United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) 2025 International Law Seminar (ILS)

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

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.

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.

• Table of Content
• About United Nations
• International Law Seminar (ILS)
• Aim and Benefits of International Law Seminar (ILS)
• Requirements for International Law Seminar (ILS) Qualification
• Documents Required for Application
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

International Law Seminar (ILS)

Aim and Benefits of International Law Seminar (ILS)

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. 

Requirements for International Law Seminar (ILS) Qualification

• The Seminar is designed for postgraduate students in international law, young scholars, government officials, and young lawyers with a focus on international law. 
• 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.

Documents Required for Application

Please complete the application form below and attach the following documents.

• Curriculum Vitae: Include the following details: personal information, academic background (including degrees obtained), professional experience, academic papers, and significant publications.
• Motivation Letter: A letter of motivation (between 400 and 800 words), clearly stating the reasons for your interest in the seminar and including justification for any request for fellowship support.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: These must be signed and dated 2025, and specifically reference your application to the Seminar. The letters should come from official sources, such as universities, government bodies, or members of the International Law Commission.

Check also:
Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit United Nations webpage