DAY 1 — Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo opens Day 1 of Advanced Courses of The Hague Academy of International Law in The Philippines, an intensive professional training course on Public and Private international law organized by The Hague Academy of International Law (THAIL) in partnership with the Supreme Court and Philippine Judicial Academy, on February 19, 2024 at The Judicial Academy Philippines in Tagaytay City.
Courtesy of the Supreme Court Public Information Office
CJ Gesmundo to legal practitioners: Create a world where human rights ar ardently championed
CHIEF Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo opened Day 1 of Advanced Courses of The Hague Academy of International Law in The Philippines, an intensive professional training course on Public and Private international law organized by The Hague Academy of International Law (THAIL) in partnership with the Supreme Court (SC) and Philippine Judicial Academy (PHILJA), on February 19, 2024 at The Judicial Academy Philippines in Tagaytay City.
Chief Justice Gesmundo highlighted that the Advanced Courses Programme is very timely as our international legal system has been undergoing tremendous changes in recent years. “Indeed, through this collaborative effort of the Philippine Supreme Court, PHILJA, and THAIL, we aspire to cultivate a new generation of legal minds who are ready to tackle the complexities of our interconnected world and become catalysts for international understanding and change.”
“Legal practitioners, after all, must exhibit proficiency not only in domestic law but also in international law, and in light of the myriad international issues our world faces today ― boundary disputes, digital commerce, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, to name a few ― this area of law becomes particularly important,” he added.
The Chief Justice also took the opportunity to express the Court’s gratitude for the initiative, recognizing THAIL as the preeminent institution for education and research in both public and private international law. Consistent with the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the Court’s blueprint of action for judicial reform, the Chief Justice underscored that this is more than just an educational endeavor but “a testament to our collective commitment to justice, sustainable development, and global peace and security.”
In closing, Chief Justice Gesmundo challenged the participants to “persist in our pursuit of knowledge in international law, drawing wisdom from each other, and collectively exploring innovative approaches to preserve peace, foster prosperity, and create a world where human rights are not merely acknowledged but ardently championed.”
Advanced Courses Programme runs for two weeks, from February 19 to March 1, 2024 for participants from the Philippines. Participants include Justices, judges, and court attorneys from the SC, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Justice, Office of the Solicitor General, as well as the academe. Of the 294 applicants who registered, only 100 were admitted to attend in-person, and of the 194 remaining, 160 were permitted to participate online. There were also registrants from the Council of ASEAN Chief Justices (CACJ) who joined on site.
Some of the topics to be discussed during the two-week program include: International Law as Applied to Philippine Municipal Law by Dean Sedfrey M. Candelaria, PHILJA Professorial Lecturer II; Current Challenges to the Law of the Sea by Prof. Jin-Hyun Paik, Former Judge and President of ITLOS, Judge ad hoc in Annex VII of UNCLOS Arbitration Cases; The Philippines in International Criminal Law by H.E. Raul C. Pangalangan, Former ICC Judge; Defense Cooperation in Constitutional and International Laws by Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya, Main author, “Forging Partnerships: Philippine Defense Cooperation under Constitutional & International Laws”; From Service to Recognition – Relevant HCCH Conventions and Instruments in Cross-Border Litigation by Dr. Christophe Bernasconi, Secretary General, and Ms. Melissa Ford, Secretary of the Hague Conference on Private International Law; World Bank Sanctions System, Enforcement of ICSID Awards, and Open Forum by Ms. Anna Lorem R. Ramos, World Bank Sanctions Board Secretariat, Counsel; What Can We Expect From International Courts and Tribunals, in a World of Sovereign States? by Prof. Jean-Marc Thouvenin, Secretary- General of THAIL; Climate Change, International Law, and International Courts and Tribunals by Prof. Diane Desierto, Director at Notre Dame Law School, and Prof. Makane Moïse Mbengue, Member of the Curatorium and Professor at the University of Geneva; Judicial Cooperation in Cybercrime Matters (online) by Ms. Daniela Eilberg, UNODC Associate Cybercrime Programme Officer; International Economic Law Issues in RCEP and ASEAN Economic Treaties by Prof. Diane Desierto, Director at Notre Dame Law School; International Law Regarding Human Trafficking by Ms. Zoi Sakelliadou, UNODC Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer; International Law Pertaining to Families and Children by Prof. Yuko Nishitani, Vice-President of the Curatorium and Professor at Kyoto University; State Responsibility for Wrongful Acts by Prof. Makane Moïse Mbengue; and International Law Regarding Human Trafficking by Ms. Zoi Sakelliadou.
PHILJA Chancellor (Ret.) Supreme Court Associate Justice Rosmari D. Carandang, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo, and THAIL Secretary-General Professor Jean-Marc Thouvenin delivered their respective welcome remarks.
Also present were Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Ramon Paul L. Hernando, Amy C. Lazaro-Javier, Rodil V. Zalameda, Mario V. Lopez, Japar B. Dimaampao and Jose Midas P. Marquez.
