Universalism, regionalism and integration: Agendas expand knowledge of international practices

Between May 20 and 24, Paula Wojcikiewicz Almeida, coordinator of the Center for Global Law and the FGV Jean Monnet EU-South America Global Governance Center of Excellence, co-funded by the European Commission as part of the Erasmus+ Program, taught a course titled “Universalism, Regionalism and Integration” as a visiting professor on the International Studies Program of Portuguese Catholic University’s Faculty of Law in Porto, coordinated by José Alberto Azeredo Lopes.

The training course aimed to expand knowledge about the theory and practice of international organizations and conflict resolution mechanisms from an interdisciplinary and critical perspective. The classes were attended by students from different countries and with varied academic and professional backgrounds.

The main focus of the FGV Rio de Janeiro Law School in this area is to strengthen the partnership between its Center for Global Law, the FGV Jean Monnet Center of Excellence and Portuguese Catholic University in Porto to collaborate on future projects. During the event, Almeida also met with the director of Portuguese Catholic University’s Faculty of Law in Porto, Professor Manuel Fontaine.

The International Studies Program is a master’s in law taught entirely in English by renowned visiting professors and experts from diverse professional backgrounds, countries and areas of knowledge.

The course had two different modules:

• Module 1 explored “Current Challenges in the Decision-Making Process of International Organizations.” It included an introduction to the concept of global governance and an overview of global and regional decision-making processes and domestic implementation practices, trends and challenges.
   
• Module 2 explored “Current Challenges of International Dispute Settlement Mechanisms.” It covered discussions of the global trend toward international courts and tribunals as multifunctional actors and examined dispute settlement mechanisms and procedures involving global and regional organizations.