Argentine Diplomat Speaks on International Law for Diplomats at NSU

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) at North South University (NSU) hosted the ninth episode of its Distinguished Webinar Series, titled International Law for Diplomats, on Wednesday (June 17).

The academic event featured prominent international legal expert Mario J. A. Oyarzabal as the keynote speaker. Oyarzabal currently serves as the Legal Adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship of the Argentine Republic, and is an elected member of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023–2027 term.

Diplomacy as the Bedrock of International Rule of Law

During his keynote address, Oyarzabal praised Bangladesh for its stellar contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations globally. The Argentine diplomat emphasized that international law remains a vital shield for smaller sovereign states like Bangladesh in navigating complex geopolitical terrains.

“In the context of international law, diplomacy serves as the foundation. Diplomats play a key role in engagement, negotiation, treaty-making, and the development of both bilateral and multilateral agreements. Much of this framework is actively shaped within international bodies like the UN General Assembly.” — Mario J. A. Oyarzabal, Argentine Legal Adviser

The webinar was chaired by NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, who noted that global stability relies entirely on the close coordination between diplomatic engagement and international legal frameworks. He added that diplomatic channels remain irreplaceable in resolving cross-border conflicts and maintaining institutional harmony.

Shaping the Global Legal Architecture

Earlier in the session, the Dean of SHSS, Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam, delivered the introductory remarks, highlighting that diplomatic law represents one of the earliest formal expressions of international order. He observed that effective diplomacy frequently serves as the thin line between war and peace, noting that modern diplomats are active creators of global laws rather than mere followers.

The event, which was moderated by Dr. Soumik Pal, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism, concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session. The dialogue drew active participation from legal practitioners, faculty members, and students from both Bangladesh and overseas.