Law Students take part in international Legal Knowledge Exchange in Egypt

Law students from Northumbria were part of an international study group participating in a new legal knowledge exchange programme hosted by the Office of the Attorney General of Egypt.

The Inaugural Legal Knowledge Exchange Programme ran in February and marks the beginning of what will become an annual initiative between Egypt’s Public Prosecutor’s Office and international legal institutions. Bringing together 40 law students from Northumbria, the University of Vienna, and the German University in Cairo, the programme provided a unique learning opportunity to engage in intensive legal study, practical training, and cross-cultural exchange.

Professor Mohamed Badar, Director of the Northumbria International Criminal Law and Practice LLM Programme, co-led the initiative alongside Counsellor Aly Mokhtar, Chief of Egypt’s Prosecution Offices and Digitalisation.

Commenting on the trip, Professor Badar said: "This visit was not just an academic opportunity to observe Egypt’s legal system – it was a platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between countries and cultures. By engaging with different legal systems, our students develop a globally aware mindset that is essential for solving complex international legal challenges."

Throughout the week-long exchange, students participated in lectures, workshops, and field visits to key legal institutions, including:

The Supreme Constitutional Court

The Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The House of Representatives

The Ministry of Social Solidarity

These visits provided invaluable insights into Egypt’s judicial, legislative, and executive processes, offering students a comparative perspective on legal governance, digital transformation in justice, and international legal cooperation.

In addition to institutional visits, the programme featured simulated trial exercises, where students examined the implementation of international court rulings in national legislation. Discussions also explored artificial intelligence in the legal field and children’s rights protections in armed conflicts.

The programme featured contributions from distinguished legal professionals, including:

Chief Justice Boulos Fahmy Iskandar, President of the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court

Amb. Dr Namira Negm, Director of the African Migration Observatory

Dr Jasmin Moussa, Legal Advisor to the Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Justice Mohamed Shawky, Prosecutor General of Egypt

At the closing ceremony, Justice Shawky presented participating students with certificates of appreciation, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in preparing students for leadership roles in international law.

Beyond academic engagements, students had the opportunity to explore Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, with visits to the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the New Administrative Capital, showcasing Egypt’s modern legal and urban development.

Professor Badar added, "Our students’ participation in this programme reflects Northumbria’s commitment to providing real-world legal experiences that enhance professional and cultural competencies. These exchanges strengthen their ability to navigate international legal landscapes and drive forward future legal collaborations."

Professor Michael Stockdale, Head of Department for Northumbria Law School, said: “This was an inspirational visit for our students. It introduced them to a variety of international law issues, helped them get to know other legal systems, and exposed them to a variety of new contacts, including some at very high levels.”

Dr Malvika Unithan, Assistant Professor at Northumbria Law School, added: "It was a unique academic opportunity for our students to hear from prolific and esteemed members within the Egyptian legal system regarding the practical realities of international criminal law and cooperation between States vis-a-vis legal matters. The programme provided an avenue for students to engage in analytical discussions, resulting in a shared, and stimulating experience of learning different legal approaches to international law and global justice."