Press Release: American University of Iraq-Baghdad Wins Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, Iraq National Rounds 2026
Erbil, Iraq | February 17, 2026: The 2026 Iraqi National Rounds of the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition have officially concluded in Erbil, marking the successful close of three days of rigorous legal debate, advocacy, and academic excellence.
Bringing together 12 university teams from across Iraq, this year’s competition stands among the largest Jessup national rounds in the Middle East – and is tied as the 13th largest in the world.
Following 3 days of competition judged by panels of national and international legal experts, American University of Iraq-Baghdad was crowned National Champion, securing the honor of representing Iraq at the International Rounds in Washington, D.C., where they will compete alongside top law schools from over 100 countries.
Individual distinctions were also awarded:
• Best Oralist: Hawnaz Maruf Ahmed, University of Koya
• Best Memorial: University of Al-Qadisiyah
“Jessup is more than a competition, it’s our support for the next generation of lawyers,” said Sherri Kraham Talabany, President and Executive Director of SEED. “These students have demonstrated extraordinary discipline, analytical skill, and ethical commitment. By supporting Jessup, we are investing in the future of justice in Iraq – in lawyers who will uphold rights, strengthen institutions, and advance the rule of law.”
The competition, hosted at the Kurdistan Bar Association, saw students simulate proceedings before the International Court of Justice, challenging them to engage deeply with public international law which is the framework through which states resolve disputes peacefully, protect rights, and define their global responsibilities. Throughout the competition, participants demonstrated advanced skills in legal research, written advocacy, and oral argumentation.
“At the conclusion of the Iraq National Rounds 2026, I would like to thank everyone who participated — and in particular SEED for their leadership in hosting this year’s competition. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in the years ahead, jointly contributing to the professional development of law students from across Iraq,” said Bakhtiar Haidar Othman Al-kadi, President of Kurdistan Bar Association. “Through this competition, we have seen firsthand the exceptional skill, dedication, and promise of our future lawyers. We wish them every success as they go on to represent Kurdistan and Iraq internationally, and we support their efforts to strengthen the rule of law — here at home and globally — working to ensure justice and equal protection for all.”
National rounds of the competition have been held in Iraq since 2010. 2026 marks the first year the event has been hosted by SEED, in partnership with the International Law Students Association (ILSA), the global organizer of the Jessup Competition, which engages more than 800 law schools worldwide.
This year’s rounds were supported by 21 independent judges, including 11 international legal experts, underscoring the competition’s global standards and the growing international engagement in Iraq’s legal education ecosystem.
Participating Universities:
- University of Kurdistan–Hewlêr
- University of Raparin
- University of Mustansiriyah
- University of Human Development
- Zakho University
- Garmian University College of Law
- Qadsiya University
- University of Nineveh
- American University of Iraq – Baghdad
- Nawroz University
- Koya University
- American University of Iraq, Sulaimani
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