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OAS Course on International Law Highlighted as Cornerstone for Legal Development in the Americas

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, announced his “firm intention” to strengthen the Course on International Law, held annually by the Inter-American Juridical Committee and the Department of International Law of the Secretariat for Legal Affairs (SLA), as part of his broader commitment to advancing international and inter-American law during his administration.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2025 edition of the Course—marking its 50th anniversary—Secretary General Ramdin described it as “a premier forum for advanced legal education that has achieved widespread recognition.”

He highlighted the diverse and evolving range of topics covered in the program, including the continental platform and the law of the sea, the law applicable to outer space, refugee and humanitarian law, international commercial arbitration, dispute settlement, the use of force, and democratic institutions. He emphasized that the Course “challenges preconceptions, expands our knowledge base, and stimulates research, discussion, and reflection.”

Secretary Ramdin also praised “the high caliber of the instructors who generously share their knowledge and experience,” as well as “the quality of its students, who year after year form strong personal and professional bonds that far outlast the Course itself and who have become its most loyal and fervent champions.”

Since its inception in 1974, the Course on International Law has been held annually. Currently, it spans three weeks each August in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With a comprehensive curriculum addressing a wide array of legal topics from an international perspective, the Course aims to provide legal professionals with an in-depth understanding of the most pressing issues in international and Inter-American law.

The opening ceremony of the 2025 edition was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil, Mauro Vieira; the President of the Inter-American Juridical Committee, Dr. George Bandeira Galindo; other members of the Committee; the Director General of the Magistrate School of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Claudio Braga dell'Orto; and legal advisors from Ministries of Foreign Affairs across the Hemisphere, among others.

“The OAS Charter affirms that international law is the standard of conduct for States in their reciprocal relations. It is part of the DNA of our Organization and serves as a guiding star for our work,” said Secretary Ramdin. “To be able to offer a Course fully dedicated to this principle—renewing, rethinking, and refreshing it through the years to reflect new developments and address emerging challenges in the international community—is something we are enormously proud of.”

He also expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Escola da Magistratura do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. “This collaboration has not gone unnoticed,” he said.

Reference: E-042/25