Annual Report of the International Board of ELSA 2023/2024

BOARD OF ELSA 2023/2024 .

ABOUT US

The European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) is an international, independent, non-political, nonprofit organisation run by and for students and recent graduates, interested in achieving academic and personal excellence in addition to their legal or law-related studies at university Founded in 1981 by students from Austria, Hungary, Poland, and West Germany, ELSA is the world's largest independent law students' association

ELSA aims to provide its members with a platform to develop their existing skills and acquire new ones, to interact with fellow students and experienced practitioners from different states and legal systems around Europe, and to be equipped for a professional life in an international environment, through mutual understanding, intercultural cooperation, and the great variety of activities and projects the Association offers

OUR NETWORK

ELSA's members are internationally-minded individuals who have an interest in foreign legal systems and practices Through our activities, such as seminars, conferences, law schools, moot court competitions, legal writing, legal research, and traineeships our members acquire a broader cultural understanding and legal expertise.

OUR SPECIAL STATUS

ELSA has gained a special status with several international institutions. In 2000, ELSA was granted Participatory Status with the Council of Europe and, in 2008, the CoE became a partner of ELSA ELSA also has Consultative Status with several United Nations bodies: UN ECOSOC, UNCITRAL, UNESCO, & WIPO

FOREWORD

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Bjarki F. Guðjónsson President

DARING, AND DOING

These words reflect the ethos of the International Board of ELSA 2023/2024 better than any of us could have dreamed of when they were first put to paper. As I put a pencil to my temple and began drafting this foreword they kept resonating in my mind, as I came to realise that they were not only a motto, but a premonition. Without sensationalism or fanfare, our motto gave shape to the ambition of eight exceptional individuals who wished to make an impact on the world under the banner of the Association that had given them so much. Throughout our term in office, we kept setting our aims higher, making bold decisions, and following them up with impactful action

As our initiatives grew and gained shape, we too grew together as a board We faced challenges as a united front, bonded by dedication to our collective mission of leaving behind a stronger, more sustainable Association. Many difficult decisions were made throughout the year as we set out to address the challenges that our organisation faced, but through collective effort, with the unyielding support of the remarkable people that compose the ELSA International Team, and the invaluable contribution of the Network, we prevailed in shaping an even brighter future for ELSA

We travelled the world, attending Delegations and organising Regional Rounds, participating in Conferences and National Council Meetings, at every turn holding aloft the vision of ELSA We organised events such as the ROLE Train the Facilitators conference, multiplying attendance from the previous year threefold, and Career Launch which had representation from internationally renowned companies and institutions alike, to name but a few We engaged in tireless efforts to elevate the quality of our projects, which can for example be reflected by the unprecedented engagement in the Annual Human Rights Campaign and the unmitigated success of both the JHJMCC and HPMCC Final Oral Rounds.

Significant improvements were made as regards the structure of our organisation, particularly in the fields of accessibility, infrastructure, and compliance. We aimed to develop Officers across the Network by means of trainings and improved knowledge management materials. Moreover, we placed an emphasis on transparency and engagement towards the Network that afforded us the opportunity to serve our beloved Association

INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF ELSA 2023/2024

Bjarki Fjalar Guðjónsson President Yordan Kyurkchiyski Secretary General

Adéla Chloupková

Treasurer

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF ELSA 2023/2024

Nadia Dourida

Vice President in charge of Academic Activities

Maria Vittoria Voi

Vice President in charge of Professional Development

Maciej Łodziński Vice President in charge of Competitions

Xanthi Agoraki

Vice President in charge of Seminars & Conferences

THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA: STRATEGIC PLANNING 2023-2028

Bjarki F. Guðjónsson President

In the chronicles of progress, there are moments that signify a bold leap forward Today, we stand at such a juncture with the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2023-2028. This year marks the first term of this ambitious plan which was adopted during the 85th International Council Meeting Malta, and stands as a testament to our collective vision and unwavering commitment to excellence As we embark on this new journey, we also pause to reflect on the culmination of the Strategic Plan 20192023, which concluded with the drafting and publication of the Strategic Plan Final Report

Strategic planning is not merely an exercise in foresight; it is a disciplined endeavour that marries aspiration with action Our previous Strategic Plan laid the groundwork for transformative changes, and its conclusion, which was largely successful but left certain points unfulfilled for various reasons, primarily those of attainability and practical hindrances, has provided us with invaluable insights The Final Report encapsulates our achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

One of the cornerstone achievements of this term has been the drafting of the Strategic Goals Implementation Handbook This comprehensive document is not just a guide but a beacon that illuminates our path forward. It encapsulates the strategic goals and delineates clear, actionable steps to realise them The Handbook is designed to ensure that our implementation efforts are coherent, consistent, and aligned with our overarching vision

Even in this inaugural term, significant strides have been made in the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2023-2028, particularly in the realms of Accessibility and Structure. These strategic goals are pivotal to our mission of fostering an inclusive and efficient organisation Accessibility is not merely a matter of financial affordability of projects and events, but of creating an environment where every member feels empowered and valued By addressing structural inefficiencies, we aim to build a robust framework that supports sustainable growth and engagement with technical innovation As we move forward, let us remember that strategic planning is a continuous process, one that requires vigilance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to our principles The Strategic Plan 2023-2028 is not just a document but a living blueprint that will evolve with our organisation Each term, each year, we will revisit our goals, assess our progress, and refine our strategies With this in mind, a revised structure of the International Strategy Meetings was adopted this year, emphasising their allimportant role in the implementation of the Strategic Goals.

Let us continue to dream boldly, dare greatly, and do the hard work necessary to turn our vision into reality The journey ahead is long, but with determination and unity, there is no limit to what we can achieve

Here’s to a future of boundless possibilities and unprecedented accomplishments.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS -

ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENTS

Bjarki F. Guðjónsson President

A significant portion of my efforts throughout the term was dedicated to External Relations In this sense, I put a great emphasis on open communication with the Partners of ELSA, in the aim of fostering and developing our cooperation with each respectively Moreover, I poured significant effort into seeking out new synergies within the framework of existing partnerships and collaborations Acquisition of new partnerships was at the forefront, as the growth of our projects demands increased financial and technical support

I had the opportunity to represent ELSA at many events, in some cases accompanied by other members of the International Board From the European Law Faculties Associations’ Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, to the FRA Fundamental Rights Forum in Vienna, Austria, as well as several events taking place in Brussels, Belgium, such as the second Annual Conference of the European Commission Legal Service, together with Yordan and Nadia. It was a pleasure to engage with our Partners and collaborators in this way, showcasing the many projects and initiatives of ELSA These events also served as an opportunity to network on behalf of the Association, building meaningful connections with prospective Partners ,

In terms of the retention of current partnerships, I am happy to report that I was able to maintain all partnerships that were up for reconsideration this year, barring one General Partnership, which was concluded on amicable terms and with the best interests of both parties at the forefront The terms of several partnership agreements were restructured to make them reflective of the current situation of the partnership, with the aim of safeguarding both the interests of ELSA and the corresponding parties The two most prominent examples are the reduction of the financial contribution of one General Education Partner per annum, with engagement and visibility being proportionately reduced, but in turn, another General Education Partner increased their financial contribution and scope of prerogatives.

A highlight of the year was the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding with UNITAR, which provides a broadside Member Benefit consisting of discounts to the various courses and programmes of the institution. Moreover, the roots of a collaboration with UNESCO have taken hold, materialising with the Keynote Speech of the Annual Reception of ELSA being delivered by a representative of the Agence The topic of the speech was “Freedom of Expression to counter corruption and promote other Human Rights” This collaboration remains promising, and our current efforts will be upheld when it comes to developing it further Another highlight of the year was the development of our collaboration with the European Commission Legal Service, the pinnacle of which was the intervention during the 85th International Council Meeting Thessaloniki where a member of the Legal Service presented their work and the 70 Years of EU Law book, the promotion of which has been central to the cooperation

In collaboration with the Key Area Officers and the External Relations Team, I worked on research on acquiring financial and technical support for our projects Unfortunately, these efforts proved largely unsuccessful in terms of finding new financial support However multiple connections were made which hold significant potential for future growth.

I remained adamant in my effort to train and educate the officers of the Network on the topic of External Relations, particularly when it comes to partner retention and negotiation, the latter of which is a particular passion of mine Moreover, I placed an emphasis on introducing a more structured and professional approach to communications, creating comprehensive communication plans and relevant templates that will prove useful in coming years and serve to underscore our standing as a credible and accountable Partner to our supporters and collaborators alike

INTERNATIONAL INTERNAL MEETINGS

Yordan

Kyurkchiyski

Secretary General

The vision of a “just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity” is an abstract notion that guides us constantly as ELSA Officers in all of our projects and activitiesregardless of whether it concerns the organisation of an ELSA Delegation, Law School, Moot Court Competition, ROLE School Session, Traineeship or other It is a part of our Philosophy Statement, formulated more than three decades ago

At the same time, however, it is also the reality for over 250-300 law students and young lawyers who specifically meet twice every year in a selected European country to continuously work on the improvement of our Association during the International Council Meetings of ELSA, and the approximately 100 such gathering to strategise annually in the context of the International Strategy Meeting These are the meetings during which our vision becomes truly alive, through the ELSA Spirit of every single one of their attendees

With this idea in mind, our focus over the past 2023/2024 Term has been dedicated to the process of ensuring the sustainability of our International Internal Meetings - both International Council Meetings and International Strategy Meetings This focus has been broadly twofold - through pathways to sustainable hosting and the fostering of an open and transparent feedback culture

PATHWAYS TO SUSTAINABLE HOSTING

Nera Nurmela Assisstant for International Internal Meetings

DEVELOPING THE HOSTING EXPERIENCE FOR ELSA’S INTERNATIONAL INTERNAL MEETINGS

Over the past term, there have been great improvements in how we support the hosting of International Internal Meetings (IIM) (namely, International Council Meetings and the International Strategy Meetings) We have worked to provide Hosts with better resources, to share knowledge, and to encourage new Groups to take on the important role of hosting an IIM There are some key steps taken during this term to achieve these goals:

BETTER MATERIALS FOR HOST ATTRACTION AND FOR HOSTS

One of our main goals was to create useful materials to attract potential Hosts and help the Organising Committees This includes preparing for example:

An Information Session about Hosting: To make the hosting and application process clearer, we organised an Info Session for potential Hosts. This session covered the basics of applying to host an IIM, including what is needed for the application, as well as hosting experiences from former IIM Hosts The recording of this Session is shared along with the call for Hosts emails, where all interested Hosts have access to it

A Quality Standards Outline: To ensure every IIM meets standards and that they are understandable, we created a detailed outline of the applicable Quality Standards This Outline explains what is expected in terms of, for example, logistics, accommodation, and social programmes It is a helpful guide for Hosts to plan and organise successful meetings that align with our Quality Standards

A MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

A significant achievement this year was the launch of a mentorship programme that connects former Hosts with new Organising Committees This program uses the experience of former Hosts to guide and support new Hosts. Mentors can share best practices, tips, and tricks, giving new hosts the knowledge to organise a successful IIM

CONTACTING POTENTIAL HOSTS

In addition to contacting former Hosts, we kept in regular contact with potential Hosts. These calls provided a platform for discussing specific concerns, providing solutions, and offering advice This ongoing support ensures that potential hosts feel prepared and supported in applying to host and organising an IIM.

We encourage any Member interested in hosting an IIM to contact the Secretary General of the International Board of ELSA and the IIM Team at internal meetings@elsa org Our goal is to provide advice and support and make the hosting experience as smooth and rewarding as possible

In conclusion, the steps taken this term have improved the support structure for hosting ELSA’s International Internal Meetings We are committed to support hosts to organise successful IIMs with a smooth and supported organising process We are excited to continue to develop tools to ensure that our IIMs remain an important part of gathering the ELSA Network together There is more to come, stay tuned!

