MIRD Students visit international organisations in The Hague
On 5 and 8 September 2025, first-year students of the Advanced MSc in International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) visited the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. These visits, part of the course The European Union and the United Nations, offered valuable first-hand insights.
Having recently commenced their studies, MIRD students had the opportunity to explore the international zone of the city often described as the ‘City of Peace and Justice’. The Hague hosts a range of key institutions in international relations, from intergovernmental organisations to international courts and non-governmental organisations. The visits offered students a first insight into the roles of the OPCW and the ICJ, where they engaged actively with staff members from these organisations and demonstrated eagerness to learn more.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
The visit began with an interactive ‘Kahoot’ quiz, challenging students to test their general knowledge of the organisation and their scientific understanding of chemical weapons. The highest scorers were awarded a copy of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Public Affairs Officer Anne K. Glick and Chemical Weapons Specialist Inspector Milan Strahinjic provided students with detailed information about the OPCW’s structure, mandate, and regulations, as well as technical insights into different types of chemical agents.
During the Q&A session, students asked questions about the processes involved in chemical weapons destruction, the organisation’s financing, inspections conducted by the Technical Secretariat, and the international agreements that enable such inspections. They also explored measures in cases of non-compliance and possible preventative strategies. Furthermore, students learned about OPCW internship opportunities and had the chance to engage with MIRD alumni currently working as interns at the OPCW.
The International Court of Justice
On 8 September 2025, the Peace Palace welcomed MIRD students and programme staff. Following an initial tour of the front yard and an appreciation of the building’s striking architecture, students attended a presentation in the main Courtroom delivered by staff from the Registry of the Court. This historic courtroom also previously hosted the Permanent Court of Arbitration and, subsequently, the Permanent Court of International Justice of the League of Nations.
Students showed keen interest in the ICJ’s work, inquiring about the Court’s jurisdiction, composition, judge appointment procedures, and its relationship with the UN Security Council. Cinthya Sanz Isaacs remarked, ‘It inspired me to learn that ICJ judges have diverse legal backgrounds and experience in fields such as diplomacy and academia. Bound by their shared impartiality, they are committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes.’
These visits form an integral part of first-year students’ professional development. They will continue to expand their experiential learning beyond The Hague during an upcoming three-day trip to Brussels next month.
MSc International Relations and Diplomacy
The two-year Advanced MSc International Relations and Diplomacy (MIRD) programme offers students a unique blend of academic education in international relations and political science with practical graduate education and training in international negotiation and diplomacy. Students attend a wide range of courses, develop their analytical and research skills, take on an internship, write their master’s thesis, and build network with experts in relevant fields. Upon graduation students are prepared to take on positions in international organisations, politics, and diplomacy; or for PhD research.