Iuze Mukube

The Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, Canada, competing as Team Canada at the 2026 Leiden-Sairin International Air Law Moot Competition, emerged victorious in the highly competitive and prestigious global competition on Sunday in Windhoek.

The competition’s 17th edition was hosted by the School of Law at the University of Namibia (Unam), bringing together 14 teams from around the world to contest complex hypothetical issues in the highly specialised and dynamic field of aviation law.

The final round on Sunday saw Team Canada, comprising Qirui Zhou, Yuk Wai Wong Henry, and Ida Bagus Mahawira Nawagani, and Team Netherlands (International Institute of Air and Space Law, Leiden University), tested on their advocacy, legal reasoning and their ability to respond to probing questions, as they argued intricately on points of international air law.

The closely contested exchange ended in Canada taking centre stage as the winner and the Netherlands as the runners-up.

Speaking after the competition, Nawagani, from Team Canada, said with a jolly smile that the award was richly deserved after six months of daily dedication to preparing memorials and oral sessions.

“The contested topic on high altitude platform stations (Haps) was a very niche one, making it challenging but very enriching at the same time,” he said.

Zhou, sharing similar sentiments, said they did their best and were satisfied that the judges were pleased with their performance, adding that they would continue working to improve for future competitions.

Henry also expressed happiness and said he was proud of his team for winning the competition and receiving recognition, as they had worked very hard.

“Aviation law has always been my passion, and the team trained intensely to reach that stage.”

The young best oralist winner also added that the win was more than just a resume boost; it provided valuable experience and meaningful connections.

The Netherlands team, comprising two young women, Yuan Wu and Dafni Konstantina Politikou, said they participated in the competition because it offered a valuable learning opportunity and a chance to develop their legal skills.

“It is a highly competitive environment. I advise law students to enjoy the process if they ever wish to participate in moot court competitions. This platform provides a valuable learning experience,” Wu said.

Politikou also said that the platform was unique and helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. Associate Dean of the School of Law at Unam, Kennedy Kariseb, said that the competition is crucial as an academic exercise, but also practical, as it is meant to simulate an actual court.

“Usually, in such a competition, a hypothetical problem is given, and the students are required to find solutions to the legal issues raised in that particular problem,” he said.

Kariseb said the Leiden-Sarin International Air Law moot court competition is the only competition dedicated to air and space law worldwide.

“Therefore, the School of Law hosting the event was important, as in its 31 years of existence, this is the very first time it has hosted an international moot court competition.”

Kariseb noted the importance of air and space law, a specialised field with limited expertise. He hopes entering the competition will prompt Leiden University’s International Institute of Air and Space Law to develop a short course.

“It is an important achievement as the university will further develop the short course into a diploma and master’s qualification. From an academic context, the university has gained a lot from the competition, as well as its students being exposed to the mooting session,” he noted.

The international competition with 14 teams showcased how mooting boosts employability and enhances resumes globally. “The university has also been empowered to host more international competitions, to bring out the brand of the University of Namibia to the world and to create networks,” he concluded.

Although there were no monetary prizes, the competition offers far more in terms of experience, skills development, and exposure to international legal practice.

The 18th edition is expected to be hosted in Prague.

-mukubeiuze@gmail.com