FEEDBACK CULTURE

Rugilė Hokušaitė

Assisstant for International Internal Meetings

IMPLEMENTATION OF FEEDBACK FORMS

Beyond sustainable hosting, this year, we made significant steps in enhancing the experience of our participants by implementing feedback forms after each International Internal Meeting Our goal was to collect valuable data that would help us understand the participants' perspectives and identify areas for improvement. Below, there is a detailed overview of the process and its impact.

DESIGN AND DISTRIBUTION OF FEEDBACK FORMS

Each feedback form was meticulously designed to capture comprehensive insights from the participants. We included a mix of quantitative questions (such as ratings and multiple-choice questions) and qualitative questions (open-ended responses) to gather detailed feedback on the general experience in the event and in every Area Workshop After every International Internal Meeting, these feedback forms were distributed promptly to ensure the experiences were fresh in the participants’ minds, leading to more accurate and detailed responses

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The responses were collected systematically and stored in a centralised database This allowed us to maintain a high level of organisation and accessibility for subsequent analysis Our analysis process involved both automated tools for quantitative data and manual review for qualitative data.

We identified trends, common issues, and areas of success, while thematic analysis was conducted on open-ended responses to capture nuanced feedback. Key metrics such as participant satisfaction, perceived value of the event, and suggestions for future improvements were highlighted in our reports

REPORT PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

Detailed reports were prepared based on the analysed data, presenting a clear picture of the feedback received These reports included graphical representations, key statistics, and summarised qualitative insights for better understanding We ensured that these reports were not only informative but also actionable, providing concrete recommendations for future events The final reports were presented to the respective members of the International Board of ELSA

ORGANISING EXIT CALLS

In addition to the feedback forms, we recognised the importance of engaging directly with the organisers of the events through exit calls. This initiative aimed to provide a two-way communication channel, ensuring that both the organisers and the International Board of ELSA could benefit from a shared understanding of the event experiences.

STRUCTURE AND EXECUTION OF EXIT CALLS

Exit calls were systematically organised with all event organisers shortly after each event. The timing was crucial to ensure that the discussions were relevant and the experiences were recent During these calls, we presented the feedback collected from participants, allowing organisers to understand the broader perception of the event. This presentation included both positive feedback and areas for improvement The calls were structured to encourage open dialogue, allowing organisers to share their experiences, challenges faced, and suggestions for future enhancements

GATHERING ORGANISERS' PERSPECTIVES

We placed significant emphasis on understanding the organisers' perspectives This included logistical challenges, communication with the International Board and the ELSA International Team, resource availability, and any other factors that influenced their experience Organisers were encouraged to provide candid feedback on how their interaction with the International Board and the ELSA International Team could be improved This feedback was invaluable in identifying systemic issues and opportunities for better support structures .

ENHANCING COMMUNICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The insights gathered from exit calls were systematically documented and analysed to identify common themes and recurring issues Recommendations were made to improve communication channels, support systems, and overall experience for organisers These recommendations were aimed at fostering a more collaborative and supportive environment

By implementing feedback forms and organising exit calls, we have created a robust system to enhance the experiences of both participants and organisers at our International Internal Meetings These initiatives have not only provided valuable data for immediate improvements but have also set a foundation for long-term strategic enhancements

COMPLIANCE

Yordan

Kyurkchiyski

Secretary General

Throughout the course of the past four years, the International Board experienced consistent issues in the management of the notarial registration of both its own Statutes and those of the ELSA Development Foundation on the occasions that proposals to amend these were approved by the International Council of ELSA. These difficulties were primarily developed due to inconsistencies in the proposals approved, alongside an overall lack of knowledge management in the area of legal compliance, which in turn led to a strained relationship with the Notary of ELSA Accordingly, despite best efforts by former International Boards, the above inconsistencies led to a cross-term difficulty in defining a concrete and stable approach for the resolution of both past and future changes to our Regulations

To correspond with these issues, the 83rd International Council Meeting saw the approval of the Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which itself included a crucial point on the internal and external coherence of ELSA’s regulations

2.3 ELSA shall strive towards having internally and externally coherent regulations by:

a regularly reviewing its regulations to be in accordance with all applicable laws

b. consolidating its Statutes.

c ensuring their uniformity in vocabulary and structure

Annual Report

ELSA International 2023/2024

In line with these objectives, the past term began with the reconnection with the Notary of ELSA, re-establishing and solidifying the relationship with a view to resolving the applicable statutory issues Following this reconnection, a timeline was established in collaboration with the Notary in order to firstly put into effect the proposals already approved by the International Council on previous occasions, and secondly, to effectuate any additional changes which were identified as necessary due to regulatory changes in Book II of the Dutch Civil Code, under which ELSA is governed This process ultimately led to the deliberation and approval of over 30 Statutory Proposals across the two International Council Meetings in Tbilisi, Georgia and Thessaloniki, Greece These proposals have now been integrated into a new and notarised Statutes and Standing Orders, which is also presented in its authentic Dutch version and integrates the previously approved changes since the 79th International Council Meeting Online

More importantly, however, the discussions conducted with the Notary of ELSA before, during and after these International Council Meetings, resulted in a common ground on the collaborative procedure for future amendments to the Statutes, which has been effectively integrated into the transition of the International Board of ELSA in a hope for a smooth process moving forward Additionally, throughout the term connections have been established with members of ELSA Alumni, who have expressed interest in supporting the International Board with questions of legal compliance, and consultations have already begun in this realm prior to the end of the term

When it comes to the ELSA Development Foundation, the progress over the past year operated in a similar vein While the latest version of the EDF Statutes was formally registered in 2017, subsequent amendments which have taken place since have necessitated further notarisation and publication with the Belgian Monitor. In line with this, the focus of this year was on the acquisition of expert advice from EY Law on the necessary modifications stemming from the new Belgian Law on Companies and Associations from March 2019, as well as the mandatory procedures in order for an updated version of the Statutes to be officially published As a result, a new English version of the Statutes was formally recommended by the International Council of ELSA during the 85th International Council Meeting Thessaloniki, and subsequently translated into French in preparation for the upcoming notarisation While the notarisation itself was not completed within the 2023/2024 term, however, all groundwork has been laid down in order for this process to be finalised with the stepping into office of the new Board of Directors of EDF

Additionally, similarly to ELSA, further knowledge management points on legal compliance have also been integrated into the Foundation’s operation From compiling useful resources, through completing outstanding registrations of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) from the past, and initiating the process of publication of the past Final Accounts of the Foundation, efforts have been focused on clarifying the necessary steps for maintenance of complete compliance not only in the vacuum of this term, but more importantly over the upcoming years

Nives Edler Assistant for Data Protection

The subject of data protection is not a new one Compliance with the relevant data protection regulations is mandatory However, there are advantages to be gained from being compliant, including the promotion of transparency and the building of trust in the association’s operations With the adoption of the Strategic Plan 2023-2028 during the 83rd International Council Meeting, the Network decided to embrace a new era of importance of Data Protection within ELSA.

A STRATEGY AND A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

As an international association, our primary objective is to be privacy-friendly and to support our National and Local Groups in navigating through the complex landscape of data protection We initiated the compliance process by conducting an assessment of the current state of ELSA International by identifying all data flows through ELSA In numerous meetings, we investigated together with the designated Members of the International Board every Area and addressed any concerns Our Advisor for Data Protection assisted us in concluding these discussions in a comprehensive Record of Processing Activities

Furthermore, we focused our attention on the critical points, risks and issues that arose during the data flow assessment process We are pleased to present a preliminary GAP analysis, which identifies potential future risks and forms the basis of a plan for the next term The most pressing issues have already been resolved, and we are now in a position to focus on the remaining issues and risks Some of the measures we took during this term included updating and reviewing existing Privacy Policies, implementing an updated IT & Cybersecurity Policy, a Data Breach Response Policy and a Data Subject Rights Policy However, these steps are only the beginning Based on the assessments and discussions, we have created a master plan for the work to be done in the future in the form of a Roadmap to Data Protection Compliance

THE NETWORK AND DATA PROTECTION

Consequently, it is crucial to onboard the network into data protection work We conducted workshops to introduce officers across the network on how to assess their data flows and start becoming privacy-friendly Furthermore, we discussed the importance of archiving and data minimisation, ensuring it is practical for all officers As one of the final initiatives of this term, we have commenced the long-awaited Data Protection Handbook and a Transition Session to facilitate the implementation of data protection measures for new incoming officers However, one continuous factor has always accompanied us in our work in data protection: learning from the Network’s best practices while raising awareness about data protection and its challenges

AN EVER CLOSER ELSA INTERNATIONAL

Yordan Kyurkchiyski Secretary General

Benita Steger Director for Human Resources

The past year has been a remarkable journey for the Human Resources Department at ELSA International Building on the foundational structures established in the previous term, we have made significant strides in enhancing our team dynamics and developing a comprehensive Human Resources Strategy for the future Our main objective was to strengthen our existing team structures and foster a sense of community across the ELSA International Team, despite the challenges posed by remote work.

At the beginning of the term, we revisited job positions and published the new Human Resources Handbook This comprehensive guide not only clarified the Human Resources Management in ELSA but also set expectations and outlined best practices, ensuring that every Human Resources Officer can prepare for their responsibilities.

The first major milestone was in November 2023, when we gathered in-person at the LXXXIV International Council Meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia This event, featuring a new delegation structure, was a resounding success and provided an invaluable opportunity for face-to-face interactions, fostering deeper connections among ELSA International. It built upon the existing capacity of ELSA International to accommodate delegates from its international team by ensuring their meaningful participation and contribution to the works of the International Council Meeting Engaging members of the delegation in discussions, facilitating dedicated reporting time and integrating joint feedback with the International Board of ELSA, not only boosted morale, but served to showcase the importance of the team itself in the operations of ELSA International. In particular, this week with the new delegation structure allowed for more collaboration, setting a miraculous tone for the rest of the year

In December, our team convened in Brussels for the ELSA International Team Weekend, where we engaged in in-depth discussions about current network issues and collaborated on strategic solutions. This team weekend was also crucial in discussing our Human Resources Strategy ideas, significantly enhancing our drafting process through the pooling of diverse perspectives By executing a preliminary SWOT analysis of our Human Resources Management, we were able to develop a deeper understanding of existing challenges and desires for improvement that formed a synergy across everyone at ELSA International

Midway through the term, we gathered for the IV International Strategy Meeting in Brno, Czech Republic. This pivotal event also set a focus on the future of HR, gathering valuable insights and collaboratively developing solutions and implementation ideas with the network Throughout the term, we welcomed new assistants in the Human Resources Department, who contributed significantly to our projects Their work and perspectives were vital in the execution of events like the ELSA Awards and the ELSA Skills Academy, both of which received widespread acclaim

In April 2024, we presented our Draft Strategy during the LXXXV International Council Meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece The workshop on Human Resources and the feedback session on the draft ensured that our strategy was on the right track and we were able to pass the implementation and structure with the network during the Mid-Plenary The new Strategy would be implemented over the course of three years, starting with from 2024 and running through to the 90th International Council Meeting in Autumn 2026, while being simultaneously supplemented by Progress Presentations during each year of implementation, as well as a Human Resources Strategy Progress Report in the second year and a Human Resources Strategy Final Report in the final year of implementation

On the points of its strategic foci (focus areas), the Strategy truly built upon the experiences of the 84th International Council Meeting in Tbilisi and the ELSA International Team Weekend which had laid the overarching foundations of an ever closer ELSA International The draft situated three distinct foci which each address a general problem within the organisational and human resources structures of our Association - “ELSA as an Engaging Association”, “ELSA International Team to the Fullest Support” and “The International Board as a Worthwhile Experience” Each of these focus areas then has specific goals and respectively implementation points

