Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law took part in the International Law Association’s (ILA) 150th Anniversary celebrations at a special symposium held June 18-20, 2023, at Cité International Universitaire de Paris.

The College of Law’s Dean Susan L. Karamanian, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, Professor Zachary Calo, and alumna of the College’s Juris Doctor (JD) program Elena Athwal participated in the landmark event, which gathered their peers in academia, government, judiciary and private practice to discuss contemporary topics in international law including international dispute resolution and the role of mediation, the rights of future generations, the role of the United Nations, and others.

Professor Olawuyi, who also serves as head of the ILA’s Nigerian Branch and Vice Chair of the ILA, spoke on a panel titled “Businesses as International Law Actors.” He shared insights into how corporations can fulfill their fiduciary duties to shareholders while respecting human rights, building upon his work as Vice Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights.
 
Dean Karamanian participated in a panel titled “International Law Confronted with the Uncertain, Unforeseen, Unthinkable,” supplementing the discussion with her considerable expertise in international human rights law, international investment law, and various other fields. In advance of the Paris meeting, she was a member of the Steering Committee that prepared a White Paper titled “The Fight Against Corruption.”

Professor Calo engaged with fellow experts in a global knowledge exchange and discussed his ongoing research on the mediation of international disputes. Athwal, who specialized in Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Law during her JD studies, supported the event in her capacity as Media and Communications Officer at the ILA.

“The 150th Anniversary Conference of the ILA provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the increasingly important roles of international law in promoting global peace and sustainability. The tremendous benefits of networking with leading experts in the field, as well as discussing diverse areas for future research collaboration, all made it a worthwhile experience. I personally look forward to implementing the novel ideas discussed in my ongoing research and teaching at HBKU,” said Professor Olawuyi.

Established in 1873, the ILA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to the study, clarification, and development of international law, both public and private, and the furtherance of international understanding and respect for international law. It currently hosts 4500 members across branches established around the world.

HBKU’s College of Law brings substantial expertise to contemporary legal issues of profound relevance to Qatar, the region and beyond. Its internationally recognized faculty continues to work closely with top-tier local and international partners to help build expertise and research capacity in Qatar and beyond.