Over the past academic year, these brilliant legal scholars have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, sharp critical thinking, and a deep commitment to the future of global justice and international law scholarship. Our Director, Professor Fuad Zarbiyev opened the ceremony by congratulating not only to our new alumni, but also their parents, partners, and loved ones and thanked them for their unwavering support, patience, and encouragement to the next generation of international lawyers.

To mark this momentous occasion, we were delighted to welcome Professor Sarah Nouwen, Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge and Editor in Chief of the European Journal of International Law, who delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking Commencement speech. She began by pondering on the word ‘commencement’ and its significance. She reminded us that graduation is not just the celebration of the past year's achievements but the celebration of what is to commence - an international law career for the graduands who will have to decide for themselves, what international law means to them, and how they would like to see it develop, through reimagining and reinterpretation. She cautioned that no Utopia could be promised but urged them to pursue it anyway!

To the Class of 2025–2026: as you set out to shape international law across global courts, international organisations, academia, and practice, we wish you every success! We cannot wait to see the impact you will make worldwide.

Au Revoir!

Learn more on the LL.M. programme