Historic Nomination: Rena Lee to Stand for Election as Judge of the International Court of Justice in 2026

In a groundbreaking move, Singapore has officially announced the nomination of Rena Lee, its Ambassador for International Law, to be elected as a judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2026. This significant nomination marks the first time a Singaporean has been put forward for this prestigious role since the nation joined the United Nations in 1965.

Rena Lee's Remarkable Career

Rena Lee boasts a remarkable career that spans over 30 years, with extensive experience in various high-ranking roles within the Singaporean government. Her impressive credentials include positions at the Attorney-General’s Chambers, the Ministry of Defence, and serving as the chief executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.

Significant Expertise in International Law

According to a joint press release from the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "She has significant expertise over a wide range of international law matters, including the law of the sea, climate change, environmental law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law." This depth of knowledge makes her a compelling candidate for the ICJ, an institution that is crucial for resolving complex legal disputes between nations.

Leadership in Crucial Negotiations

In 2023, Lee was appointed as Ambassador for International Law, following her previous roles as Singapore's oceans issues ambassador and a special envoy for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her leadership has been pivotal during significant negotiations, such as the United Nations Intergovernmental Conference on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Under her presidency, the conference concluded with a historical agreement in June 2023, aimed at preserving the marine environment beyond national waters.

Support from Government Officials

Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan expressed confidence in Lee’s capabilities, highlighting her "able leadership over the negotiations" that led to the BBNJ agreement. Minister for Law K Shanmugam echoed this sentiment, stating that Lee has "Singapore's full support" in her candidacy, which is a reflection of the country’s commitment to upholding the principles of international law.

The Role of the International Court of Justice

The International Court of Justice, established in June 1945, serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It settles legal disputes submitted by states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized UN agencies. The court consists of 15 judges, who are elected for nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council.

Conclusion

As Singapore prepares to put Rena Lee forward for this prestigious position, it reaffirms its dedication to the ICJ’s vital role in promoting international law and fostering peaceful resolutions to disputes among countries. This nomination not only elevates Singapore’s prominence in international legal affairs but also underscores its commitment to contributing positively to the global legal landscape. The world will be watching closely as this historic nomination unfolds!