“ELSA as an Engaging Association” seeks to establish the principles of the external engagement of ELSA International with the ELSA Network From developing network-wide Human Resources mechanisms and support systems, to solidifying knowledge management and fostering HR ambition, its core was dedicated to spreading awareness and know-how on successful Human Resources Management across the 43 National Groups of ELSA “ELSA International Team to the Fullest Support” and “the International Board as a Worthwhile Experience” on the other hand are oriented inwards - to the restructuring and implementation steps needed to ensure that ELSA International itself represents an entity bringing value and recognition to its members, incentivising them to join and stay

Beyond the Draft Strategy, the ELSA International Delegation during the 85th International Council Meeting underscored our commitment to extending our efforts, and together with the overwhelming internal support and engagement from everyone highlighted the strength and unity of our Delegation. Over the course of this term, our team transformed from strangers to colleagues, then friends, and ultimately into a ELSA International family characterised by openness, respect, and a unique sense of community Despite primarily interacting online, we built strong, meaningful relationships, which were crucial As we approached the second half of the term, our focus shifted to finalising the now published Human Resources Strategy 2024-2026, establishing a robust transition system, and evaluating our work. These efforts ensure that the groundwork laid would guide our successors The evaluations helped us identify strengths and areas for improvement, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future

ELSA AWARDS - BIGGER, BETTER

Yordan Kyurkchiyski Secretary General

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Alongside expanding our Officer Development prospects, over the course of our term, we also focused on growing our existing programmes in the area with the notable specific highlight of the ELSA Awards Programme

The ELSA Awards were developed over the course of the past term by the Human Resources Department in the ELSA International Team 2022/2023 as an Awards Programme designed to show appreciation for the work of dedicated Officers in the ELSA Network based on the merits of their individual and collective achievements As with the original 2023 Edition, this year we once again opened space for individual and collective nominations across 13 categories from the National Groups of ELSA However, what originated as a small idea discovered in the past archives during the previous term, ultimately attracted a record number of over 90 nominations, changing the landscape of how we practise recognition within our Association and the broader legal community An invaluable contribution to this achievement goes both to the members of the Officer Development Team at ELSA International - Dimitrios Nikas and Felipe Barbosa, whose work formed the building blocks of the programme ’ s success

Apart from standard promotion, we for the first time utilised further social media visibility This term we emphasised the importance of the ELSA Awards, ensuring the visibility of the officers from all over the Network Firstly we shared an informational post with our audience to give all the necessary information about the project After the awards took place we shared the Winners, mentioning and tagging them All of these while creating a lot of engagement, also ensured that human focus is vital for the ELSA Network

Following the formal Awards Ceremony during the 85th International Council Meeting and the visibility attained on social media, we hope that projects like the ELSA Awards continue to develop across the Network In fact we have already witnessed multiple National Groups of ELSA utilising the opportunity to introduce their very own national awards programmes Such initiatives are crucial to celebrate our communities and the achievements accomplished - not only from the individual perspective of a select-few winners, but also network-wide collective mindset directed towards the praise and fostering of talent, dedication and service

ELSA TRAINING

Vasilis Kaitsas Director for ELSA Training

DEVELOPMENT, UTILISATION AND CROSS-FUNCTIONAL EXPANSION

A training, per definition, is the process of learning the skills you need to do a particular job or activity. Since its introduction back in 1991, ELSA Training aims to contribute to the development of the skills of ELSA members, while serving as a tool to transfer and manage the knowledge in our Association. The project has come a long way over the past terms. This year, we focused on expanding and utilising it best, rather than changing or reforming it

Starting the term with a consistent number of trainers allowed us to engage with the ITP and make the most use of it Together with our trainers, we tried to conform ELSA Training to the work of ELSA officers and members ELSA International took an active role, organising training sessions throughout the year, addressed to the entire Network Except for the International Training Meeting, the ELSA Skills Academy was organised once again, offering great insight to its participants and equipping them with useful tools

On a cross-functional level, ELSA International also organised a cycle of training sessions for the attendees of ELSA Delegations to strengthen their personal branding and networking skills These sessions were well praised by the participants During the International Internal Meetings, where great discussions took place with the Network, the dynamics and potential of ELSA Training were shown Whether it is “traditional” training, National Trainers’ Pools or other forms of training, ELSA Training is an inseparable part of ELSA

Apart from the actual training sessions, we focused on the impact of ELSA Training itself At the beginning of the term, a series of social media posts were planned with the Marketing Team to raise awareness of the project, while we updated the ELSA Training Website, with the help of the IT Team, to correspond with the realities of the programme Furthermore, we applied for an EYC Cooperation Grant from the European Youth Foundation dedicated to support the Train the Trainers and Refreshment Weekend, which led us to in turn consider new ELSA Training events

This term will mark the first time after a long time that the Train the Trainers Event will coincide with the ITP Refreshment Weekend, taking place in October, later this year; this will allow incoming and existing trainers to network, exchange experience and build a closer community As for the events themselves, the TtT will follow the new successful structure, consisting of two online and an in-person weekend, while the RW sessions will be delivered by an External Trainer, offering new insight to our trainers

Our work this term has laid the basis for the next day of ELSA Training The next step is the creation of a training strategy, in accordance with the Strategic Plan of ELSA 2023-2028 Additionally, this is the right time to introduce new training topics that endorse our Network and its needs In the years to come, ELSA Training will hopefully expand its impact and outreach even more!

TRAIN THE TRAINERS & REFRESHMENT WEEKEND -

INSEPARABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME

Yordan

Kyurkchiyski

Secretary General

As mentioned above, this year marks the first time that the renewed joint structure of the Train the Trainers and Refreshment Weekend as implemented during the term 2021/2022 is due to take place. In line with its original concept, this approach seeks to not only integrate existing and incoming Trainers, but provide for an opportunity for interaction, collaboration and dialogue between them when it comes to the future of the International Trainers’ Pool (ITP).

Additionally, this edition marks the first time where a cross-term approach has been taken towards these events, whereby one Secretary General of the International Board of ELSA acts as Head of Organising Committee in the preparation segment of the events, and their successor proceeds to execute it subsequently in the course of their term in office This not only signifies a new era for the TtT&RW, but also provides an opportunity for the better organisational management of the project, with a view to a more robust timeframe for the implementation of the different organisational steps

Apart from organisational updates, the 2024 TtT&RW is also promised as a success due to the record number of applications received, with 25 people ultimately joining the three-weekend training in the pursuit of becoming Trainers or improving their skills as existing such The programme has been carefully crafted to match the reality of current training trends, offering insights into facilitation, techniques on how to manage a disinterested crowd, as well as continuous discussions on ELSA Training online, while also integrating dedicated time for mutual discussions between TtT and RW participants. These sessions are meant to create a collaborative and supportive environment fostering mutual learning within the ITP itself, providing insights into practicalities, but also building the foundations for the ITP’s future development

Finally, the TtT&RW also presents an opportunity for the revitalised partnership with the College of Europe, who have generously agreed to host the event at their facilities in Brugge, Belgium!

IT DEVELOPMENT

Yordan Kyurkchiyski Secretary General

Jan Wisnievski Director for IT

Roksana Inga Rybick Assistant for IT

THE MAGICAL BACKSTAGE OF ELSA IT

Once upon a time, someone said that the development of technology could solve human problems and make their lives easier It is true, but does it mean that this evolution is free of some unexpected situations or issues, which remain unpredictable?

As members of one of the biggest non-profit organisations worldwide, our main goal is spreading the idea of a just world with respect for human dignity and cultural diversity Nowadays we can fully focus on Traineeships, Competitions, Local and National projects, and other uncountable projects for which ELSA is famous Even though it may be believed, however, that our Association is self-sufficient in this area due to the extensive IT infrastructure associated with ELSA on Google, our Website and the forms which allow self-automated applications for ELSA Delegations and Law Schools, not everything always works like a charm, and sometimes someone has to come with a toolbox to fix it Since the beginning of August, a small but ambitious group of people constantly faced these technological puzzles, responding to the queries received via the newly coordinated IT-response Google Group: it-team@elsa org and developing solutions for existing IT challenges faced by ELSA International

Apart from these ad-hoc fixes, however, the IT Team has been heavily engaged with the development of new versions of the general ELSA website available at elsa org, the Officers Portal of ELSA available at officers elsa org and a new Study Visits Portal These new versions follow an anticipated desire on behalf of ELSA International to modernise its outlook towards externals while maximising available functionalities and the user-friendly interface of our website The development of the general pages relating to ELSA as an Association have been initiated, with the respective Flagship Project subdomains to follow in due course.

Annual Report

ELSA International 2023/2024

Implemented changes in this regard have not only taken place from the graphic design and visual perspective which intrinsically tie into the professional image of ELSA, but also through the implementation of interactive tools, relevant to our Audience Examples of this include the introduction of interactive maps of Europe with the presence of the National Groups of ELSA, self-moving objects on the webpages, rotating galleries and integrated links to ELSA’s social media platforms In addition to this, functionalities, which aid ELSA’s legal and data protection compliance have also been implemented, such as a new and functional cookie banner, permitting users to proactively select the cookies collected by their browser when visiting the websites of ELSA

Some of these changes, however, require further time and resources in order to proceed Nevertheless, the initial foundations have already been laid for further development within the upcoming term(s) and once the websites themselves have been fully developed the anticipation is that they may be successfully launched and published with a reputable hosting provider.

A NEW DAWN FOR ELSA’S MAILING LISTS SYSTEMS

Yordan Kyurkchiyski

Secretary General

Apart from the development of the new elsa org, the second most significant development in the field of IT, has by far been the long-overdue shift from the old mailing lists system hosted on LISTSERV to a newly developed such on Google Groups

The idea originally conceptualised in 2016, was picked up once again in December 2023 over the course of the annual ELSA International Team Weekend, where a plan for the eventual migration of the Area Mailing Lists was developed This followed earlier successful implementation within the internal communication systems of ELSA International (both within the ELSA International Team and the International Trainers’ Pool), where the new Google Groups have proven to be both user friendly and fully meeting the functionality needs of ELSA over the months of September - December 2023

Following this implementation plan, National Groups were contacted by the Assistants for Internal Management, Anna Szulc and Gabriela Tomaszewska, throughout January and February 2024 to provide an updated list of emails used for professional communication on their behalf, in addition to those already indicated in the National Group Report Additionally, an Open Call was hosted in mid-January to discuss any particular concerns or risks associated with Google Groups which members of the Network might indicate

As an ultimate result, the official shift of the mailing lists system took place on the 1st of March 2024, when official communication was officially transferred to the new system. This signifies a major step in the positive direction of modernisation when it comes to the IT Systems of ELSA and a significant personal milestone for which the Internal Management should be proud

Annual Report

International 2023/2024

ELSA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Adéla Chloupková Treasurer

Following the changes of the past term, we focused on stabilising the ELSA Development Foundation

As one of the most significant changes of the last term was the restructuring of the mode of support. The first step was to create new application forms for applicants Additionally, due to these significant changes, one of our primary focuses during the first half of the term was to educate the Network and provide guidance to help them with the procedure

The most significant improvements occurred mainly in the following areas:

Changes in the ELSA Development Foundation Standing Orders: 1.

Adjustments were made to the timelines, particularly regarding financial support for National Board members to attend International Council Meetings of ELSA

Evaluation Process of the Applications: 2

The evaluation process was enhanced by introducing a multi-stage review that began with an initial screening for basic eligibility, using a new evaluation form to ensure compliance with all established rules. We also analysed the number of applications received during each cycle and tracked their success. Additionally, all unsuccessful applicants received detailed feedback aimed at helping them improve future submissions

Financial Situation: 3.

