1. What motivated you to undertake this course at the MIDS?

Having previously undertaken an LL.M. in international law with an emphasis on the substantive elements of its public and private dimensions, I developed an interest and passion to pursue an advanced LL.M. on the procedural and practical application. The MIDS LL.M. emerged as the ideal programme in that regard. I chose it for its outstanding curriculum and reputation as the world’s leading programme in international dispute settlement. I am forever grateful to LALIVE to have generously offered me a full scholarship to undertake the study.   

2. What are you enjoying most about the experience so far?

The pandemic notwithstanding, my hitherto experience at the MIDS has been splendid. The programme’s content is enlightening and intriguing. The superb professor-student camaraderie, the frequent dinners with classmates, and the scenic beauty of the city indeed remain to be cherished for a lifetime. I should also mention the magnificent view – especially during zoom classes – from the study section of my room overlooking Lake Geneva and the headquarters of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of the United Nations. It is refreshing!

3. Which areas in international dispute resolution appeal to you?

I find appealing Commercial Arbitration, Investment Arbitration, WTO dispute settlement, UNCLOS dispute settlement, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) procedures. My MIDS LL.M. dissertation – under the supervision of Professor Marcelo Kohen – is on ICJ dispute settlement, specifically the ‘may be affected’ requirement and the jurisprudence of non-party intervention.

4. Once you complete the course, what would you ideally like the next step of your career to be?

I hope to undertake an internship, preferably in Europe – with a focus on dispute settlement practices – to enable me to build on the acquired knowledge from the programme.