ILAWDUN
The Institute of Law Research and Development of United Nations (ILAWDUN) is an independent research institute based in Washington, D.C., United States.
History
The institute was first founded in May 2012 by a group of law scholars. It gained full legal formality in 2022, when its constitution was signed into effect and it was recognized as a legal entity under Title 29 of the Washington, D.C. Code.[1][2]
Structure and membership
ILAWDUN is structured into a number of bodies that support its research and educational activities. The Office of the President and Director-General oversees the institute, with assistants and directors for areas including research, education, finance, human rights, health, and sustainable development. Beneath the executive office are several councils and academic units. The Academy for Law, Human Rights and Development (ALHRD). Other associated bodies include the College of Fellows, the College of Scholars and Readers, a Council for Honors and Awards, and a Trust Fund to support research initiatives. The institute has also reported an affiliation with the Universal School of Eclectic Analysis, Legal Research & Law Studies (UNISERL), a UK-registered institution, as an independent affiliate.[3]
Activities
The institute holds seminars, workshops and educational activities to spread knowledge of international law, as well as training programs for government officials and students. In April 2025, ILAWDUN's Director-General, Cyprian Edward-Ekpo, publicly challenged the declaration of a state of emergency and the suspension of Rivers State governor Siminalayi Fubara by Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling the move unconstitutional and dangerous for democracy in Nigeria.[4][5] Earlier, in January 2024, Edward-Ekpo had also urged reforms to address perceived corruption in Nigeria's judiciary.[6][7]
In 2025, media reported that ILAWDUN announced the Global Summit & Training Program on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, Advanced Science and Law for Sustainable Development (GLOTADALS), aimed at developing an overarching global legal framework to address opportunities and challenges of AI for sustainable development, with events planned in Washington, D.C. in 2026. In 2025, ILAWDUN also unveiled a 10-layered "Laurel Prizes and Merit Awards" initiative to recognise globally impactful contributions in research and innovation, with an award ceremony planned as a segment of GLOTADALS (2026).[8][9][10]
References
- ↑ Adeuyi, Seun (20 August 2024). "ILAWDUN appoints Nigerian-born professor as Director General". Daily Trust. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ Rapheal (19 August 2024). "Cyprian Edward-Ekpo confirmed as director-general of institute of law research & development". The Sun. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "ILAWDUN appoints Nigerian-born professor as Director General". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2025-09-07.
- ↑ Akpan, Samuel (7 April 2025). "'It threatens Nigeria's democracy' — US law institute DG asks Tinubu to reverse Rivers emergency rule". TheCable. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "US law professor asks Tinubu to reverse Rivers emergency rule". The Punch. 7 April 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ Akpan, Samuel (6 January 2024). "DG of US law institute asks Tinubu to review process of appointing judges". TheCable. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "Tinubu urged to address judicial corruption". Peoples Gazette. Abuja, Nigeria. News Agency of Nigeria. 5 January 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "ILAWDUN Laurel Prizes & Merit Award (announcement)". glotadals.us. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "Global Summit in Washington Eyes New Rules for AI: What Businesses Should Watch". Sovereign Magazine. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
- ↑ "GLOTADALS – Global Summit & Training Program on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Technology, Advanced Science and Law for Sustainable Development". glotadals.us. Retrieved 31 August 2025.