international legal cooperation, both regionally and more broadly, through the frameworks provided by the PCA and the HCCH.

The conference was officially closed on 17 April 2026 by Mr Jean Louis Paul Toupane, Prosecutor General at the Supreme Court of Senegal, who thanked the participants for their engagement and commended their commitment to dialogue and to the observance of international law.

The PCA and the HCCH extend their sincere thanks to Senegal for its hospitality, as well as to all organizers for their valuable support.