Alumni Week: What if the UN International Law Commission ( ILC) can strengthen the rule of law?
Tuesday 7 October 2025 | 19:00-20:00 (CEST), 13:00-14:00 (EDT) | Online
- Date
- 7 October 2025
- Time
- 19:00 -20:00
In this moderated discussion, Dr. Claudio Grossman will discuss to what extent, through progressive development and codification of international law, the International Law Commission is responding to new challenges posed by emerging issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, sea-level rise, pandemics, cyber threats, artificial intelligence, and autonomous weapons systems. He will also highlight how historical practice might assist in navigating these complexities while striving to advance international law. After a brief presentation, there will be ample time for questions from both in-person and online audiences.
Speakers
Dr. Claudio Grossman is Professor of Law and Dean Emeritus at the American University Washington College of Law (AUWCL). This year, he received the Nelson Mandela Award from the AALS International Human Rights Section for his lasting contributions to international human rights law. Grossman has held numerous international positions, including Chair of the UN Committee Against Torture, member of the UN International Law Commission, and President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. From 1994 to 2016, he served as Dean of AUWCL, where he led the expansion of international programs and human rights education. He earned his doctorate in law from the University of Amsterdam.
Dr. Alexander J. van der Horst is Associate Professor of Astrophysics and Chair of the Physics Department at George Washington University. He earned his PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Amsterdam, where he also worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Anton Pannekoek Institute. He was a NASA Postdoctoral Fellow at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. His research focuses on cosmic explosions observed with ground- and space-based telescopes. He teaches physics and astronomy, mentors students, and engages in science outreach. He also serves as Chair of the UvA Alumni Hub in Washington DC.
Tisna Veldhuijzen van Zanten is an experienced senior executive, certified leadership coach and trained facilitator with more than 35 years’ experience. She served as Senior Vice President at University Research Co, LLC, a major US-based public health consultant firm, working on public health programs in Latin America, West and East Africa, and the United States. A major emphasis of her work has been to change the culture and management of public health organizations to become client-focused, team-based and focused on organizational excellence. She received her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley and Doctoral and BA degrees from the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She is a native Dutch speaker and speaks fluent French and Spanish.