University of Manchester academics co-lead international legal education in Southern Italy
In July 2025, two University of Manchester law academics co-led international events in Italy, promoting inclusive dialogue on global justice with a keynote by Dr Fatou Bensouda and workshops fostering critical reflection across cultures and disciplines.
In July 2025, Dr Emma Luce Scali and from the University of Manchester Law School co-led two major international academic events in Southern Italy: the and the .
Co-organised alongside Professor Raffaella Nigro (University 鈥楳agna Graecia鈥� of Catanzaro), the events brought together over 70 participants 鈥� including students, researchers and practitioners 鈥� to explore urgent questions of international law, justice, and political economy. The Roccella Summer School in particular, is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive space for people from all backgrounds to reflect critically on international law鈥檚 relevance to the peaceful coexistence and the thriving of humanity. Its core mission is to promote wider public engagement with international law, fostering dialogue beyond traditional academic boundaries.
A highlight of the programme was the keynote address, on the Day of International Criminal Justice (17 July), by HE Dr Fatou Bensouda, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court and current Gambia High Commissioner to the UK. Her address offered a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance in making international law work for justice and the world鈥檚 most vulnerable.
Participants engaged in accessible workshops, collaborative writing sessions, and open discussions that encouraged peer learning and critical reflection across cultures, disciplines, and lived experiences 鈥� all set against the backdrop of Roccella鈥檚 historic architecture and stunning coastal landscape.
As one student reflected:
The experience鈥� reminded me that law is not just about rules or precedents, it is about people 鈥� identities, cultures, histories, and futures. 鈥� Roccella gave me more than knowledge, it gave me inspiration, belonging, and the courage to keep going.
View the full programme on the .