CLAW participates in the 2025 BRICS Law Consortium Forum

The Executive Dean of Unisa’s College of Law (CLAW), Professor Mpfariseni Budeli-Nemakonde, led a distinguished delegation to the BRICS Law Consortium Forum, held from 1 to 3 December 2025 in Moscow, Russia. The event attracted a diverse group of academics and students from BRICS countries and universities.

The Unisa delegation included Dr Lindelwa Mhlongo (CLAW’s Manager of Strategic Projects), members of the National Student Representative Council (NSRC), including Nkosinathi Mabilane (NSRC President), Kgothatso Mosimege (Sports and Cultural Officer), Nokuthula Mathonsi (Treasurer General), and Amos Monageng (Office of the Dean of Students).  

The forum provided a platform for academics and scholars alike to meaningfully engage in critical discussions on legal cooperation and development within the BRICS group of universities’ law schools. The highlights of the event included the signing of the Memorandum of Intent (MoI) between eleven BRICS law schools, which concretises intentions to foster long-lasting and mutually beneficial working relationships.

Also notable were the presentations by law deans under the theme “Legal education in BRICS countries: Perspectives and challenges in XXI”, as well as a parallel student programme where law scholars simulated a multilateral investment treaty negotiation. During this exercise, capable Unisa law students represented and negotiated on behalf of Russia, with careful consideration to the unique needs and priorities of the country.

The programme concluded with an eventful closing ceremony, where students were awarded certificates in recognition of their participation in the bilateral investment treaty negotiation simulation, and other ceremonial festivities to mark the end of a successful three-day engagement.

This experience has presented an invaluable opportunity for Unisa students to develop practical negotiation skills, thus deepening their understanding of international investment law within a multilateral context. It also provided networking opportunities and to establish long-lasting relationships with their peers in the BRICS community.

* By the Dean Desk Team, College of Law