On 16 April, the Swiss Network for International Studies awarded Joan Apecu with its 2011 SNIS Award for best thesis in international studies at a Swiss University. A Ugandan National, Ms Apecu’s work which earned her a PhD in International Law from the Institute, was entitled "African Participation at the World Trade Organization, Legal and Institutional Aspects (1995-2010)". Her thesis directors were Institute Professors Joost Pauwelyn and Jean Louis Arcand. Dr Bernard Hoekman, Director of the International Trade Department at the World Bank was her external examiner.
The SNIS jury praised Ms Apecu’s thesis as being timely, original and policy relevant among several other qualities. “I greatly appreciated the top quality professional guidance of the professors who helped see me through the writing and defence of my thesis and I believe this award reflects what an exceptional institution the Graduate Institute is.”
Ms Apecu is currently an Economic Affairs Officer in the Council and Trade Negotiations Committee Division of the World Trade Organization. Prior to that, she served in several capacities in the Uganda Law Reform Commission, including as a Senior Legal Officer in charge of Law Reform and Research, where she undertook law reform projects in several branches of the law. Ms Apecu has also served in the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations and Other International Organisations in Geneva Switzerland.
The Swiss Network for International Studies was created by the Graduate Institute and the University of Geneva in 2008 to promote the study of international relations and strengthen cooperation between academic institutions and international and non-governmental organisations.
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