Université La Sagesse is proud to announce that its team was awarded Second Runner-Up Best Defense Memorial at the 2026 International Bar Association (IBA) International Criminal Court Moot Court Competition in The Hague.

Competing against 98 teams from 48 countries, the team distinguished itself through the excellence of its legal research, analysis, and written advocacy, earning international recognition for the quality of its Defense Memorial.

The team consisted of:

• Maria Kachouh
• Fatima Massoud
• Andrew Makdissy
• Tarek Jaber
• Elise Helou
• Robert Noujeim

Due to the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, preparation for this competition over the past months was far from easy. Some students lived in insecure areas, while others were forced to relocate. Their success is therefore not only an academic achievement, but also a testament to the resilience, determination, and talent of Lebanese youth.

Université La Sagesse extends its sincere congratulations to the entire team for representing the University and Lebanon with distinction on the international stage.

The University also extends its appreciation to Reina Sfeir, Director of the Human Rights Legal Clinic, for providing students with opportunities to participate in international moot court competitions, and to Dean Chady Saad, PhD, for his continuous support of these initiatives.

Congratulations to the entire team on this remarkable achievement.