H.E. Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf is a distinguished jurist, scholar, and statesman of international law whose career has left an indelible mark on the development of global justice. He served as President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from 2018 to 2021, becoming the first Somali to hold that position, and as a Judge of the Court from 2009 to 2021. His tenure was marked by landmark decisions that reinforced the primacy of international law in resolving disputes between states.

Born in Somalia, Judge Yusuf studied law at the Somali National University and earned advanced degrees from the University of Florence and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He went on to serve with distinction across international institutions, including as Legal Adviser at the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Chief of the Legal Service at UNESCO, and Director of the Office of International Standards and Legal Affairs at UNESCO.

Judge Yusuf has been a tireless advocate for strengthening the role of law and institutions in advancing peace, development, and human rights. As a founder of The Hague Institute for Global Justice, he contributed his unique perspective as both a practitioner and scholar of international law. His vision reinforced the Institute’s mission to bridge the worlds of policy, academia, and adjudication in pursuit of durable solutions to global challenges.

He is also the founder of the African Institute of International Law in Arusha, Tanzania, reflecting his deep commitment to building legal capacity and advancing the rule of law across Africa. Widely published on topics of international law, he has helped shape discourse on subjects ranging from state sovereignty and natural resources to the evolution of international organizations.

Judge Yusuf’s legacy is defined by his unwavering dedication to the peaceful settlement of disputes, the universality of international law, and the idea that justice must be at the center of global order. His work at The Hague Institute continues to inspire efforts to ensure that the law remains a force for fairness and cooperation in an interconnected world.