ICJ solemn sitting commemorating the Court’s 80th anniversary
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On 17 April 2026, Âé¶¹APP Secretary-General António Guterres attended a solemn sitting held by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to commemorate its 80th anniversary in the presence of His Majesty KingÌýWillem‑Alexander of the Netherlands.Ìý The Secretary-General was accompanied by the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Âé¶¹APP Legal Counsel, Ms.ÌýElinor Hammarskjöld.
The Secretary-General delivered remarks accessible through the following link: Secretary-General's remarks to Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the International Court of Justice. ÌýHe hailed the role and legacy of the Court as a common framework for the peaceful settlement of disputes as set out in the Charter and in the Court’s Statute and emphasized the importance of the adherence to international law in this era of changing power relations, urging a recommitment by States to respect the judgments of the Court and to follow through on its advisory opinions.
Speeches were also delivered by Their Excellencies Ms. Annalena Baerbock, President of the Âé¶¹APP General Assembly, Mr.ÌýTom Berendsen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, and Mr.ÌýJamal Alrowaiei, Ambassador, President of the Âé¶¹APP Security Council for the month of April 2026.
The ICJ webpage dedicated to the Court’s 80th anniversary, including all speeches delivered at the solemn sitting, can be accessed through the following link: