Professor Dire Tladi, a professor of international law at UP, has been nominated as South Africa’s candidate for the International Court of Justice. “If elected, I will diligently fulfil my responsibilities and contribute to the court's mission of upholding international law and promoting global equity,” he said.

University of Pretoria (UP) professor of international law Professor Dire Tladi has been nominated as South Africa’s candidate to serve as a judge of the International Court of Justice, commonly known as the World Court.

The nomination of Prof Tladi, who is also the Research Chair of Global Equity in Africa at UP’s Future Africa Institute, was officially endorsed by the Cabinet of South Africa in May 2023, marking a significant recognition of his exceptional expertise and outstanding contributions to the field of international law. The election for the International Court of Justice judges is scheduled to take place in November 2023.

“I am deeply honoured to be nominated as South Africa's candidate for the International Court of Justice,” Prof Tladi said. “If elected, I will diligently fulfil my responsibilities and contribute to the court's mission of upholding international law and promoting global equity.”

The International Court of Justice is comprised of 15 judges elected by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council for nine-year terms. It plays an important role in settling legal disputes between nations in accordance with international law. Additionally, it provides authoritative advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

Prof Tladi has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the field of international law. He serves as President of the South African branch of the International Law Association and is an executive member of the International Law Association. Among his notable achievements, Prof Tladi leads the Future Africa Research Chair in Global Equity established in March 2023. The Chair’s primary objective is to pursue multi-perspective strategies for global equity, with a particular focus on addressing equity issues in Africa. It aims to identify the challenges hindering progress on the continent and chart innovative pathways to overcome them.

Prof Tladi has also held several key positions within the field of international law, including serving as Chair of the International Law Commission, a UN organ renowned for its contributions to the International Court of Justice. Additionally, he has provided invaluable expertise as the legal advisor of the South African mission in New York and as a Special Advisor to the South African foreign minister.