Based on the newly adopted Regulations, the Board of Directors of ELSA Development Foundation was able to use a dedicated reserve for the first time to support more applications Based on these additional funds and newly created analyses, we prepared a different budget structure for the next term for the distribution of funds across all cycles, aiming to support successful applicants more fairly

The main improvement, however, occurred in registering the Board of Directors of the ELSA Development Foundation. To ensure legal compliance, as detailed in another section of this ELSA Annual Report, we took all necessary steps to register both the current and incoming Board of Directors of EDF

To ensure continuity in this process, we created guidelines for future Boards to facilitate their registration process

In conclusion, we believe that these initiatives have developed the ELSA Development Foundation. By implementing these changes, we have improved our processes and financial management and ensured greater transparency and support for our members We are optimistic that these advancements will lead to even more remarkable achievements in the coming terms

LE CERCLE

Adéla Chloupková

Treasurer

Le Cercle is an initiative established by ELSA International 2021/2022, in collaboration with some of its alumni, aimed at garnering financial support for the organisation. This concept is designed to create a community of supporters who are committed to contributing to the continued success and activities of ELSA throughout the year

The International Board of ELSA benefits from the financial assistance provided by members of Le Cercle, which ensures the sustainability and enhancement of its various programmes and projects By joining Le Cercle, alumni, and other benefactors can stay connected with ELSA's mission, contribute to its growth, and be part of a dedicated network that values the promotion of legal education and cooperation across Europe

Throughout the whole term, we focused on strengthening Le Cercle as a critical support system for the International Board of ELSA, ensuring ongoing success and growth Our efforts centered on reconnecting with former ELSA members, emphasising the importance of their support and the impact they could make. Using personalised emails, we embarked on a targeted effort to reconnect with alumni who had been part of ELSA in previous years This outreach not only aimed to update them on our current initiatives but also emphasised the lasting impact of their involvement and contributions As a result, we successfully re-established connections with a significant number of alumni, thereby strengthening our alumni network

By fostering these renewed relationships, we sought to create a sense of community within Le Cercle, where alumni feel valued and connected to the ongoing work and achievements of ELSA International This approach not only enhances our ability to garner financial support but also taps into the wealth of experience and knowledge that our alumni bring, enriching the overall engagement and impact of our organisation.

We are grateful for all the support provided by Eero Ilmari Rautalahti, Johanna Kauppinen, Agathe Brand Kuipers, Andrew Brooke, Lisa Mead, Bartosz Balewski, Paul Hochbaum, Francesco Bondi, Michael Goeskjær, Anu Mattila, Filipe Machado, Michael Goldinger, Sarah Ikast Kristoffersen, Mikko Laitinen, Yuri van Steenwijk, and we are looking for even closer cooperation during the next term

ENGAGEMENT

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

ENGAGEMENT

Social media is important for connecting individuals and communities and fostering communication and collaboration across distances It serves as a powerful marketing tool for ELSA, enabling us to reach and engage with our target audiences more effectively.

+ 1 8 K LIKES + 700 LIKES

INSTAGRAM

14K FOLLOWERS

+1,6K NEW FOLLOWERS

+50K LIKES

LINKEDIN

37K FOLLOWERS

+5,4K NEW FOLLOWERS

FACEBOOK

75K FOLLOWERS

To engage with our followers, this term ELSA international used interactive features such as polls, quizzes, and live streams to create direct engagement and real-time interaction with audiences

43 RD ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN / +850 LIKES

ACCESSIBILITY - FOR EVERYONE, FOR EVERY PROJECT

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Rebecca Prauß Director for Marketing

, providing Marketers with the Canva templates helped them extensively in terms of accessibility of marketing and promotional materials. This term, we continued to update and share Canva templates as part of every Marketing Kit while creating new templates for the missing ones So now the ELSA Negotiations Competition and ELSA Webinars Academy Marketing Kit have Canva templates available

It is important to ensure a uniform appearance of ELSA in all its projects, which is why we decided at the beginning of the term to create a marketing kit for the International Conferences of ELSA

For this purpose, a general template for story and feed posts was created, as well as a speaker's template and certificates.

The graphics use the supportive colours of ELSA in the brightest shades of blue and work with graphic elements that are intended to represent the internationality, knowledge transfer, and networking of young students from all over Europe. These templates were well received in the network and were also used to promote the project making it accessible to Marketers to promote the ICE easily

To increase the accessibility of the promotional communications, this term we shared all the necessary information through our channels to collectively promote the flagship projects Marketers got the graphics, templates, descriptions, and other instructions prior to the promotion As a result, we had network-wide promotion for our flagship projects that was accessed by a majority of the Marketers The mentioned approach created a positive impact on the engagement of the Marketing officers within ELSA International’s projects as well

ICE Marketing Kit

VISIBILITY - A MORE HUMAN CENTERED APPROACH

TTF 2024

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Considering the continuous growth and development of ELSA and its projects, the need to stay visible becomes even more challenging During the term 2023/2024 ELSA International focused on highlighting our offline projects and competitions through social media We shared a daily recap for the ROLE Train the Facilitators Conference, informing our audience about the structure of the event and giving an overview of this newly introduced project

COMPETITIONS

When it comes to our two competitions, the Regional Rounds of the 12th Helga Pedersen and 22nd John H Jackson Moot Court Competitions have been highlighted respectively in our social media, creating visibility not for only the event but also for the Regional Round Organisers

Regarding the Final Oral Rounds, happening in Strasbourg, France, and Geneva, Switzerland we shared videos and photos lively from the spot, covering any major improvement and side-event happening including all ceremonies, oral rounds, partner presentations, and awards.

ELSA AWARDS

With the collaboration of the IM Team, this term we emphasised the importance of the ELSA Awards, ensuring the visibility of the officers from all over the Network This, while creating a lot of engagement, also ensured that human focus is vital for the ELSA Network.

AUDIOVISUALS - MOST ENGAGING CONTENT

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

The recent popularity of audiovisual content - especially short format videos - made it inevitable to include this content in ELSA´s Marketing strategy Being explaining, short, and engaging they inform the audience about the topic in a captivating way This dynamic form of communication can significantly boost interest, support, and funding for the p j t

During the term, ELSA Inte with more than 320K views International Team member sharing tips for applications, to JHJMCC, from ELSA Law of the projects such as Caree

After successfully launching the SELS Applications, we continued with further promotion during April We tried to spotlight Summer ELSA Law Schools individually by sharing everyday stories made by organising committees Durinh that SELS Takeover Week, more than 20 Organising Committees sent us their videos which were edited and shared by us to support them with their internal promotion as well.

This year a new addition to the audiovisual content of ELSA was having interviews with participants of several projects These interviews covered questions about participants' experience, motivation, and advice We believe this opportunity can be used not only for competitions and offline events but prospectively also for other projects

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Selin Aklan Director for Public Relations

Over the term, the Public Relations team developed comprehensive strategies to increase ELSA's visibility and strengthen its reputation These strategies were shaped in line with industry analysis, social media trends, and the expectations of ELSA's target audience The strategies prioritised ELSA's mission and values and aimed to create events and campaigns that would attract law students and professionals.

We anticipate that the strategies prepared by using our resources will be very useful for ELSA in setting goals and managing risks for the future periods This strategic planning makes it easier to adapt to changing conditions and new opportunities which will enable ELSA to remain flexible in a dynamic and competitive environment

During the preparation of PR Strategies, each member of the PR team developed a strategy in a different area. This ensured a regular rotation between work areas and everyone was able to contribute to each area Especially in social media management and public relations strategies, harmony and cooperation within the team accelerated the preparation of PR Strategies

On a general note, we are pleased to share that continuous efforts have been made to support the National and Local groups in regards to Public Relations In both of the International Council Meetings, workshops on Public Relations have been held, explaining the importance and creation of the PR strategies Additionally, individual calls were held with the Marketers upon request where the experience of ELSA International has been shared

PR Strategies 23/24

POWER MERGE : SYNERGY X ELR BLOG

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Nadia Dourida Vice President in charge of Academic Activities

of the Synergy website to be ready for the usage of the Synergy Blog, we continued the work towards merging the Synergy Blog and ELR Blog in one place The primary purpose was to have all the articles related to ELSA - both regarding social and academic activities in a single “market”- and to give both platforms two different types of audience pools After the collaboration of the Marketing and Academic Activities team, the International Council decided to merge the two blogs which was successfully completed by ELSA International. You can now find Synergy Blog and ELR Blog articles at synergyblog org divided by different pages and content

The ELR blog features academic articles centered on the broad theme

SYNERGY BLOG

Fidan Namazova Vice President in charge of Marketing

Synergy Blog now contains articles related to social activities, recent news, and improvements of National and Local Groups that can be shared with the rest of the Network by a simple submitting process. Recently we have been exploring the possibility of uploading video content to Synergy Blog examples of which can be found at synergyblog.org We believe this feature has a big potential when it comes to uploading interviews Those interviews can effectively communicate complex ideas, showcase the project's progress, and highlight its key features, making it more appealing to potential investors and stakeholders. Now the blog also serves as a platform for partner-related content to be shared as well which will contribute to their engagement

To promote the new format of Synergy, ELSA International posted informational videos and graphics on its social media highlighting this opportunity We updated the website with new content while making necessary changes to the structure of it.

RULE OF LAW EDUCATION

Nadia Dourida Vice President in charge of Academic Activites

RULE OF LAW EDUCATION PROGRAMME

This year, one of the main focuses of the Academic Activities area was the coordination of the Rule of Law Education Programme across our Network The Rule of Law Education (ROLE) initiative seeks to instil in high school students (ages 15-18) a deep understanding of integrity and equity within systems, achieved through the principles of the Rule of Law It also fosters a sense of active citizenship by equipping them with the abilities and self-assurance to actively participate in and promote the enhancement of the rule of law within their communities All this is achieved through a well-structured 10-lesson curriculum which was drafted by ELSA Alumni

As ROLE is one of ELSA’s youngest projects, this year we focused mainly on implementing a coaching system in which countries would be able to participate in, in order to facilitate the implementation of ROLE around Europe Each National Group was assigned a “coach” from the ELSA International Team, who was the main contact person for any inquiries and needs that arose. The coaches also provided each country with the essential materials and information regarding the project, as well as guidance before, during and after the implementation The goal of the coaching system was for it to provide a centralised platform for document sharing, overall programme management, and motivational support. As the first year that this idea was implemented, I am happy to share that we had 12 countries participating in the coaching system, which is a big step towards ROLE implementation across the Network Out of these, 8 already managed to visit schools this year, and actively participated in the project. This showcases that the project is growing rapidly, and we are expecting even more groups to participate in the following term

TRAIN THE FACILITATORS CONFERENCE

Between the 29th of February and the 3rd of March 2024, ELSA International organised the 2nd edition of the Train the Facilitators Conference for the Rule of Law Education Programme in Brussels, Belgium We are happy to share that we received 90 very good applications from all around Europe, from which we selected 30. The main objective of this event was to introduce the participants to the principles of non-formal education and facilitation respectively Through interactive workshops, roleplay activities, and delivery of the curriculum, everyone familiarized themselves with the concept of ROLE. With the help of ELSA Alumni and trainers from the International Trainers Pool, I can proudly say that this event was a success! The last day also included a workshop on ROLE implementation, during which the participants learned more about the technicalities of the project as well as the most efficient way to approach schools in their respective countries Last but not least, I am happy to share that for the second year our Conference was supported financially by the European Youth Foundation, and we had the honor to have a speaker from LexisNexis and a keynote speaker from the European Commission during the opening ceremony

E NETHERLANDS

e orchestrated 2 ROLE programmes in nds

e took place in the Goois Lyceum of s programme was a collaboration held th the Institute for Statelessness and I), and our curriculum was based upon the rule of law and statelessness To programme, 5 university-law students ted and trained to teach 4 sessions, hich students drafted imaginary s, practised rule of law principles, and s to stateless children across the world

nd programme, we drafted 8 different all on the rule of law in conjunction international law topics In this 16 trainers were recruited and trained, 8 different classes for 5 sessions at the School of Amsterdam The highlights mpaign entailed advocacy strategy well as real-life simulations of the gal system

ateful for our trainer’s participation, and motivation, together with the st to let us organise ROLE in their hope to continue these programmes g years!

ROLE IN CROATIA

IN GENERAL

In the academic year 2023/24, ELSA Croatia, with its 4 local groups, implemented ROLE (Rule of Law Education) Campaign, for the 2nd year in a row Each local group chose its own local coordinator. The task of the local coordinator was to contact the schools, coordinate the time of school visits and prepare the project members for a simulated school hour as part of the ROLE Training Weekend in Rijeka.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT

The first thing that was carried out was the selection of members who applied to participate in the project Each member, in accordance with the Croatian ROLE curriculum, had to prepare for one simulated school lesson, following the guidelines described in the curriculum They had the opportunity to show their simulated lesson, as well as the comprehension of the curriculum, at the ROLE Training Weekend held in Rijeka from December 16th to 17th, where they further expanded their knowledge of the rule of law, as well as the improvement of their presentation skills and transfer of knowledge to high school students.

ABOUT NUMBERS

nt in charge of Academic Activities ELSA ands 2023/2024

ELSA Croatia (all Local Groups together) had 31 ROLE trainers who visited 15 high schools in 10 Croatian cities and were in a total of 37 classes The lecture on the rule of law was attended by a total of 662 high school students

Katarina Jurić

Vice President in charge of Academic Activities ELSA Croatia

eport rnational 2023/2024

ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN

Nadia Dourida Vice President in charge of Academic Activites

The Annual Human Rights Campaign is a European-wide initiative dedicated to fostering legal education on a specified human rights topic each year Its primary aim is to unify the Network in raising awareness about the critical importance of human rights. By doing so, it encourages National and Local Groups across Europe to organise coordinated events that highlight both national and international standards of human rights protection and implementation. This campaign serves as a vital platform for disseminating knowledge, promoting dialogue, and encouraging action towards the advancement of human rights

To mark International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December, we organised a webinar entitled “Whistleblower Protection: A Key to a Just World” in cooperation with the Council of Europe and the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) The event aimed to highlight the critical role of whistleblowers in promoting transparency and justice, and the importance of robust protection mechanisms to ensure their safety and effectiveness

Campaign saw on throughout Local Groups nts This marks s since 2017, showcasing a substantial boost in engagement and campaign activities

On social media, the campaign garnered considerable attention, engaging over 50,000 people through likes, shares, and comments This strong online presence highlighted the widespread interest and interaction with the campaign's content, indicating heightened awareness and active involvement in discussions about human rights and corruption

ELSA Portugal hopes that this achievement may continue to inspire the Portuguese Network to engage in this campaign and to continue making a positive change, aligned with ELSA’s vision: a just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity

Ana Lira

Vice President in charge of Academic Activities ELSA Portugal

ELSA Portugal's Annual Human Rights Campaign 2023/2024 was inspired in the dream of making a change by engaging in a campaign that provides a platform to discuss very important concerns regarding the protection of human rights.

This dream was supported by the hard work of our local groups and the tools provided by ELSA International, in particular the carefully drafted supporting materials, which were a wonderful tool and source of inspiration

In total the Portuguese Network planned, dreamed and organised more than 20 events about Corruption and Human Rights, online and throughout the country, with multiple formats such as International Webinars, Legal Clinics, Legal Debates, Essay Competitions, Seminars, Marketing Campaigns and all in between!

What was truly rewarding about this campaign was the ability to make a difference and provide a platform to discuss such a contemporary problem that is Corruption and how it affects Human Rights.

Annual Report

ELSA International 2023/2024

AHRC IN PORTUGAL

Dhimitër Zguro Director for Human Rights

FROM THE ELSA INTERNATIONAL TEAM PERSPECTIVE

As the Director for Human Rights of ELSA International, I have had the great pleasure of working with the National Groups and Local Groups in our mission to raise awareness and provide legal education on human rights. This year ’ s Annual Human Rights Campaign has been a remarkable journey, marked by our collective dedication to the theme of corruption and human rights Our Europeanwide campaign has successfully united the Network, organizing over 141 events that highlighted national and international standards of protection and implementation of human rights

The Annual Human Rights Campaign 2023/2024 aimed to not only inform but also inspire action among our members and the broader community We addressed the critical intersection of corruption and human rights, emphasizing how corruption undermines the rule of law and democracy, and how it erodes public trust in institutions Through different types of events and projects, we provided a platform for robust discussions and exchange of ideas on combating corruption and strengthening human rights protections

One of the standout features of this year ’ s Campaign was the high level of engagement and participation Social media played a crucial role in amplifying our message, reaching a wide audience across Europe. The active involvement of Academic Activities Officers was instrumental in the success of this Campaign, as they organized events tailored to their local contexts while aligning with our overarching theme.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vice President in charge of Academic Activities 2023/2024, Nadia Dourida, for her unwavering support and strategic guidance. Her leadership has been vital in coordinating our efforts and ensuring the Campaign’s objectives were met Additionally, my assistants, Inês Ribeiro and Maria Chalampaki, have been indispensable in their roles, providing crucial support and contributing significantly to the Campaign’s success

Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Council of Europe for its continuous support and for acknowledging our efforts through various collaborations and awards Its involvement has provided us with valuable resources and a platform to reach even broader audiences, enhancing the impact of our campaign.

Looking ahead, our vision remains steadfast: to continue raising awareness of the importance of human rights Together, we will create a more just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity

CORRUPTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Nadia Dourida Vice President in charge of Academic Activites

In May 2024, ELSA International had the pleasure of opening submissions for the annual legal essay

ILRG ON LAW AND SUSTAINABILITY

Nadia Dourida Vice President in charge of Academic Activites

In alignment with ELSA’s International Focus Programme on “Law and Sustainability,” we embarked on an ambitious initiative last year to establish an International Legal Research Group dedicated to comparative research on this critical subject

The International Legal Research Group is composed of a diverse team of researchers from across Europe, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table This collaborative effort aims to produce a comprehensive final report that will offer valuable insights and recommendations on the intersection of law and sustainability. The research focuses on comparing different legal approaches and practices, identifying best practices, and proposing innovative legal solutions to promote sustainable development.

Our collaboration with the Wuppertal Institute, a renowned research organisation dedicated to sustainability studies, further strengthens the project This partnership ensures that our research is grounded in the latest scientific findings and benefits from the Institute's extensive experience and resources, as the final report will be published officially by them.

The initiative is not merely an academic exercise; it is a demonstration of our dedication to addressing global challenges through legal scholarship By focusing on sustainability, we underscore the importance of integrating environmental considerations into legal frameworks, which is essential for achieving long-term societal and ecological well-being

Through this project, we aim to raise awareness about the vital role of law in promoting sustainability and to inspire future legal professionals to engage with these issues The final report will be disseminated widely, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainability and offering practical guidance for policymakers, legal practitioners, and academics

ELSA International is proud to lead this important initiative and looks forward to sharing the outcomes of the research with our network and beyond We believe that through collaborative efforts and a strong academic foundation, we can make a significant impact on the promotion of sustainable development within the legal sphere

THE 12TH HELGA PEDERSEN MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Maciej Łodziński

Vice President in charge of Competitions

Founded in 2012 and formerly known as the European Human Rights Moot Court Competition, the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition is one of ELSA's flagship projects. This competition aligns seamlessly with ELSA's mission to foster professional and student relationships of an international character in the field of law and to promote mutual understanding based on the principle of equality among all its members. Today, it stands as the largest Englishspeaking human rights-oriented moot court competition in the world

The 12th edition of the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition, held in collaboration with the Council of Europe and supported by the European Court of Human Rights, continues this proud tradition The 12th edition wouldn’t have happened without the support of the International Board of ELSA 2023/2024, my Board, and especially the entire Helga Team, comprising of Director for HPMCC - Iris den Hartigh, Assistant for Regional Rounds - Sarp Andaç Aydın, Assistant for Teams - Jacek Korzniewski and Assistant for JudgesRafał Kmicik

THE 12TH EDITION IN NUMBERS

68 REGISTERED TEAMS

28 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

61 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED

52 TEAMS COMPETED IN THE REGIONAL ROUNDS

REGIONAL ROUNDS

Before the Written Submissions submission deadline - 11th of December 2023, 61 teams submitted their written submissions, and 52 teams competed in one of three regional rounds For the second year post-COVID-19, we had the honour of welcoming participants in person to present their oral submissions.

Each regional round allowed teams to plead twice, once as the Applicant and once as the Respondent Additionally, all rounds featured a rich cultural and social program designed to encourage networking among the teams This aspect is particularly significant as it aligns with ELSA's aim to foster mutual understanding and friendship among law students across Europe

Each regional round awarded a prize for the most ELSA-spirited team, recognizing those who displayed good sportsmanship, adherence to ELSA’s philosophy, and a genuine interest in building connections across Europe.

It was inspiring to witness the spirited and wellprepared teams not only plead their cases but also network and share experiences These rounds provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with the Judges of the HPMCC on human rights topics and explore future career opportunities.

The regional rounds were hosted by ELSA Ankara, ELSA Switzerland (in St. Gallen), and ELSA Ireland (in Dublin) Thank you to all the organisers for such an amazing job executing the events It was a pleasure to work with you!

FINAL ORAL ROUND

At the end of May, the top 18 teams gathered in Strasbourg at the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights for the Final Oral Round of the 12th edition of the HPMCC After a week of intense pleadings, Team 29 from Maastricht University emerged victorious, securing the win at the European Court of Human Rights This year, we were privileged to welcome four acting judges of the European Court of Human Rights to the Grand Final Bench: Judge Davor Derenčinović from Croatia, Judge Armen Harutyunyan from Armenia, Judge Kateřina Šimáčková from the Czech Republic, and Judge Erik Wennerström from Sweden, who served as the President of the Bench and presented the award to the winners

Winning Team from University of Birmingham - Kosta Lovato, Rachel Estcourt Romas Lok, Ranvir Raj, Bakary Jobe:

“Winning the 12th edition of the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition was the result of a wonderful journey our team undertook in the quest to challenge our legal acumen, general knowledge of ECHR law and mooting abilities Luckily for us, we were able to do so against a plethora of great teams from around Europe

With this in mind, following our selection to represent our university in October, our team set out to submit our written submissions. This first step was challenging due to the lack of previous experience we had in writing such lengthy submissions and the sheer volume of case facts, legal arguments and case law we wanted to introduce Luckily for us, Ranvir Raj and Rachel Lok were exceptional in their ability to write cogent and concise submissions and we were able to fly to Dublin for our regional round knowing that we had submitted strong written submissions and only had to focus on our oral submissions

During our regional round in Dublin, we were impressed by the quality of the teams we went up against and would like to highlight how much our initial moots against them along with the judges’ feedback shaped our future arguments The act of attentively listening to the opposing team to see if we could implement their arguments into our future pleadings proved extremely valuable and aided us particularly later on Luckily for us, we were able to qualify for the finals

In Strasbourg, we had the privilege to moot in the preliminary rounds against two teams which would also qualify to the quarter finals Both matches were tight, and we left the rooms feeling excited about the prospect of potentially qualifying further and what we would tweak in our arguments In this light, over the course of the week as we progressed, we spent each night refining our arguments, tightening the case law used and most importantly, simplifying the arguments. Our team’s strength was the simplicity of the arguments which allowed for them to be linear and therefore easy for the judges to understand An argument which follows a framework can be more easily manipulated when answering interventions and is less likely to receive intense scrutiny as a result

Having progressed through the rounds to the Grand Final, our only piece of advice to any teams in that situation in the future (and at any point during the competition) is to enjoy the moment You have prepared and are in a position of privilege It is best to try and enjoy it as it only happens once!

