The proceedings of the 82nd session of the Institute of International Law opened on Sunday at the headquarters of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat.
The opening session of this gathering, which runs until August 31, was marked by a Message addressed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, to the participants, which was read out by the President of the Institute, Mohamed Bennouna.
The session, which will continue on Monday at Mohammed V University in Rabat, will focus on various topics of current international relevance. Among the issues under discussion are: "Rules on the prevention of damage applicable to the environment of areas beyond national jurisdiction," "International intellectual property law and pandemics: access to medicines, prevention, preparedness and response," and "Status and functions of assemblies of States Parties to a treaty."
Founded on September 8, 1873 at the Ghent Town Hall in Belgium, the Institute of International Law is the oldest existing institution of international law. It celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, with the main objective of promoting the development of international law.
Since its establishment in 1873, the Institute has carried out its work without interruption, except during the years of the two World Wars. Its members include judges of international courts and tribunals, officials of national and international bodies related to international law, as well as academics.
The Institute enjoys consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, which enables it to play a role in the deliberations of the UN.
In 1904, the Institute of International Law was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its efforts to promote arbitration between States as a peaceful means of dispute settlement, making it the first institution ever to receive this distinction.
MAP: 24 August 2025
