Judge Yuji Iwasawa Elected as New President of the World Court
The Problem: A Leadership Void at the International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly known as the World Court, faced a leadership vacuum after its former president, Nawaf Salam, stepped down in January 2025 to assume the role of Lebanon’s prime minister. This left the court needing a new leader at a time when global legal disputes were more complex than ever. The court had to fill the position quickly to ensure stability in handling critical cases involving territorial disputes, human rights, and international conflicts.
Table of Contents
This is not just another change in leadership. The ICJ plays a crucial role in global diplomacy, settling legal disputes between nations and issuing advisory opinions on international matters. When the head of such an institution steps down suddenly, it raises concerns about continuity, fairness, and efficiency in resolving pressing global issues. The selection of a new president had to be swift, strategic, and based on merit.
The Agitation: Why It Mattered More Than Ever
With increasing global tensions, the ICJ is more important than ever. Nations are in legal battles over border disputes, trade wars, and human rights violations. Recent cases, including disputes involving Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, and environmental damage caused by industrialized nations, have put the World Court in the global spotlight.
Without strong leadership, these cases could face delays, inconsistencies, or inefficiencies. That’s why the departure of Nawaf Salam created a significant challenge. The international community needed a judge who could handle the pressure, understand complex legal frameworks, and maintain the ICJ’s credibility. Enter Judge Yuji Iwasawa.
The Solution: Judge Yuji Iwasawa Steps In
On March 4, 2025, the ICJ elected Judge Yuji Iwasawa as its new president. Iwasawa, a judge at the ICJ since 2018, will now serve as the head of the United Nations’ principal judicial body. He will complete the remainder of Salam’s term, which is set to end on February 5, 2027.
Who is Judge Yuji Iwasawa?
Born in Tokyo in 1954, Iwasawa has spent decades in international law. His academic credentials include:
- LL.B. from the University of Tokyo (1977)
- LL.M. from Harvard Law School
- S.J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law
His career highlights include serving as a professor at the University of Tokyo and chairing the United Nations Human Rights Committee. Before joining the ICJ, he worked extensively in international law, advising Japan on global legal matters and contributing to major legal reforms.
Why Was Iwasawa the Right Choice?
Judge Iwasawa brings deep knowledge of international legal structures and experience in both academia and judiciary functions. His previous role as a judge at the ICJ has prepared him for this leadership position. Here’s why his appointment makes sense:
- Legal Expertise – His background in human rights law, international treaties, and state sovereignty equips him to handle complex cases.
- Experience in Diplomacy – Having worked with multiple international organizations, Iwasawa understands the delicate balance of law and politics.
- Neutrality and Integrity – His work history demonstrates his ability to remain impartial and uphold international justice.
Key Challenges Awaiting Judge Iwasawa
While Iwasawa’s election is a positive step, his tenure won’t be without challenges. Here are some pressing issues on his desk:
- Ongoing Russia-Ukraine Disputes – The ICJ is dealing with multiple cases related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including war crimes accusations and territorial claims. The pressure to deliver fair rulings while navigating political tensions will be intense.
- Israel-Palestine Conflict – The ICJ recently ruled on aspects of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Future cases will demand balanced legal judgment while dealing with international scrutiny.
- Climate Change Lawsuits – Island nations are suing industrialized countries over environmental damage and rising sea levels. Iwasawa will oversee some of the first major international rulings on climate responsibility.
- Post-Pandemic Trade Disputes – Economic battles between nations regarding vaccine distribution, medical patents, and trade agreements remain unresolved.
How Iwasawa Plans to Lead
Judge Iwasawa has not yet made a detailed public statement about his priorities, but his past actions suggest a commitment to:
- Efficiency – Ensuring that cases move swiftly without unnecessary delays.
- Transparency – Maintaining clear communication about ICJ rulings and processes.
- Fairness – Upholding the ICJ’s reputation as a neutral arbitrator in international conflicts.
A Look at Past ICJ Presidential Elections
This isn’t the first time the ICJ has faced sudden leadership changes. In 2018, Somali Judge Abdulqawi Yusuf took over as president after Ronny Abraham’s term ended. Similarly, in 2021, Joan Donoghue became the first American woman to serve as ICJ president. Each transition came with its own challenges, but the ICJ has always managed to maintain its credibility and effectiveness.
What Does This Mean for Global Justice?
Iwasawa’s election ensures continuity at the ICJ. His experience and diplomatic approach may help ease tensions between conflicting nations. Given his academic background, he might also push for more transparency and accessibility in international legal proceedings.
However, critics argue that the ICJ, despite its influence, still lacks strong enforcement power. While it can rule on disputes, it relies on member states to comply with its decisions. This means that even with a strong president, the effectiveness of the ICJ depends on global cooperation.
Final Thoughts
Judge Yuji Iwasawa’s election as ICJ president is a significant moment in international law. With multiple global conflicts requiring urgent legal intervention, his leadership will be tested immediately. His experience and expertise make him a suitable choice, but the challenges ahead are substantial. As the world watches, the hope is that the ICJ under Iwasawa’s leadership will continue to deliver justice fairly and effectively.
One thing is certain—his legal career has prepared him for this moment. Whether he succeeds will depend on his ability to balance law, politics, and diplomacy in an increasingly complex world.
Stay tuned as we follow developments in Judge Iwasawa’s tenure at the ICJ and how his leadership impacts international justice.
Citation:
