Elizabeth Grosso
Attorney Adviser
New York, New York
October 20, 2022
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Chair.
We thank the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Program of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law. We also thank the Office of Legal Affairs, and in particular the Codification Division, for its significant contribution to implementing the Program of Assistance.
Since its establishment in 1965, the Program of Assistance has made, and continues to make, indispensable contributions to the education of students and practitioners in international law. Knowledge of international law is a key component to furthering the rule of law at all levels. Through a firm understanding of international law, new generations of lawyers, judges and diplomats gain a deeper appreciation of the complex instruments that govern so many aspects of this interconnected world. We thank those countries and organizations that have made in-kind and financial contributions to make its courses a reality. The United States is pleased to participate on the Advisory Committee of the Program of Assistance, and it merits the continuing, strong support of all Member States so that it can thrive for years to come.
We are grateful that during this year, the Program’s highly anticipated in-person courses and fellowship events were able to resume. We also continue to appreciate the nimble adaptations the Codification Division has made for programs that could not go forward due to Covid-19, including sharing remote, self-paced versions of essential trainings with participants and offering regional real-time online workshops on the peaceful settlement of disputes. These resources can be built upon in the future to reach an even broader audience.
Finally, we appreciate that the Program continues to make progress in improving the accessibility and content of the Audiovisual Library of International Law, which has the potential to efficiently provide quality training to a limitless number of people. The Library is now a more valuable resource than ever.
Thank you.
###
