Koya University Law Students Achieve Remarkable Success in the Global Jessup Moot Court Competition

A team of law students from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Koya University has achieved a historic milestone in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. Held from February 15 to 17, 2026, at the Kurdistan Lawyers' Syndicate in Erbil, the competition saw intense participation from numerous public and private universities across Iraq. Under the dedicated supervision and coaching of faculty experts, Koya University’s team demonstrated exceptional legal proficiency on a national stage.

The Jessup Competition is the world's largest and most prestigious moot court contest, where law students simulate hypothetical legal disputes between nations before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Participants take on the roles of applicants and respondents, presenting complex oral and written legal arguments. 

The Koya University team, comprised of students Payvin Dawan Kamal, Hawnaz Eskandar, Diya Shirwan, and Nma Fouad, was guided by the academic expertise of Asst. Prof. Dr. Rewar Jabar Shekha, Dr. Hezha Hiwa and Dr. Narmin Razzaq.

The results were outstanding, as Koya University secured first place among all public universities in Iraq and fourth place in the overall ranking of both public and private institutions combined. 

Individually, student Hawnaz Eskandar distinguished herself by winning the "Best Oralist" title, ranking first among 42 competing students. 

Additionally, Diya Shirwan ranked 6th and Payvin Dawan Kamal ranked 11th, meaning Koya University students occupied three of the top eleven positions in the national round. The team also earned highly commendable scores in the "Memorial" (written submission) category.

This success is a direct fulfillment of Koya University’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The first pillar, "Student Success and Employability," aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional experience. 

Furthermore, this achievement aligns with the fifth pillar, "Internationalization and Global Visibility," which emphasizes international cooperation and participation in world-renowned accredited competitions. By excelling in such prestigious arenas, Koya University continues to expand the professional horizons of its students, equipping them with the necessary skills to compete in the global labor market and serve the community with excellence.