In conclusion, the HPMCC is an exercise in written and oral advocacy, ECHR knowledge, and a determination to win but it is first and foremost an excellent lesson in teamwork No individual can excel in all facets, nor can they solely produce the work necessary to advance to the final. Our team’s strength was our teamwork and ability to do what was needed, when it was needed, without individualism

It is ultimately what led us to all plead during the Grand Final, and what made the process relatively stress free We could count on eachother

This final and most important element just mentioned, along with all of the other skills we learned and improved throughout this exercise was primarily due to our excellent coach Felix Torres Our greatest thanks go to him and his commitment to making us a fun team! “

Best Orator of the Grand Final of the Final Oral Round, Kosta Lovato:

“Winning the prize for best orator was more of a confirmation of my team’s teamworking abilities and overall argument rather than my abilities to speak The reason? In order to win best orator, you have to score the highest in the combined four metrics which amount to 40 points. Only 10 relate to style, the remaining 30 relate to the identification of legal issues, the knowledge of the ECHR and its case law and the quality of legal analysis These three elements are all directly impacted by the teamwork which the team exhibits

In my case, I understood quickly that it was impossible to remember everything which the judges could intervene upon within my submission and therefore chose to rely on my colleagues The best medium to transmit the knowledge was either cheat sheets or quickly written post-it notes There is no shame in taking a couple extra seconds to read and fully understand the points made by your colleagues either during the moot! In that regard I thank my teammates Ranvir Raj and Rachel Lok for their extensive knowledge and continuous help

My second tip is to make sure to rehearse as much as possible and get used to being interrupted during your rehearsals This will strengthen your argument as you’ll be able to understand the key points you want to transmit and will render you accustomed to being challenged and knowing when to concede and when to stick to your argument Ultimately, during the final, I had 30 minutes to speak but was interrupted enough to find myself needing extra time and only with half of my actual full submission having been presented Had our arguments not been simple, it would have been extremely difficult to mould my arguments to the amount of time I had

Ultimately, it is an exercise which is facilitated by a strong, simple and malleable argument and such a presentation is much more easily created by a team and is presented better when the orator can rely on their teammates In those difficult instances where multiple judges are asking questions and you know they know what they are talking about as numerous (in our case 4) are actual ECtHR judges, knowing that you are able to rely on your teammates alleviates stress.

Don’t forget to speak slowly, loudly, articulate and make sure to signpost Listing your arguments and points can also help, as does providing paragraph numbers for case law so as to demonstrate the depth of knowledge

Good luck!”

COOPERATION WITH THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

We are immensely grateful for the financial and technical support of the Council of Europe and the financial contributions from the Permanent Representations to the Council of Europe We especially thank the Permanent Representations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Lithuania, Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Hungary, and Switzerland for their contributions. Special thanks to the Permanent Representations of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Lithuania for hosting the participants during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, respectively We also extend our gratitude to the City of Strasbourg for their support, including hosting us for the Mid-Ceremony of the Final Oral Round Thank you for supporting the HPMCC and for helping to provide a platform for students and young lawyers to advocate for human rights. We look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come.

GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HELGA PEDERSEN MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Similarly to the JHJMCC, throughout the term, with the assistance of the Helga Pedersen Moot Court Competition Team, a lot of new materials have been developed to better support the Hosts of the Regional Rounds as well as the future Vice Presidents in charge of Competitions Among other the following materials have been developed:

Updated HPMCC Regional Round Organisers’ Handbook

Canva templates for badges, chevalets, diplomas etc.

Template Drawing Ceremony cards

Template Drawing Ceremony file

Template Scoring sheet

Template Opening/Closing ceremony presentation

Template HPMCC presentation

Template Pleading Order file

Template Photo/Video Consent form

Template Team confirmation form

22ND JOHN H. JACKSON MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Maciej Łodziński Vice President in charge of Competitions

The John H Jackson Moot Court Competition, organised by ELSA with the technical support of the World Trade Organization, has been a prominent event for over 20 years.

This Competition encourages students to enhance their oral pleading and research skills while deepening their understanding of WTO law, paving the way for careers in international trade law. This year, for the second year in a row after the COVID-19 pandemic we fully welcomed participants back in person

Teams submitted their Written Submissions and competed in six Regional Rounds across the globe Ultimately, the top 24 teams gathered in Geneva for the Final Oral Round, where one team emerged victorious

I would like to extend my gratitude to my Board, the International Board of ELSA 2023/2024, and the entire Jackson Team, including: Director for JHJMCC - Aušra Abraitytė-Gedminė, Assistants for Regional Rounds - PatriciaGeorgiana Dărăștean and Aliena Trefny, Assistant for TeamsAmanda Halliday, Assistant for Panellists - Danielė Giedraitytė, and Assistant for External Relations of the JHJMCC - Gerwin Cordella.

THE 22ND EDITION IN NUMBERS

150 REGISTERED TEAMS

52 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

105 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED

73 TEAMS COMPETED IN THE REGIONAL ROUNDS

REGIONAL ROUNDS

The Regional Rounds were hosted by various institutions:

West & South Asia Regional Round in the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences Moot Court Society in Kolkata, India

East Asia & Oceania Regional Round in the National University of Management in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

All-American Regional Round in the University of Los Andes in Bogota, Colombia

Kabarak University in Nakuru, Kenya

1st European Regional Round in Cluj-Napoca, Romania (hosted by ELSA Cluj-Napoca)

2nd European Regional Round in Lisbon, Portugal (hosted by ELSA Portugal)

We extend our sincere thanks to all the hosts for their invaluable support and dedication The Regional Rounds were held in person for the second time since the pandemic, and ELSA International was pleased to be present at each location to support the organisers, interact with participants, panellists, and partners, and witness the students' skills and dedication firsthand

Final Oral Round Qualifying Teams by Regional Round

FINAL ORAL ROUND

The Final Oral Round of the 22nd John H Jackson Moot Court Competition took place in Geneva from June 18 to 22, 2024. The best 24 teams from the Regional Rounds competed in this final stage The event commenced with a speech from Ms Angela Ellard, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization. The Preliminary Rounds were hosted at the Geneva Graduate Institute, with subsequent qualifying rounds held at the World Trade Organization

Teams and panellists from around the world gathered in Geneva to participate in the pleadings and network with others interested in WTO Law The Grand Final saw Team 1 from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Educational and Scientific Institute of Law, emerge as the winner Alex Irungu from Team 97 of Strathmore University was awarded Best Orator The distinguished panel was led by Jorge Castro, Director of the Legal Affairs Division of the World Trade Organization The winners and runner-up were announced by Professor Peter van den Bossche

GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HELGA PEDERSEN MOOT COURT COMPETITION

Throughout the term, with the assistance of the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition Team, a lot of new materials have been developed to better support the Hosts of the Regional Rounds as well as the future Vice Presidents in charge of Competitions Among other the following materials have been developed:

Template Drawing Ceremony cards

Template Drawing Ceremony file

Template Scoring sheet

Template JHJMCC presentation

Template Pleading Order file

Template Opening/Closing ceremony presentation

Updated JHJMCC Regional Round Organisers’ Handbook Canva templates for badges, chevalets, diplomas etc

Template Photo/Video Consent form

Template Team confirmation form

Testimonial from the Winning Team from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Team 1)Yuliia Bulenok, Oleksandra Mykhailova, Maksym Mykytiuk, Yelyzaveta Pohrebniak:

“We have the great distinction of introducing ourselves to you in this letter as the John H Jackson Moot Court Competition’s 22nd Edition Winning Team The transforming path of taking part in this wonderful Сompetition has profoundly enhanced our education and lives The John H Jackson Moot has given us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with renowned international trade law professors and practitioners worldwide.

Our lengthy path started in August with Summer School on WTO law, organized and held by our enthusiastic and brilliant coaches – Oleksandra Sandul and Tetiana Tanchyn This school benefited us with a general and inspiring understanding of WTO law Having gathered the team, Oleksandra and Tetiana worked hard all year by reinforcing and criticizing our legal arguments, holding pleading sessions, helping with organizational issues, and, most importantly, providing invaluable support and expressing their faith in our future success Their input will always warm our loyal hearts, and the Summer School on WTO law tradition will last for years to come

The Second European Regional Round in Lisbon brought us new friends and knowledge Here, our level of preparation increased significantly due to tricky questions posed by distinguished panelists Team 1 further thanks all the teams we had a chance to plead against. However, we would like to highlight our gratitude to Team 106, which visited almost all our qualifying rounds (here and in Geneva) and sometimes even cheered for us more than we did Riad, Joris, Iman and Elisa are the future of jurisprudence of France

Our experience in Geneva was amazing, and our opponents were strong and charming As Professor Van den Bossche rightly pointed out, tens of thanks to Team 97 for setting such a close call for us in the Grand Final.

To all our panelists we had a chance to have met in Lisbon and Geneva, such an outcome would have been impossible without your unwavering guidance, understanding and wisdom

To wrap up this thankful testimonial, we express our gratitude to ELSA, its Organizing Committee and ll

COOPERATION WITH THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERS

We are deeply grateful for the technical support provided by the World Trade Organization this year and appreciate their guidance. We also thank our financial partners, including Van Bael and Bellis, Steptoe, Baker and McKenzie, Sidley,Lee & Ko, Akin, Georgetown University, the World Trade Institute, the European Public Law Organization, and Jus Mundi The African Regional Round also received support from Main Supporter of the African Regional Round - United Nations Economic Committee for Africa (UNECA), as well as Society of the International Economic Law (SIEL), and private donors such as former Director-General Pascal Lamy and Professor Gabrielle Marceau. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this edition

A YEAR IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Maria Vittoria Voi Vice President in charge of Professional Development

In the last couple of years, the Professional Development Area passed through an initial implementation phase followed by further development This year, the primary focus was on solidifying the foundation of the Area for the future The first part of the year was focused on enhancing knowledge and project management for all the Officers of the Network along with constant and solid communication to support and quality over quantity in all our efforts. Therefor accessibility of traineeships, finding ways to r awareness of the possibility of our projects, and fin

Concerning our Flagship Project, ELSA Traineehsips, every year we strive to be more and more professional and for this reason, the ELSA Traineeships website was finally updated with the logo and the right colours, and the information on the website was simplified for better accessibility and ease of navigation. Additionally, all agreements and documents were updated, and the tools created last year were more effectively implemented during the two ELSA Traineeships Cycles. The relations with our partners have been continued and consolidated and some of them were also participants in other events or projects related to the Professional Development Area

In addition, on a Professional Development leve International Career Launch, we successfully imp Legal Tandem. This project, organised on both l legal systems and study/work cultures to better facilitate exchange experiences for our members. At the beginning of the year, we created a logo that has been used by the Local Groups for their event and we can proudly say that the number of events organised is up to 10 To further develop the project, we work on new tools, such as a mailing list and guidelines, to help connect the various local groups across the Network After all, two of our purposes are to contribute to legal education and foster mutual understanding, and the Legal Tandem is the latest expression of the Professional Development Area

ELSA TRAINEESHIPS - AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE

Maria Vittoria Voi Vice President in charge of Professional Development

This year, the ELSA Traineeships Programme ran smoothly, and we were pleased to introduce some innovations

From a Job Hunting perspective, we were proud to continue our collaborations with some long-standing partners such as the Council of Europe for both the position in Strasbourg with the Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development of the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly; and the position in Brussels for the Council of Europe Liaison Office to the European Union. We also maintained our partnerships with the Academy of European Law (ERA), Butzel Long, the Law Firm Bermeo&Barmeo and Kocks and Partners, Mandat International and Eurtoprivacy, already general partners of ELSA, LEXR and Musahala Additionally, also thanks to the incredible work of the National and Local Officers of the Network, we opened a total of 194 positions: 106 in the first cycle and 88 in the second Among these, 27 positions were provided by ELSA International Traineeships providers

While there were no significant changes in the number of agreements compared to previous years, from a Student Hunting perspective, we reached a record high of applications in the first cycle over the last two years The total applications received for both of the cycles was 1.409, of which 794 only in the first cycle and 617 in the second cycle The Traineeships offered by ELSA International received a total of 792 applications, all of high quality and very competitive

A significant improvement was the automation of ELSA Traineeships Certificates, introduced at the end of June This innovation allows trainees to download their certificates immediately after completing their internships, providing them with timely documentation of their experiences and accomplishments This immediate access to certificates is designed to facilitate their future professional endeavours, enabling them to quickly present proof of their traineeships to potential employers or academic institutions

One of our goals this year was to enhance the project's accessibility and ensure that it provides valuable experiences, not just as work opportunities but also as a foundation for our members’ future careers

Speaking about accessibility, the main goal of the ELSA Traineeships Programme this year was to further develop the mandatory remuneration work started last year

Throughout the year, we held several discussions with the Network to find the right solution that would not negatively impact the project The possibility of setting a specific amount of money for each traineeship was not feasible due to the varying realities in which the programme operates and the specific implications in some countries Therefore, the final solution was to create a database of minimum living costs based on each country and, in certain countries, also based on different cities This database, relying on data from National Statistics Agencies, will provide relevant figures that will be used to determine the minimum salary required for traineeships

There is still much work to be done, particularly concerning some traineeship offers in specific countries, but the Network’s recognition of the need to make the ELSA Traineeships Programme more accessible is already a significant achievement.

Testimonial from Chiara Gisinti

“I am working as a Legal Trainee at the Council of Europe Liaison Office to the European Union in Brussels, a position I obtained through the ELSA Traineeship programme In my daily work, I have monitored legislative developments within the EU, drafted files on priority matters concerning CoE-EU relations, and compiled reports on conferences organized by EU Institutions, International Organizations, and CSOs Working as a legal trainee for the Council of Europe has been a stimulating, rewarding and enriching experience, which allowed operation in the protection of human rights and in n a comprehensive learning experience, characterized which I have acquired invaluable knowledge and skills r within this field ”

Testimonial from Mathieu Verhelst

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to intern at Butzel Long, a Michigan-based law firm, for nine months as an international legal trainee in the corporate law department through the ELSA Traineeship program

Butzel Long provided a welcoming and intellectually stimulating work environment from the outset The firm's dedication to excellence and professional growth was evident in every task I undertook I was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including conducting comprehensive legal research and drafting vital corporate documents This hands-on experience proved invaluable in deepening my understanding of US corporate law and its intricate differences and intersections with EU regulations

The guidance and insight my mentors and peers provided were exceptional, deeply enriching my learning experience Their willingness to share knowledge and include me in high-level discussions and projects was of great benefit to me This level of involvement not only enhanced my confidence but also refined my abilities in legal analysis, problem-solving, and client interaction

My time at Butzel Long has significantly broadened my perspective on U S legal practices Furthermore, it has provided me with a distinctive combination of expertise that will be advantageous in my future career pursuits

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and would highly recommend ELSA Traineeships and Butzel Long to any aspiring legal professionals seeking a transformative and enriching internship experience ”

THE 4TH EDITION OF ELSA INTERNATIONAL’S CAREER LAUNCH

Maria Vittoria Voi

Vice President in charge of Professional Development

Giorgia

Plebani Director for Professional Development

Azra Akkoca Coordinator for Strategy and Development

THE NEW STRUCTURE

This year marks the 4th Edition of the Career Launch For this edition, we aimed to introduce something new Collaborating with the Team for Professional Development of ELSA International, we focused on revisiting the event structure and incorporating new content. The core structure remains largely the same: three days of webinars followed by a day dedicated to networking at the Career Fair However, we aimed to give more prominence to Human Rights topics, dedicating one of the three webinar days entirely to exploring careers in the Human Rights field. The Career Fair continues to offer networking opportunities between students, young professionals, and our partners

The event for the first time since the creation of the project was finally half sustainable. While we have not yet reached our ultimate goal of complete sustainability, we are definitely on the right path, thanks also to the support of various institutions and associations that believe in our mission

The Digital Workshops, which were the first part of the 4th edition of Career Launch, were held on the 6th, 7th, and 8th of March via ClickMeeting, with the topics decided to be covered

This year's session aimed to provide law students and young lawyers with real-life experience of the job market and knowledge that is not part of the typical law curriculum. It allowed participants to come into direct contact with legal experts and explore different international law careers they could pursue in institutions and international organisations.

In particular, the first two days of workshops were about practical learning and overviews of the careers so the topics we chose were as follows: "Career in the EU Institutions” with EPSO and the EU Commission Legal Department; "How to become a lawyer in the US?” with Barbri; “International Education: How to choose the right Master” with Catolica Global School of Law and IE University; “How to LinkedIn” with Maja Rajic; “How to become a lawyer in Luxembourg?” with Arendt & Medernach; “How to create the perfect job application” with IOM; “How to become a solicitor or a lawyer in the UK?” with Hectoras Tsamis and Despoina Ziana; “Careers in International Maritime Law” with the International Maritime Organization; “How to start your career at the UN?” with Jean-Luc Marcelin from UNDP and “How to become a policy associate” with Francesco Bondi from DOT Europe

The last day was all about Human Rights, which is why we chose to propose topics such as: “Find your path in the Human Rights fields through the UN Agencies” with Daniela Knoppik from UNICEF and Beatrice Tisato from UNHCR; “Careers in Humanitarian Law Field” with the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights; “The skills you need to kickstart your Human Rights Career” with Vicky Prais and “How to become an International Lawyer” with Dr Olufemi Elias and Dr Ousman Njikam

CAREER FAIR

Career Fair, the second part of the project, was held on the 15th of March by VFairs, a virtual platform designed to allow switching between booths. Through the booths, participants had the opportunity to move from booth to booth and ask their questions to companies and organisations individually.

This environment allowed participants to get instant and effective answers to their questions Before the booth movements were launched, digital presentations were made by the Council of Europe, the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights to inform the participants and prepare their questions In addition, the institutions mentioned were present; Council of Europe, Court of Justice of the European Union, Geneva Academy, EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office), Barbri, IE University, Bierens, Queen Mary University of London

INVOLVEMENT IN THE ELSA CAREER LAUNCH: A PROFESSIONAL PROSPECTIVE

Maria Vittoria Voi Vice President in charge of Professional Development

The Career Launch aims to bridge the gap between the university and the professional world Therefore, having important institutions and professionals as speakers for the webinars was crucial We asked one of them about the importance of professionals participating in such events and the significance of bridging this gap with careers, especially if your goal is a career in the Human Rights field.

We interviewed Vicki Prais, an international human rights lawyer, academic, and independent human rights consultant, who conducted the webinar "The Skills You Need to Kickstart Your Human Rights Career" during the 4th Edition of the ELSA’s Career Launch

1 How important is it to participate as a professional in events like ELSA's International Career Launch?

I think that the ELSA International Career Launch is a hugely valuable event for young professionals to attend as they start to think about their human rights careers. The event offers the opportunity to hear from seasoned professionals in the legal sector (above and beyond the human rights sector) who can offer insights, practical advice and guidance from their own personal experiences about life in the legal world The career launch also gives young professionals a wonderful chance to grow their skill set and to gain confidence in pursuing a career in the legal sector

2. What motivated you to participate as a speaker at the ELSA Career Launch?

As a human rights professional and human rights career coach, I feel a huge responsibility to help, support and advise aspiring human rights professionals looking to start their career in the sector I feel deeply committed to and passionate about this work and can offer my own 'lived experience' of working across the human rights sector (International Organisations, non-governmental organisations, the British government, academia and in the field) to help young people better understand the ups and downs of working in the human rights field I regularly deliver human rights careers talks to young professionals (as a keynote speaker or panellist) at universities and other institutions around the world and was more than happy to participate in the ELSA career launch event in March

3. Do you think that the ELSA International Career Launch can help bridge the gap between the theory learned during studies and practical experience in a specific field?

Absolutely! There is nothing better than hearing from people who have walked the path already and who can offer their own insights to young professionals

4. What are the main reasons you would recommend a professional to participate in th Career Launch?

I think that there are several reasons why I would recommend a professional to participa Career Launch Firstly, I think it is invaluable for professionals to hear from people who have d are as well informed as they can be before they take their first steps in the human rights se recommend professionals to participate in the Career Launch to support their professional d building vital skills, assets and knowledge for their future career Finally, I would recommend the career launch as it offers an opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals w to join the human rights sector where they can build informal ties and connections

5 Do you think participating in events like Career Launch can develop transferable u professional careers?

Yes, I believe that the presentation I gave at the Career Launch event offered professionals som skills and assets required to work in the human rights sector such as advocacy, negotiatio analytical skills - all of which can be acquired in adjacent legal sectors

6. How do you see the future of work in human rights? Are there trends or changes t relevant in the coming years?

I believe that there are many human rights challenges in society today and the demand is professionals to join the sector However, the job market at the early career stage is h oversaturated On average, there are over 100 applicants per role I know of many young p applied for over 100 + positions and have not been successful in securing even an interview Sadly, many organisations have, in my view, poor recruitment practices and often fail to notify candidates if they are unsuccessful in the process or take many months to recruit candidates The lack of security and oversaturated job market is having an impact on the mental health of many young professionals who are reevaluating their career plans The human rights sector continues to use interns at the entry level which perpetuates a culture of 'free labour' and devalues the work of aspiring human rights professionals That said, there are some organisations that are now paying their interns - including the International Organisations - and we are seeing some pockets of promising practice in the sector

7. What are the main challenges that young professionals face when entering the human rights sector?

There are several main challenges that young professionals face when entering the human rights sector including a fiercely competitive job market, lack of job security, poor remuneration (especially in the non-governmental sector) and mentally and physically exhausting work - burnout is very common in the sector among human rights professionals including lawyers

8 Is there something you wish you had known at the beginning of your career that you now consider essential?

If I could offer my younger self some advice, I think it would be to really build a strong skill set (as human rights professionals are technicians at the end of the day!), to network and grow my human rights family and to be open to all offers that come my way

ELSA LAW SCHOOLS

Xanthi Agoraki

Vice President in charge of Seminars & Conferences

Dario Schönbächler

Director for ELSA Law Schools

Josef Levy

Assistant for ELSA Law Schools

ELSA Law Schools continued rising this year, proving that they are one of the Network’s favourite projects to organise and participate in

During this term, 13 National/Local Groups proceeded with the organisation of Winter ELSA Law Schools and received a total amount of 1.748 applications This is the highest number of applications received so far since the unification of ELSA Law Schools. At the same time, Participants appreciated the quality of WELS, rating it with an average of 4 6 out of 5 points.

