, Advocate Thembile Joyini.){kind=link}
The South African candidate for the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), Advocate Thembile Joyini, embarked on an active election campaign as the South African Permanent Mission to the United Nations hosted an interactive breakfast event. The election, scheduled for June 14, holds the potential for Advocate Joyini to serve a term from 2023 to 2032. The breakfast gathering provided a platform for election officers and Sixth Committee experts to engage directly with Advocate Joyini on matters specific to ITLOS, sparking insightful discussions.
Of particular significance were the key questions raised regarding the importance of promoting candidates from developing countries to ensure diversity within the ITLOS. This emphasized the need for equitable representation and inclusion within international institutions. As a display of African solidarity, Advocate Joyini shared the floor with Ambassador Keh Kamara from Sierra Leone, both of whom have received endorsements from the African Union. Their joint presence showcased the united front presented by African nations in supporting their respective candidates.
With the 33rd Meeting of States Parties to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the horizon, Advocate Joyini and Mr. Mnguni, the election officer for the South African Permanent Mission to the UN, engaged in bilateral discussions with various delegations to discuss the upcoming ITLOS elections. These fruitful engagements highlighted the breadth of knowledge and experience that Advocate Joyini will bring to the work of ITLOS, solidifying his potential contributions.