Book Launch: International Law for Diplomats

Join the UN Library & Archives Geneva for the launch of International Law for Diplomats. Bringing together current and former legal advisers to ministries of foreign affairs and international organizations, this authoritative volume is the first of its kind to offer practitioners — lawyers and non-lawyers alike — a comprehensive and accessible guide to the full breadth of contemporary international law, written by those who have shaped and applied it firsthand. 

Through twenty-two chapters, the volume covers the essential pillars of the international legal order — from treaty negotiation and diplomatic law to human rights, international humanitarian law, disarmament, environmental law, and the settlement of disputes before the International Court of Justice — with a practical perspective attuned to the demands of the diplomatic field.  

With a foreword by Elinor Hammarskjöld, the UN Legal Counsel, the book speaks directly to the moment: at a time when international law faces mounting challenges in principle and in practice, it equips diplomats with the legal knowledge and institutional understanding indispensable to their mission. 

We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging discussion with the editor and contributors, followed by an interactive Q&A session. 

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Moderated by the editor, Amb. Mario OYARZÁBAL (Legal Adviser, Argentina MFA; Member, ILC; fmr Ambassador to the Netherlands) 

Authors present at the event: 

• Ms. Cordula DROEGE (Chief Legal Officer & Head of the Legal Division, ICRC)
• Amb. Ahmed FATHALLA (Member, ILC; fmr Legal Adviser, Egypt MFA; fmr Member & President, CCPR)
• Prof. Patrícia GALVÃO TELES (Legal Adviser, Portugal MFA; Member & fmr Chair, ILC; Professor, Autonomous University of Lisbon)
• Prof. George R. B. GALINDO (Legal Adviser, Brazil MFA; Member, ILC; Judge-elect, ITLOS)
• Amb. Vilawan MANGKLATANAKUL (Member, ILC; fmr Legal Adviser, Thailand MFA; fmr Ambassador to Austria)
• Amb. Alina OROSAN (Legal Adviser, Romania MFA; Member, ILC)
• Amb. Marcelo VÁZQUEZ BERMÚDEZ (Permanent Representative of Ecuador to the UN (Geneva); Member and frm Chair, ILC; fmr Legal Adviser, MFA Ecuador)
• Sir Michael WOOD, KCMG KC (fmr Legal Adviser, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office; fmr Member, ILC)       

Hosted by the UN Library & Archives Geneva