The 59th Session (2025) of the Seminar will take place from
26 May - 5 June 2025

The application process is now closed. 
 
The fifty-ninth session of the International Law Seminar will take place at the United Nations Office at Geneva in connection with the seventy-sixth session of the International Law Commission (ILC). In light of the exceptional circumstances arising in connection with the financial situation of the Organization and the related shortening of the seventy-sixth session of the ILC, to be held from only for five-weeks, from 28 April to 30 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland, the United Nations Office at Geneva is required to adjust the scheduling of the Seminar for this year.   As a result, the Seminar will take place earlier than in previous years to coincide with the last week of the ILC and be shortened to two weeks.
 

The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) has organized the International Law Seminar (ILS) annually since 1965, held over a three-week period in conjunction with the annual session of the International Law Commission (ILC).

The ILS is specifically designed for postgraduate students, emerging scholars, government officials, and young practitioners in the field of international law. The purpose of the Seminar is to enhance participants’ understanding of the work of the International Law Commission, as well as the codification and progressive development of international law. Additionally, the Seminar provides a unique opportunity for legal professionals from diverse legal traditions and cultural backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue on matters under consideration by the ILC.

It is important to note that the ILS is not an introductory program to international law. Applicants must demonstrate a strong and comprehensive knowledge of international law, either through advanced academic studies or significant professional experience within the field. Each year, 25 participants are selected from various Member States of the United Nations. In addition to attending ILC meetings, participants are expected to actively contribute to discussions that follow lectures delivered by members of the International Law Commission, United Nations officials, representatives of specialized agencies, and other distinguished speakers.