On 15 July 2025, the Global Campus of Human Rights and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) entered a new phase of strategic collaboration with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed by Manfred Nowak, Secretary General of the Global Campus of Human Rights, and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during a ceremony that marked a renewed commitment to advancing human rights through education, research, and global cooperation.
This new MoU—developed in close coordination with the OHCHR’s Human Rights Education Unit—replaces two previous agreements signed in the past by the European Master’s Programme in Human Rights and Democratisation (EMA) and the European Inter-University Centre for Human Rights and Democratisation (EIUC). The partnership lays the foundation for stronger future cooperation between the OHCHR and the Global Campus across its regional hubs, OHCHR regional and national offices, and at the headquarters level.
Volker Türk emphasised the importance of this renewed partnership: “Human rights education is key to countering hate, building social cohesion and shaping the responsible, just leaders our world urgently needs. That’s why I was pleased to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between my Office and the Global Campus of Human Rights. This agreement strengthens our collaboration to advance human rights through education, research, student engagement, and shared expertise at the global, regional, and national levels. It is a vital investment in youth and in the future leadership needed to build more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful societies.”
Manfred Nowak also welcomed this milestone:
“This MoU represents a powerful step forward for the Global Campus network and for global human rights education. It formalises and deepens our collaboration with OHCHR, building on decades of joint efforts. We look forward to launching impactful initiatives that connect youth, academics, and practitioners to promote justice and dignity across all regions.”
Among the first joint initiatives under the new MoU, the Global Campus will participate as a global partner in the OHCHR–Council of Europe Human Rights Education Youth Forum, taking place in Budapest in December 2025.
This significant development coincided with the successful conclusion of the 2025 Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition, the world’s leading human rights moot court, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 14 to 18 July 2025.
After months of preparation, Midlands State University from Zimbabwe emerged as the winning team, demonstrating exceptional advocacy and legal reasoning. The Universidad Nacional de Colombia was awarded second place for their impressive performance throughout the competition.
The 2025 edition of the World Moot was judged by an esteemed panel, including Judge Ivana Jelić, Judge Carlos Gómez, Professor Manfred Nowak, Mr. Cláudio Foquiço, Prof. Thompson Chengeta, and as presiding Judge Verónica Gómez.
The competition was organised by:
- Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria
- Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, American University, Washington College of Law
- The Commonwealth Secretariat
- United Nations Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB) at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
With the financial support of:
- European Union through the Global Campus of Human Rights
- Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations Office and other international organisations in Geneva
- South African Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva
- The Regional Office for Southern Africa (ROSA) of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
The Global Campus congratulates all participating teams and stakeholders who made the 2025 World Moot an outstanding success and celebrates the deepening of its partnership with OHCHR to further human rights education and global engagement.
More information about the #Mootcourt: https://www.chr.up.ac.za/worldmoot
Full video, UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1o/k1omnqi991
Press Requests about the Memorandum of Understanding: pressoffice@gchumanrights.org