The American Society of International Law (ASIL) has awarded its Manley O. Hudson Medal to Professor Georges Abi-Saab (PhD, 1967), Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute from 1969 to 2000, for “his lifetime of service, scholarship and achievement in international law.”

The award recognises Professor Abi-Saab’s distinguished record of service as a judge and adjudicator. He served on the International Court of Justice on cases concerning territorial disputes in Africa, as a Judge for the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda, and as Commissioner on the United Nations Compensation Commission (UNCC). He was the Chairman of the WTO Appellate Body.

Professor Abi-Saab also served as a member of the Egyptian delegation to the Conference of Governments Experts (1972). As Consultant to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, he prepared two reports on “Respect of Human Rights in Armed Conflict” (1969 and 1970) and on the “Progressive Development of Principles and Norms of International Law relating to the New International Economic Order” (1984).

ASIL noted that “perhaps Professor Abi-Saab’s most lasting and impactful contribution to the achievement of international law has been through his service as a beloved professor, teacher and mentor. As a Professor of International Law at the Graduate Institute, he personally oversaw the education and mentoring of numerous students of international law, many who have gone on to become preeminent scholars and practitioners in the field, with the utmost integrity and dedication.”