ILW 2023: A Resounding Success
International Law Weekend (ILW) 2023 took place from October 19-21, 2023
in New York City. The unifying theme was Beyond International Law, which
the American Branch was excited to explore during the International Law
Association’s 150th anniversary.
This year’s annual event invited discussions on international law’s successes
and shortcomings, exposed by prolonged armed conflicts, a lack of
accountability for atrocities, a global pandemic followed by an economic
downturn, and entrenched economic and social inequalities exacerbated by
the disastrous effects of climate change.
With 34 panels, a high level opening plenary, a keynote address, 13
networking rooms, more than 200 speakers, a record number of registrations
and attendees, and participants from 50+ countries, ILW 2023 offered the
opportunity to consider creative solutions beyond the international legal
system and explore how international law can adapt to effectively address the
complex challenges of today. The full program is available here.

The Saturday program began with the 101st Annual ABILA Members Meeting led by Branch President Michael Scharf and Chair
Leila Sadat. ILW 2023 Organizing Committee Co-Chair William Aceves then introduced Branch Members to the 2023 Student
Ambassadors (see p. 10), the 2023 Emerging Voices (see p. 6), the International Law Association Media Officer Elena Athwal, and
invited representatives from the South African Branch of International Law Association: Jaymion Hendricks and Sikelela Ndlazi.
Award Presentations followed (see p. 12-13). The Members Meeting and Award Presentations concluded with remarks by
Christopher Ward SC, Immediate-Past President and Vice President of the International Law Association.
ILW 2023 concluded with an extremely well-attended Pathways to Employment in International Law session for students and
young professionals, organized in partnership with the ABA Section on International Law and the International Law Students
Association.