Geneva Academy>
20 January 2025
Natasha Floodgate, Geeta Mahapatra, and Thijs van der Horst – enrolled in our two Master of Advanced Studies programmes: the LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, and the Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law – will represent the Geneva Academy at the 2025 edition of the Jean-Pictet Competition, taking place in Denpasar, Indonesia, from 22 February to 1 March 2025.
The Jean-Pictet Competition is a leading moot court competition that involves almost six months of intensive training in international law, navigating simulations of armed conflict and using key legal skills and knowledge to ensure the correct application of IHL. Every year, three students from our full-time Advanced Master’s programmes participate, following a competitive selection process carried out by a Geneva Academy jury.
Ankita Shanker, Teaching Assistant at the Geneva Academy, the Founder and Director of the World Moot on International Law and Animal Rights, and PhD Fellow at the Universities of Basel and Helsinki, is coaching them.
‘The Geneva Academy is proud to be represented by Natasha, Thijs, and Geeta at the 47th edition of the Jean-Pictet Competition. Their motivation, dedication, and team spirit are a testament to what we stand for here at the Academy—excellence in the pursuit of global peace and justice’ underlines Ankita.
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy
Natasha is a qualified jurist and is enrolled in our LLM in International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights. Prior to joining us, she worked as a paralegal in a law firm specialising in international arbitration, as well as a research assistant on the ‘Counter-Terror Pro LegEm’ counter-terrorism research project at the University of Geneva.
During her first Master’s degree in International and European Law, Natasha was selected to represent the University of Geneva in the 2021–2022 edition of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. The team won several awards, including the Richard R. Baxter Award for the best overall applicant memorial and the Hardy C. Dillard Award for the best combined memorials of the competition.
‘The Jean-Pictet Competition is renowned for both its unique training in international law and for taking the law out of the books. This has already proven to be true in our training, and I am looking forward to discovering the full extent of this experience during the competition.’
Geneva Academy
Geeta is enrolled in our Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law, after completing a law degree in London. Driven by a profound commitment to victim protection, she has a diverse skill set and background of experience, including specialist support for missing persons, refugee resettlement, and international human rights advocacy.
As a member of the Bar Human Rights Committee of England and Wales, Geeta is deeply passionate about applying legal frameworks to secure the protection of those who have experienced the harshest circumstances of life. She is especially dedicated to developing her understanding of this in the context of armed conflict.
‘It is a privilege and a wonderful opportunity to be able to participate in the upcoming Jean-Pictet Competition, and I am really looking forward to grounding my academic understanding in such an immersive and practical setting.’
Thijs is enrolled in our Master in Transitional Justice, Human Rights and the Rule of Law.
He has a background in political science, obtaining his bachelor's degree at VU Amsterdam, with a specialisation in international politics. His bachelor's degree provided him with an opportunity to study in Norway, allowing him to gain a broad understanding of a different political system. Alongside his studies, he worked as an analyst at a consultancy while volunteering for Amnesty International. Before joining the Geneva Academy, he interned at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva.
‘I am grateful for the chance to participate in the Jean-Pictet Competition. I am looking forward to enriching my knowledge with the practical skills this competition offers. The process of training has already been fantastic, and I can’t wait for the sessions during the competition.’
Geneva Academy / Sandra Pointet
At our recent graduation ceremony, 104 students from our masters programs were honoured in the presence of faculty, staff, friends and family.
Each year, the Geneva Academy sends a team of students to the Jean-Pictet Competition. Participating in this leading moot court is a life-changing experience and an integral part of our programmes.
In this public lecture Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, will discuss with our director, Paola Gaeta and students from the Geneva Graduate Institute, University of Geneva and Geneva Academy.
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This panel event explores the role that emotions play in the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence in warfare.