Two other ICJ Judges to be conferred honorary doctorates

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 12, 2026

In a landmark moment for Odisha’s global academic and humanitarian outreach, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Judge Yuji Iwasawa, along with two eminent judges of the world’s highest judicial body, Judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant and Judge Bogdan-Lucian Aurescu, has arrived in Odisha on a visit to KIIT and KISS.

The distinguished judicial dignitaries will be accorded a special honour at a ceremony to be organised by KISS tomorrow, where Judge Iwasawa will be conferred the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award. The two other eminent judges will receive honorary doctorates in recognition of their eminence, distinguished service and contributions to the field of international law and justice.

The visit marks a significant milestone in the international journey of KIIT and KISS, particularly as it is the first occasion that a sitting President of the International Court of Justice has visited the two institutions in Odisha. The presence of the ICJ President, accompanied by two other distinguished judges, underscores the growing international recognition of KIIT and KISS and their engagement with global institutions in education, law and humanitarian service.

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. Established in 1945 and headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, the Court plays a pivotal role in maintaining international peace and justice by settling legal disputes between sovereign states in accordance with international law. It also provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and agencies.

The ICJ adjudicates a wide range of disputes involving territorial boundaries, maritime rights, international treaties and the interpretation of international law. Through its judicial interventions, the Court provides a peaceful mechanism for resolving disputes among nations, clarifies the legal obligations of states and strengthens respect for international law, treaties and the rule of law.

The Court comprises 15 judges, elected for nine-year terms, with the possibility of re-election. Elections are held every three years to fill five positions. Candidates are nominated through national groups designated by participating countries under the framework of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and are subsequently elected independently by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council.

India has also made a notable contribution to the ICJ through Justice Dr Dalveer Bhandari, who was first elected to the Court in 2012 and re-elected in 2018 for a second term. His continued association with the world’s highest judicial body reflects India's contribution to international jurisprudence and the global judicial system.

Notably, three other distinguished ICJ judges have visited KIIT and KISS in the past. They include Justice Dr Dalveer Bhandari of India, Justice Dr Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf of Somalia and Justice Antonio Augusto Cançado Trindade of Brazil. With the arrival of the present delegation, the number of ICJ judges who have visited KIIT and KISS will rise to six, making it a remarkable achievement in the institutions' international engagement.

The visit of the distinguished judicial delegation is a matter of immense pride and honour for Odisha. The presence of the sitting ICJ President and two eminent members of the Court at KIIT and KISS not only highlights the institutions' growing global stature but also reinforces their commitment to promoting education, humanitarian values, international cooperation and the rule of law.