The 2025–2026 MIDS Students dive into International Justice in The Hague

The visit opened with a session at the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, where the group was welcomed by President Nicolas Michel. His reflections on the Tribunal's history and legacy set an inspiring tone for the day. Students then engaged with Legal Advisers Michael Beechert, Amelia Keene, and Reza Eftekhar, whose presentations explored State responsibility, the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules, and questions of nationality in international law. The discussion quickly became interactive, highlighting the living nature of international law and the influence of jurisprudence on the broader dispute settlement system.

That evening, students joined an informal reception with professionals and MIDS alumni from the PCA, ICJ, and Leiden University. The atmosphere was energetic, with conversations flowing across generations of international lawyers and reinforcing the strength of the MIDS network in The Hague.

Two days later, the group visited the International Court of Justice, where they were received in the Great Hall of Justice by H.E. Judge Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo. His reflections on the Court's caseload and the evolving challenges of interstate dispute settlement left a strong impression on the students. In the afternoon, the cohort visited the Permanent Court of Arbitration for a seminar led by Secretary‑General Dr Hab. Marcin Czepelak, followed by a guided tour of the Peace Palace. Students explored emblematic rooms such as the Japanese Room, the Small Court Room, and the Russian Vase Room.

One detail that resonated deeply was the Latin inscription on the floor: "Sol justitiae illustra nos" - "Sun of Justice, illuminate us" - a fitting reminder of the ideals that continue to guide international dispute settlement.

The study trip brought classroom learning to life and strengthened students' understanding of how international justice operates in practice. Beyond the contemporary insights shared by judges, legal advisers, and practitioners, the visit also highlighted the historical foundations of the Peace Palace and the PCA - institutions shaped by early 20th‑century aspirations for peaceful dispute resolution and international cooperation.

Through meaningful exchanges, institutional perspectives, and a deeper appreciation of this historical legacy, the trip reaffirmed the strong bridge between the MIDS academic curriculum and both the past and present practice of international dispute settlement.