Rabat: “Today, the world is indeed in upheaval, and the foundations of international law are being called into question. We must keep our eyes open,” emphasized Bennouna at the opening of the 82nd session of the Institute of International Law, held at the headquarters of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco. Bennouna noted that international law and international institutions have become increasingly ill-suited to the situations they are meant to govern. He stressed the need to reform the United Nations system to adapt it to the changes the world is undergoing, recalling that all previous reform attempts have been “doomed to failure.”

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, progress in international law lies in greater openness to others and in cultural diversity, an essential vocation of the Institute of International Law. Bennouna noted that the dominance of force in international relations “is not an option, it would be a collective failure,” adding that “there is simply no alternative to the primacy of
Law and Justice.”

For his part, the Institute’s Secretary-General Fausto Pocar expressed his delight that the meeting is being held in Rabat. He noted that the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco is a city steeped in history, with monuments that testify to its architectural and artistic grandeur through the centuries. He furthermore stressed that the choice of Africa in general and Morocco in particular for hosting this session is a powerful illustration of the Institute’s evolution toward a global perspective, in line with its universal vocation, which is aptly expressed in its motto “Justitia et pace,” with the aim of promoting and advancing international law.

Pocar also noted that this session will be an opportunity to discuss topics that highlight the importance of international law, pointing out that environmental protection will be given a prominent place during the session. The opening session, which runs until August 31, was marked by a message from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, addressed to the parti
cipants and read out by the Institute of International Law President, Mohamed Bennouna.

The session, whose proceedings will continue at Mohammed V University in Rabat, will cover current international topics, including: “Rules for the Prevention of Environmental Harm in 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.”