Villa College marked a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever International Symposium on Law and Global Affairs on the 20th and 21st of December, 2023. Held at the Ocean View Hall, this groundbreaking event was organized by the Faculty of Shariah and Law in collaboration with the Human Rights Center, University of Essex, UK, and MM Shankarrao Chavan Law College, India.
The symposium was conceptualized by Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmad Siddiqui, an Assistant Professor from O.P. Jindal Global University, India. It was officially facilitated by the Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ahmed Anwar, alongside Uza. Asna Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law.
Dr. Ali Najeeb, Vice Rector of Villa College, inaugurated the event with welcome remarks, underscoring the significance of the symposium as a pioneering platform focusing on the Maldives’ position in international law. The event was further graced by the presence of Ms. Catherine Haswell, the UN Resident Coordinator in Maldives, who played a crucial role in fostering the relationship between the UN and academia in the Maldives.
The two-day symposium featured a range of discussions encompassing legal frameworks, international relations, climate change, and human rights. These topics were aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which focuses on legal systems and global affairs. Sessions on climate change and human rights addressed SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), highlighting the symposium’s commitment to tackling global challenges affecting vulnerable populations.
The event provided a dynamic and collaborative platform for scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to exchange ideas and expertise. This approach aligns directly with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the importance of global partnerships in achieving sustainable development objectives.
