The Canadian Council on International Law was founded in 1972 by a group of some of Canada's leading and most distinguished scholars and practitioners in international law. The Council supports the development and exchange of ideas amongst a community of persons interested in international law with particular focus on the Canadian perspective on international matters. To this end, one of the major activities of the Council is to hold an annual conference.

This year's conference proceedings comprise a collection of essays written by leading academics and practitioners on the theme: Looking Ahead: International Law in the 21st Century. A wide range of subject areas is addressed, including the International Criminal Court, international legal theory, international dispute resolution, public international law, private international law, international trade law, international human rights law, international environmental law, immigration law, and technology and international law.