October 24: The United Nations At 80

Eighty years ago, the United Nations was born from the ashes of global conflict with a bold mission: to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and uphold the rule of law. As the world faces escalating crises — from climate change to armed conflict, from mass displacement to democratic backsliding — the UN’s role is under renewed scrutiny.

On this milestone day, the Washington State Bar Association invites you to a special continuing legal education webinar exploring the UN’s legacy and future. This is more than a celebration—it’s a call to reflection and reform! This timely and thought-provoking CLE program brings together leading international law scholars and practitioners to examine the evolving role of the United Nations in today’s complex global landscape. 

Through expert insights and real-world case studies, we’ll explore:

🌐 The UN’s enduring contributions to international law and human rights

⚖️ The International Court of Justice and the prosecution of genocide

📊 Assessing the effectiveness of UN missions and programs

🔍 The practical value of UN bodies — such as the Aarhus Convention Secretariat — to legal practitioners, NGOs, and civil society

🧭 Whether the UN remains fit for purpose in the 21st century

Featured Faculty:

• Alejandra Gonza, Executive Director, Global Rights Advocacy; former senior attorney at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and staff attorney at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; A leading voice in international human rights litigation and UN engagement.
• Teresa Felizia Mayr, Legal Officer, Aarhus Convention Secretariat, Environment Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Expert in environmental democracy and international treaty implementation.
• Professor Anita Ramasastry, former Chair of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, currently serving on the UN’s Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group drafting a treaty on business and human rights; Professor of Law and Associate Dean for Global and Graduate Programs, Director, Sustainable International Development Graduate Program Barer Institute for Leadership in Law & Global Development Endowed Chair, at University of Washington School of Law.
• Professor William A. Schabas, Professor of International Law, Middlesex University, London. One of the world’s foremost authorities on genocide and international criminal law; former member of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Gaza Conflict and author of more than 20 books including "Genocide in International Law" and "The UN International Criminal Tribunals: The Former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone".

🎓 This program is designed for attorneys, human rights advocates, international law practitioners, and anyone working with or within global institutions.

📩 Space is limited. Reserve your spot today and be part of this historic legal commemoration.