Goettingen Journal of International Law is hosting its 12th Student Essay Competition! Deadline: 28th February 2025!
The Goettingen Journal of International Law is hosting its 12th Student Essay Competition on the topic of:
“The UN Mechanisms in Times of Global Crisis” (Deadline: 28th February 2025).
Since its inception, the United Nations (UN) has been a cornerstone of international cooperation and conflict resolution. In times of global crises such as pandemics, climate change, armed conflict and economic disruption, the effectiveness of UN mechanisms is put to the test. This essay competition seeks to examine how these mechanisms respond to and mitigate the effects of such crises and to propose improvements for their future efficacy.
We encourage a broad interpretation of the topic, inviting both historical and contemporary analyses. Possible topics for essays may include – but are not limited to – an exploration of the following questions:
Current Challenges and Responses:
- The effectiveness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in addressing environmental issues, including the Paris Agreement and previous treaties.
- The UN’s involvement in protracted conflicts such as Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine.
- The enlargement and/or reform of the UN Security Council.
Historical Failures:
- The UN’s response to the genocide in Rwanda
- The role of the UN Security Council during the Kosovo conflict.
- The Oil-for-Food-Programme (OIP) giving Iraq an occasion to improve its military capacities.
Positive Contributions:
- The idea of UN peacemaking and peacekeeping operations as signposts from conflict to peace
- The overarching vision and achievements of the UN as a global organization.
- The role of the UNESCO as protector for World Heritages e. g. in the safeguard of the Galapagos Islands.
We encourage submissions that offer innovative perspectives and critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the UN’s mechanisms. Essays should present well-reasoned arguments supported by evidence and aim to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing global governance in times of crisis.
Formalities
Submissions should be no longer than 5,000 words (excluding footnotes and abstract) and must be received by 28th February 2025. Please submit your article via the tool provided on our website www.gojil.eu. The winning submission will be published in an upcoming issue of GoJIL. For queries, please contact Lennarth Hienz at [email protected].
