International Law Seminar

International Law Seminar It also provides an opportunity for lawyers coming from different legal systems and cultures to exchange views regarding items on the agenda of the Commission.

The United Nations International Law Seminar is organised every year since 1965, by the United Nations Office at Geneva in connection with the annual session of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC). The International Law Seminar (ILS) is organised every year since 1965, by the United Nations Office at Geneva, in connection with the annual session of the International Law Commissio

n (ILC), for a duration of three weeks. The Seminar is designed to enable young scholars (young professors, lecturer or advanced PhD students) and government officials working in the field of international law, to widen their knowledge of both the work of the International Law Commission and of the codification and progressive development of international law. The International Law Seminar is not intended to be an introduction to international law. Applicants must prove a sound knowledge of international law, on the basis of either their postgraduate studies or significant professional experience in the field.
22 to 26 participants from various Member States of the United Nations participate in ILS. As well as attending the meetings of ILC, participants are expected to take an active part in the discussions which follow lectures given by members of the Commission, officials of the United Nations or specialized agencies in Geneva and other speakers invited for the occasion.

Yesterday offered participants two different perspectives on international law in practice.At the International Labour O...
17/07/2026

Yesterday offered participants two different perspectives on international law in practice.

At the International Labour Organisation, participants were welcomed by Tomi Kohiyama, ILO Legal Adviser, together with Foivi Vlastou-Dimopoulou and Thais Adileu Oliveira, Legal Officers. The visit offered valuable insights into the ILO's unique legal framework and standard-setting system, and explored the implications of the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the right to strike under ILO Convention No. 87.

In the evening, participants had the privilege of attending a reception at the British Ambassador's Residence, providing a wonderful opportunity to continue discussions and connect with members of Geneva's international legal community in an informal setting.

Our sincere thanks to the ILO team and to the British Ambassador's Residence for their warm welcome and hospitality.

Yesterday, participants of the 60th International Law Seminar stepped into one of Geneva’s most symbolic places for inte...
16/07/2026

Yesterday, participants of the 60th International Law Seminar stepped into one of Geneva’s most symbolic places for international law.

At the Hôtel de Ville, they were welcomed by Mr. Laurent Koelliker, Sautier of the Republic and Canton of Geneva, and Mr. Samy Bensalem, Deputy Head of Protocol, before visiting the Grand Council Chamber and the historic Salle de l’Alabama.

The visit offered a unique opportunity to revisit the legacy of the 1872 Alabama Claims Arbitration and Geneva’s longstanding role in the peaceful settlement of international disputes. Participants were also joined by Professor Keun-Gwan Lee, Member of the International Law Commission.

The afternoon concluded with a reception hosted by the Republic and Canton of Geneva. Our warm thanks to the Protocol for this memorable visit and generous welcome.

Yesterday was a memorable day at the 60th International Law Seminar!The morning began with the ILC plenary, followed by ...
14/07/2026

Yesterday was a memorable day at the 60th International Law Seminar!

The morning began with the ILC plenary, followed by a special milestone for this year’s participants: the official group photo celebrating the 60th anniversary of the International Law Seminar. A lasting memory of a programme that has brought together generations of young international lawyers, researchers and diplomats since 1965.

In the afternoon, participants put themselves in the shoes of ILC members during the ILC Simulation on Non-Legally Binding International Agreements. Under the guidance of Professor Keun-Gwan Lee, they defended their positions with confidence and demonstrated the remarkable preparation and dedication they have shown throughout the Seminar.

Congratulations to all our participants for their outstanding work, and a sincere thank you to Professor Keun-Gwan Lee for his guidance, expertise and invaluable support.

Yesterday’s programme offered a change of pace for participants at the 60th ILS.The day began with the International Law...
11/07/2026

Yesterday’s programme offered a change of pace for participants at the 60th ILS.

The day began with the International Law Commission’s plenary meeting, where discussions on Compensation for the Damage Caused by Internationally Wrongful Acts continued.

Participants then attended the launch of The Cambridge Handbook on the League of Nations and International Law, featuring contributions from distinguished experts including Professor Anne Peters, Professor Bardo Fassbender and Professor Tom Dannenbaum.

The afternoon was dedicated to preparations for the ILC simulation, giving participants the opportunity to refine their arguments, exchange ideas within their working groups, and prepare for the upcoming debates.

