Villa College hosted an International Symposium on Law and Global Affairs, featuring eminent scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world. The symposium, held at the college's premises, provided a dynamic platform for discourse on critical global issues, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This was a two day event held on the 20th and 21st of December 2023 at the Ocean View Hall of Villa College, organized by the Faculty of Shariah and Law in collaboration with, Human Rights Center, University of Essex, UK and MM Shankarrao Chavan Law College, India.

The event began with the welcome remarks of the Vice Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ali Najeeb, highlighting the fact that this was the first ever symposium of its kind as the discourses are centric to the standing of the Maldives under the spectrum of international law and thanked the Chief Guest, Ms. Catherine Haswell, for her contributions in developing the relationship between the UN and Academia in the Maldives who was appearing in an event such as this for the last time as the sitting UN Resident Coordinator in Maldives. In her remarks, she mentions how she believes that she is leaving Maldives in good hands and that Villa College will continue being the champion of SGD’s.

The Symposium was Conceptualized by Dr. Nizamuddin Ahmad Siddiqui, Assistant Professor from the O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India. The event was officially facilitated by the Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ahmed Anwar, accompanied by Uza. Asna Ahmed, Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law, Villa College.

The two day discussions encompassed a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from legal frameworks and international relations to climate change and human rights. This was aligned with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering discussions on legal systems and global affairs, contributing to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. In this event 6 countries participated including Maldives, India, UK, Belgium, Hong Kong and Ireland. With 2 keynote speeches and 4 technical sessions with 22 papers presented.

Furthermore, sessions addressed climate change (SDG 13 - Climate Action) and human rights (SDG 5 - Gender Equality, and SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities) reflected the symposium's commitment to addressing pressing global challenges that impact vulnerable populations.

By providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise, Villa College's symposium directly contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the importance of collaboration among academia, practitioners, and students in achieving sustainable development objectives.