Professor Slim Laghmani elected judge at International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

Professor Slim Laghmani has been elected as a judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, securing the position for the 2026-2035 mandate. The election occurred during the 36th meeting of States Parties to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Laghmani's election, achieved in the first round, is seen as a testament to the international trust placed in Tunisia and its skilled professionals. It also reflects the candidate's standing as a prominent specialist in public international law and the law of the sea, both regionally and internationally. This success is attributed to sustained diplomatic efforts by Tunisia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, aligning with directives from the President of the Republic.

These diplomatic endeavors included securing the African Union's support for Laghmani's candidacy, followed by extensive bilateral contacts. The Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the United Nations in New York and the Permanent Mission of Tunisia to the African Union in Addis Ababa played key roles, organizing direct meetings between the candidate and representatives of the States Parties. Support was also mobilized through various ministry structures, the Permanent Mission in Geneva, and Tunisian embassies worldwide.

The election holds particular significance as it enhances the representation of the African continent and the Arab world within the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. It ensures the presence of African and Arab legal expertise in one of the most crucial international courts responsible for interpreting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and developing international jurisprudence in this vital field. Laghmani's candidacy underscores Tunisia's ongoing commitment to international legality, the rule of law, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.