Summer ELSA Law Schools appeared to be equally popular and successful with 39 National/Local Groups organising them and 4.817 people from all over the world applying to them This is the second-highest number of applications received since the unification of ELSA Law Schools and another proof of the significance of the project for the ELSA Network

This is all thanks to the work of our Organisers and also, the work of the Team working behind ELSA Law Schools that dedicates a lot of time and effort to increase the quality of an event focused on legal education and mutual understanding

ELSA LAW SCHOOLS DEVELOPMENTS

The ELSA Law Schools team has been exceptionally busy this term, implementing significant developments to enhance the quality of ELSA Law Schools

NEW RETURN POLICY

Before the first International Council Meeting in Tbilisi, we introduced a new refund policy for ELSA Law Schools This policy was first implemented during the Summer ELSA Law Schools cycle Its primary aim was to provide certainty for applicants who, unfortunately, had to cancel their participation, as well as to offer clear guidance to organisers on how to handle these situations. This development has been crucial in ensuring a smoother and more predictable process for all parties involved

SELECTION GUIDELINES AND DIVERSITY

In an effort to make the selection process for ELSA Law Schools more transparent and to support the Organisers even further when selecting participants, the ELSA Law Schools Team (in cooperation with interested National Groups) began work on brand new selection guidelines which aim to provide the Organisers with a system to rank the application based on the quality of the CV, Motivational Letter as well as the overall impression of the Organising Committee (Appreciation of the Organising Committee) The ELSA Law School Team aims to have the finalised Selection Guidelines ready for implementation in the upcoming Winter ELSA Law Schools of 2024/2025 The Team would like to express their gratitude to all parties who provided valuable insights, which served as the foundation for the Selection Guidelines.

Furthermore, the ELSA Law Schools Team successfully enhanced the diversity among applicants by raising awareness among organisers and diligently enforcing the existing regulations

ELSA LAW SCHOOLS FEES

A second significant development occurred in the area of ELSA Law Schools fees Following intense discussions at both ICMs in this term, a new fee system was introduced This new system aims to address various concerns raised during the discussions, balancing the interests of Participants and Organisers

The introduction of three fee categories is designed to reflect the differing living costs and the associated expenses of organising an ELSA Law School in various countries This refined approach is anticipated to motivate more Local and National Groups to partake in organising an ELSA Law School while guaranteeing that the participants will experience an equally high quality of ELSA Law Schools in all countries The new fee system will be implemented in the next Winter ELSA L S h l C l These changes represent significant progress for ELSA Law Schools, enhan both Participants and Organisers. They aim to balance accessibility with fin sustainability, ensuring that ELSA Law Schools remain viable and effective in t

Annual Report

ELSA International 2023/2024

NEW PARTNER LAW SCHOOL

Apart from the regulatory changes within ELSA Law Schools, this year we were extremely happy to expand the list of our Partner Law Schools Following some meetings with the Organisers, we were able to partner with the GROMADA Summer School and Moot Court Below you will find a testimonial from Dr Anne Dienelt, who is responsible for the programme:

“The GROMADA Summer School, which addresses questions on the legal framework of war-related environmental damage in combination with citizen science, is hosted by the University of Hamburg Faculty of Law and has teamed up with ELSA Hamburg and ELSA International for this purpose The GROMADA project, which is funded as an EU‘s Erasmus+ project, is honoured to have joined forces with ELSA. This merger allowed me to reach out to ELSA's widespread network of very motivated and engaged law students across Europe Thanks to all the dissemination efforts, the GROMADA Selection Committee, which also included a member of ELSA Hamburg, was overwhelmed by the number of applications to the summer school as well as their high quality The hopes came true, and at the end of August 2024 an interdisciplinary and international group of participants will come to Hamburg to participate in the unique GROMADA summer school, an ELSA partner law school, which also includes a moot court with real case scenarios of war-related environmental damage and data regarding the RussoUkrainian War.”

Dr. Anne Dienelt, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Hamburg

ELSA LAW SCHOOLS COACHING

Another of the developments implemented this year was the initiation of the ELSA Law Schools Mentorship Programme The Programme aims to encourage National/Local Groups to take up the responsibility of organising an ELSA Law School by providing them with a series of sessions aimed at improving their knowledge and assigning them a series of tasks that will help them set solid foundations for their projects

During this year, the ELSA Law Schools Team developed the “curriculum” of the ELSA Law Schools Mentorship Programme and initiated the implementation of the Programme. We look forward to seeing how it can develop in the following terms

ELSA DELEGATIONS

Xanthi Agoraki Vice President in charge of Seminars & Conferences

Alice Eraclei Director for ELSA Delegations

ELSA DELEGATIONS DEVELOPMENTS

INTERNAL DEVELOPMENTS

One of the main goals of the term was to improve the quality of applications received by ELSA, make the selection process even more transparent, and provide the appointed Delegates with all the support they need to effectively represent ELSA

In this context, the Assistants for ELSA Delegations updated the Selection Criteria, making them more consistent and objective, and thus, the appointment of ELSA Delegates more efficient, less arbitrary, and more precise. This, combined with a new example for applications aimed at improving the quality of applications received by ELSA Delegates

During this term, the Team, and particularly the Coordinators for ELSA Delegations have been responsible for updating the Guidelines of the respective bodies. They updated the information contained in them and followed a personalised approach where necessary In this context, they also revised the guide on estimated costs to facilitate the participation of Delegates and provide them with estimates of their expenses along with up-to-date advice on accommodation facilities

ACADEMIC PREPARATION OF DELEGATES

Since ELSA Delegates represent ELSA in international organisations, we recognised the necessity of providing them with more guidance on how they can do this while benefiting from such an opportunity on a professional level. Therefore, we introduce a series of optional ELSA Training sessions The training has always been on “Personal Branding and Networking”, and it was conducted by Maja Rajic who has been a Member of the International Board and currently is an ELSA Trainer.

This training session complemented the ongoing support provided by the Coordinators to the Delegates and offered an opportunity to better prepare for the Delegation.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES

This year, our efforts to enhance the experience of ELSA Delegates were complemented by our decision to apply to a new UN organization that has attracted significant interest from past delegates We hope that by the end of the term, our application will be successful, leading to even more opportunities for ELSA Delegates.

DEMOCRACY = PEACE?

With the support of the Council of Europe, 15 ELSA Delegates participated in the World Forum for Democracy from the 6th to the 8th of November 2023. During three days, a series of labs and forum talks, ELSA Delegates explored the question “Democracy = Peace?”

This year ’ s topic for the World Forum for Democracy was closely related to the ongoing reality of armed conflicts worldwide, which challenge human rights and democracy This connection made the World Forum for Democracy particularly interesting for ELSA members, providing them opportunities to ask questions and share their views during both plenary sessions and labs

It was inspiring to witness the active participation of young people in such significant forums and to see how much their opinions were valued This serves as motivation for ELSA to enhance its advocacy efforts and encourages ELSA Delegates to intensify their preparations, ensuring they are ready to speak out against human rights violations and injustices, in line with ELSA’s vision:

“A just world in which there is respect for human dignity and cultural diversity”.

ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS CLIMATE ADVOCACY

2023 marked the second year of ELSA’s observership within the UNFCCC. After having participated in COP for one year already, our goal this year was to find ways to intensify our presence in the most important forum on climate change

In this context, the four ELSA Delegates that were present in Dubai from the 30th of November until the 13th of December engaged with the delegates of the Children and Youth Constituency (YOUNGO) by participating in their preparation meetings, policy briefing sessions, and witnessing their advocacy efforts

A key moment of ELSA’s involvement with YOUNGO and participation in COP28 was the meeting with Simon Stiel, the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the significant role of youth in decision-making, particularly given the critical importance of climate change to young people and future generations.

Post COP, Yordan, the Secretary General of the International Board who has participated in both COP27 d COP28 ELSA D l t l d t hi ithi th t t f th UNFCCC

INERNATIONAL CONFERENCES OF ELSA

Xanthi Agoraki Vice President in charge of Seminars & Conferences

INTRODUCTION

International Conferences of ELSA are an amazing opportunity with unbridled potential They reflect the core values of ELSA - contributing to a legal education while underlining the importance of mutual understanding in the spirit of internationality They are also the perfect way to raise awareness of new and dynamic areas of the law that students might not otherwise have access to It offers the chance to shed light on a diverse array of issues within and around the law Through International Conferences of ELSA, law students and young lawyers have the unique chance to hear about these issues from a diverse and multicultural set of speakers each offering unique and d inions

Lodovica Bellora Director for International Conferences of ELSA

GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS

From the very beginning of the term 2023/2024, the International Conferences of ELSA have been completely ameliorated. From the lack of a Director for ICE in the past years to the enlargement of the team with the appointment of two Assistants for 2023/2024: this has represented the first step to support prospective ICE Organising Committees further As Director of ICE, one of my goals was to train my Assistants to guarantee that every ICE Organiser has received adequate support and assistance I am very grateful to have developed a new Coaching System as well as improving the knowledge of ICE across the Network by releasing new documents on the ELSA Officers Portal every month Working on updating the ICE Handbook & the ICE Hosting Agreement and creating the ICE Short Guide & the ICE Checklist has represented another essential part of my journey as Director

During the whole term, I tried to focus on some of the main weaknesses of the project by providing Organisers and Participants with a complete experience enriched with online preparation meetings, feedback calls, and ad-hoc questionnaires and presentations Recent achievements were not limited to the above-mentioned structural and organisational changes but also to the increased quality of the ICE, as reported by the Evaluation Forms collected after each conference Tailored materials and workshops have helped every Organising Committee to further comprehend the project and its mandatory traits, being able to educate their fellow officers on the subject matter Thus, the current term has marked a significant development for the International Conferences of ELSA, being able to reach the quota of 5 ICEs organised within the Network and raising -even more- the interest of National and Local Groups in planning it in their future terms

Annual Report ELSA International 2023/2024

NETWORK ENGAGEMENT

The efforts of the International Conferences of ELSA Team have led to a significant increase in the involvement of National and Local Groups with ICE across the network, reaching a record number in recent years The most noteworthy development this year was ICE capturing the interest of Groups that had never organised a major international project before, enabling these groups to become more internationally active and allowing the Network to visit and experience new places more easily

One of these Groups was ELSA Messina, the Head of the Organising Committee who has left us a testimonial:

“As the first organiser of the International Conference of ELSA in Italy, ELSA Messina’s approach to this new format was motivated and enthusiastic!

The event took place in Messina and Taormina from the 18th to the 21st of April 2024 where Participants had the opportunity to learn new knowledge on the topic of Cultural Heritage Law, explore the richness of Messina's and Taormina’s historical and culinary culture and connect with the Network in order to consolidate the ELSA spirit that marks our community

Being part of this experience as Head of the Organising Committee alongside my dynamic and more than efficient Team was challenging yet immensely rewarding because of the heartwarming and positive feedback we received afterwards

Ultimately, this glimpse of internationality is now stimulating us to pursue new and exciting projects beyond our borders!”

Cristina Scorza, Head of the Organising Committee of ICE Messina

Annual Report

EPILOGUE

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As we draw the curtain on the passing term, we find ourselves reflecting on the path we have travelled together. The Annual Report of ELSA is not merely a compilation of facts and figures; it is a testament to our shared commitment, our collective endeavour, and our unyielding spirit

We have navigated challenges with resilience, embraced opportunities with vigour, and upheld the principles that define us as an organisation. The accomplishments detailed in this report are a tribute to the dedication and perseverance of those who commit themselves to the cause of ELSA

But beyond the policies and procedures, beyond the plans and protocols, lies the heart of ELSA - the people. It is you, the members, who breathe life into this organisation. Your passion, your creativity, and your courage are the true drivers of our success Each initiative undertaken, each event organised, each idea conceived is a testament to the power of collective effort in the name of our Vision, and engaging with you throughout the year has invigorated our souls and filled us with faith in the future of our Association

It has been our honour and privilege to serve as the International Board of ELSA Even though our paths may diverge, we will each keep this year in our hearts. We can proudly say that that we Dreamed, Dared, and most importantly, Did.

ELSAfully yours, with resolve and optimism,

Bjarki, Yordan, Adéla, Fidan, Nadia, Maciej, Maria Vittoria, and Xanthi

The International Board of ELSA 2023/2024.

International 2023/2024