Natalie Klein and Lucas Lixinski will undertake new leadership roles in the International Law Association.
UNSW Law & Justice proudly announces Professor Lucas Lixinski's appointment as Global Director of Studies within the International Law Association (ILA). He joins Professor Natalie Klein, who has served as President of the Australian Branch of ILA since 2020 and was appointed co-rapporteur of ILA's Protection of People at Sea Committee this year.
ILA is the world's oldest learned society in the field, at over 150 years old.
Professor Klein expressed her enthusiasm for both appointments. "The Australian Branch of the ILA was delighted to see Lucas appointed as the global Director of Studies. He is the first Director to be appointed from outside Europe, and it is a great step forward for the organisation."
She also shared her experience with the ILA: "Through the ILA, I have the opportunity to serve as co-rapporteur of a committee examining the international laws related to the protection of people at sea. I am working with over 50 colleagues from across the globe to advance understanding of the legal issues involved in protecting fishers, seafarers, migrants, tourists, and others who work and travel the oceans."
Professor Lucas Lixinski, encouraged by Professor Klein to apply, expressed his gratitude and excitement. "Becoming Director of Studies of the ILA is absolutely a career highlight. I get to work with top international lawyers from around the world on projects that contribute to the development of the field. The ILA is incredibly influential, with several of its projects becoming international treaties, its recommendations being taken seriously by international bodies and governments everywhere, and many members becoming judges in international courts and tribunals. It is a thrill to be part of this community, and to contribute to its growth, diversity, and impact."
Dean of the Faculty of Law & Justice, Professor Andrew Lynch, commended both appointments: "The appointments of Professor Klein and Professor Lixinski to these prestigious roles within the ILA are a remarkable achievement and a testament to their dedication and expertise in international law. Their leadership will undoubtedly enhance the visibility and impact of the ILA's work globally and within Australia. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the positive influence they will have on the development of international law."
Reflecting on his journey, Professor Lixinski said, "I owe to UNSW Law & Justice the preparedness to be able to do this job, and a big thank you goes to Professor Klein who gave me the confidence to apply. At UNSW, I have always been surrounded by very talented colleagues representing all sorts of subfields in international law. Because of that exposure, and the many conversations with my colleagues, I grew to be able to converse across a wide range of subfields of international law, and to find common languages and tools to contribute to the field's development, and to speak across academia and practice."
UNSW Law & Justice congratulates professors Natalie Klein and Lucas Lixinski on their outstanding achievements and looks forward to their continued contributions to international law.