INFORMATION NOTE
In connection with the seventy-sixth session of the International Law Commission, which is currently scheduled to be convened for only five weeks this year, from 28 April to 30 May 2025, due to the financial situation of the Organization, the United Nations Office at Geneva is will exceptionally hold the fifty-ninth session of the International Law Seminar, from 26 May to 5 June 2025.
This year, given the short timeframe as a result of the shortening of the seventy-sixth session of the International Law Commission, applicants may apply online via the website (www.ilsgeneva.ch) between 2 to 22 April 2025 only. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. The Selection Committee will meet in end of April to finalize the list of selected participants.
Objective and eligibility
The Seminar is designed for postgraduate students in international law, young scholars, government officials, and young lawyers with a focus on international law. It aims to broaden participants’ understanding of the work of the International Law Commission and of the codification and progressive development of international law. Additionally, the Seminar provides an opportunity for young lawyers from diverse legal systems and cultures to exchange views on topics on the agenda of the Commission.
Please note that the Seminar is not an introductory course in international law. Applicants must demonstrate a solid understanding of public international law, either through postgraduate studies or relevant professional experience.
Applicants for the 2025 session must be between 24 and 38 years of age at the time of the Seminar. This age requirement will be strictly enforced, and any deliberate misinformation regarding age will result in disqualification.
Selection process
The Selection Committee consists of two to three United Nations officials and representatives from a Geneva-based university and is chaired by a professor of international law of a university in Geneva. All eligible applications will be reviewed; however, the Selection Committee will not provide individual feedback or explanations of its decision. The Committee’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal. Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.
Participation
Selected participants will attend the last week of the plenary meetings of the International Law Commission as well as lectures delivered by United Nations officials and professors from academic institutions in Geneva. Subject to their availability in light of the shortened session, lectures may also be delivered by members of the Commission. Participants are expected to actively engage in discussions following each lecture and engage on topics on the agenda of the Commission.
The working languages of the United Nations are English, French, and Spanish. As simultaneous interpretation may only be available for a limited number of sessions, candidates must be proficient in at least two these languages. Participants will also have access to the United Nations Office at Geneva’s library and online resources, subject to any restrictions due to ongoing renovations.
While participation in the Seminar is free, the United Nations is unable to cover travel or living expenses for all participants. Subject to funding, a limited number of fellowships will be made available to assist participants from developing countries with travel and/or living costs.
Full Attendance Requirement
Full attendance is mandatory. Participants must attend all scheduled sessions, including lectures, plenary meetings, and events arranged for as part of the Seminar. Timely arrival is also required for all sessions, as late arrivals may disrupt the flow of discussions and lectures. Failure to attend any part of the Seminar without valid justification, or arriving late consistently, may result in expulsion from the Seminar and forfeiture of any financial or related support provided by the United Nations, including withdrawal of fellowships awarded and recovery of funds provided by the United Nations.
Code of Conduct to prevent harassment at UN events
Every year, the Palais des Nations hosts many meetings, making it one of the most active centres for multilateral diplomacy in the world. The United Nations considers it very important that these events are held in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment.
Attention of participants is drawn to the Code of Conduct which has been developed to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, at United Nations system events. Participants are expected to adhere to this policy. This includes maintaining professionalism, demonstrating respect for diverse viewpoints and cultures, and engaging constructively in discussions. Disruptive behaviour, failure to adhere to the rules, or violations of the Seminar’s guidelines may result in expulsion from the Seminar and forfeiture of any financial or related support provided by the United Nations, including withdrawal of fellowships awarded and recovery of funds provided by the United Nations.
