Date: Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Venue: The United Nations Headquarters in Geneva
The GCC branch of the International Law Association co-organized the event with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva on May 7th 2025 from 1:00- 2:30 pm Geneva time at Palais des Nations, Geneva.
This prolific event brought together leading legal scholars, practitioners, and diplomats to critically examine how the legal capacities of Developing Countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are perceived and operationalized within international law.
Opening statements that outlined the broader context of the dialogue and highlighted its key areas of focus were delivered by:
– Her Excellency Dr. Hend Al Muftah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva.
– Ms. Michelle Gyles-McDonnough, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNITAR.
– Mr. Ahmed Essa Alsulaiti, Director of the State of Qatar’s Office to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Other Economic Organizations in Geneva, and President of ILA GCC.
The discussion featured a distinguished group of experts:
– Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, FCIArb, Professor at College of Law, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at HBKU.
– Ms. Nilufer Oral, Director of the Centre for International Law at the National University of Singapore and Member of the UN International Law Commission.
– Dr. Anna Sabrina Wollmann, Training Associate at UNITAR.
– Dr. Elodie Tranchez, Senior Lecturer in International Law at UNITAR.
Speakers engaged the audience in thoughtful discussion on how to empower these countries, including Arab states, to confront complex legal challenges, protect their national interests, and secure fair outcomes on the international stage. While many of these countries face significant obstacles—particularly the shortage of qualified legal professionals in specialized areas of international law—focused capacity-building strategies offer a path forward.
More about the event: https://lnkd.in/d4BnDeH9
QNA: https://ow.ly/sel550VPlJ7
The International Law Association GCC Branch is proud of this event’s success and values the strong collaboration with UNITAR and the Qatar Mission in Geneva.
We look forward to forging continued partnerships with international organizations and key stakeholders to support the advancement of international law throughout the region.