Yesterday, after following the ILC’s morning plenary debates on Compensation for the Damage Caused by Internationally Wr...
10/07/2026

Yesterday, after following the ILC’s morning plenary debates on Compensation for the Damage Caused by Internationally Wrongful Acts, participants had the opportunity to hear from two Special Rapporteurs on other topics currently before the Commission.

The afternoon opened with Special Rapporteur August Reinisch, who presented the Commission’s work on Settlement of Disputes to which International Organizations are Parties. This was followed by Special Rapporteur Penelope Ridings, who lectured on Due Diligence in International Law.

The two lectures generated lot of interest, and the participants raised a wide range of thoughtful questions.

Today’s programme builds on the ILC’s morning plenary, giving participants the chance to explore two of the issues curre...
08/07/2026

Today’s programme builds on the ILC’s morning plenary, giving participants the chance to explore two of the issues currently before the Commission in greater depth.

The afternoon began with Special Rapporteur Mārtiņš Paparinskis, who further examined Compensation for the Damage Caused by Internationally Wrongful Acts, expanding on the discussions initiated during the plenary session.

Participants then heard from Special Rapporteur Marcelo Vázquez Bermúdez, who outlined the Commission's work on the General Principles of Law, providing valuable insights into a fundamental aspect of international law.

By linking the Commission’s plenary debates with specialised lectures, today’s programme offered participants a unique opportunity to follow the development of these issues from discussion to detailed analysis.

Today’s programme offered participants a closer look at some of the International Law Commission’s newest areas of work....
07/07/2026

Today’s programme offered participants a closer look at some of the International Law Commission’s newest areas of work.

This morning, participants attended the introduction of the first report on Compensation for the Damage Caused by Internationally Wrongful Acts, presented by Special Rapporteur Mārtiņš Paparinskis, marking the beginning of the Commission’s consideration of the topic.

The afternoon featured two lectures by Special Rapporteur Louis Savadogo on Prevention and Repression of Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea and Special Rapporteur Mathias Forteau on Non-Legally Binding International Agreements. Drawing on the Commission’s ongoing work, both speakers shared valuable insights into the legal questions and practical challenges surrounding these evolving topics.

Another day of stimulating exchanges at the 60th International Law Seminar!

One of the privileges of taking part in the International Law Seminar is the opportunity to experience the work of the I...
06/07/2026

One of the privileges of taking part in the International Law Seminar is the opportunity to experience the work of the ILC firsthand.

This afternoon, participants attended the visit of the United Nations Secretary-General to the Commission during its plenary meeting, offering a unique glimpse into an important moment in the Commission’s annual session.

The programme continued with a lecture by Professor Bimal N. Patel, Member of the International Law Commission, on “Succession of States in Respect of State Responsibility”. The discussion explored the legal implications of State succession and prompted an engaging exchange with participants, whose thoughtful questions once again the curiosity and enthusiasm that define this year’s Seminar.

🌍 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟲𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿.This morning, we had the privilege of bringing together fi...
06/07/2026

🌍 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟲𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿.

This morning, we had the privilege of bringing together five outstanding experts to discuss one of the most fascinating developments in contemporary international law: the growing body of international jurisprudence on 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

From 𝗜𝗧𝗟𝗢𝗦 to the 𝗜𝗖𝗝, from the 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗻 and 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 to the role of the 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, the discussion was rich, stimulating and truly inspiring.

My sincere thanks to 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗼 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘇𝗼, 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗼ï𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗲, 𝗡𝗶𝗹ü𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗮𝗹, 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗳𝗳 and 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗼 for their generosity, their insights and for making this Round Table such a memorable moment of this anniversary edition of the Seminar.

And, as always, thank you to our participants, whose questions reminded us that the future of international law also lies in the curiosity and enthusiasm of the next generation.

Following the debates of the ILC plenary, participants attended the launch of International Law for Diplomats, an event ...
04/07/2026

Following the debates of the ILC plenary, participants attended the launch of International Law for Diplomats, an event organised by the United Nations Library&Archives Geneva. Moderated by Ambassador Mario Oyarzábal, the event brought together several contributors to the volume, starring Ambassador Ahmed Fathalla, Professor Patrícia Galvão Teles, and Cordula Droege, alongside members of the International Law Commission, ambassadors and leading experts in international law.

The afternoon then turned the spotlight on our participants during the International Law Research Forum. With enthusiasm and expertise, they presented research covering the foundations of international law, State responsibility, diplomatic law, international criminal law, climate change and international investment law.

The quality of the presentations, together with the discussions they inspired, reflected the remarkable diversity of interests and talent brought together at this year’s Seminar. Congratulations to all our presenters!

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