Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict: What Participants Say

Portrait of Ziad Ayoubi Portrait of Ziad Ayoubi

17 May 2019

Ziad Ayoubi is the Head of Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Headquarters, overseeing the implementation of the global refugee economic inclusion agenda in the organization.

Previously, Ziad worked for the United Nations (UN) and in microfinance in Lebanon. He holds a Masters in Socioeconomic Development from the Lebanese University and is currently enrolled in our Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict.

Why Did You Choose the Executive Master In International Law In Armed Conflict?

I enrolled because the Executive Master in International Law in Armed Conflict is a special opportunity to acquire while working, a strong knowledge of public international law, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and human rights law. I need to learn about these topics and I can’t join a full-time programme due to my work commitments.

Does it Respond to your Expectations?

The programme responds to my expectations and I already feel, even before completing the courses, that I gained a lot of knowledge.

What are the Highlights of the Programme?

Some of the professors have deep knowledge and real-life experience in international law and this makes the discussions very useful and informative. All courses are interlinked and connected and it is great that each professor knows where his course starts and where other professors’ courses end.

A Moment you Particularly Enjoyed?

I enjoy the fact that even someone like me, who doesn’t have a legal background, can engage in legal discussions with very experienced professors. The courses’ environment allows for questions and answers and gives equal opportunity for all students to learn.

What Will it Bring to your Career?

I work in the UN so learning about international law is not only an added value for me, it is a must. The Executive Master will allow me to advance in my career and be capable of performing my duties with an added knowledge of international mechanisms.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

Students at a Geneva Academy event News

Join Our Online Meetings for Prospective Students

6 November 2025

 Join our online information sessions for prospective students interested in our LLM - MAS Programmes.

Read more

2024 Geneva Academy Annual Report News

Our 2024 Annual Report

28 July 2025

Our 2024 Annual Report highlights significant achievements in international humanitarian law education and research during a year marked by deepening global humanitarian crises.

Read more

Computer screen with warning: civilian infrastucture: do not attack Project

The Digitalization of Armed Conflict

Started in September 2020

This project will explore humanitarian consequences and protection needs caused by the digitalization of armed conflicts and the extent to which these needs are addressed by international law, especially international humanitarian law.

Read more

Iraq, Mosul. View of the west bank after the war. Project

IHL in Focus

Started in January 2024

As a yearly publication, it keeps decision-makers, practitioners and scholars up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges in IHL implementation in over 100 armed conflicts worldwide – both international and non-international.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more