Executive Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict: What Alumni Say

24 April 2025

Osama Maatermawi, Founder and Director of the Syrian Center for Legal Affairs and Arbitration, tells about his experience taking our Executive Master of Advanced Studies.

Could you tell us about your background and your current role?

I am a Syrian lawyer and international law expert with over a decade of field experience in conflict-affected settings. I have held leadership roles since the early days of the Syrian revolution in 2011, including serving as a negotiator and spokesperson for the Syrian opposition delegations in the UN-led Geneva talks and the Astana negotiations.

Currently, I am the founder and director of the Syrian Centre for Legal Affairs and Arbitration (SCALA) in Northwest Syria, where I provide legal services and advocate for the promotion of human rights in a highly complex legal and humanitarian environment. I also serve as an advisor to international organisations on matters related to humanitarian law and the political and legal dimensions of the Syrian context.

What motivated you to join this programme?

My involvement in conflict resolution, legal reform, and humanitarian engagement made it essential to deepen my academic grounding in international humanitarian law and human rights. The Executive Master’s programme at the Geneva Academy offered a unique combination of academic excellence and practical relevance that aligned perfectly with the challenges I face in my daily work. I was particularly drawn to the Academy’s global outlook, its emphasis on real-world application, and the opportunity to engage with leading legal scholars and practitioners shaping the field.

How was your experience with the professors?

The professors were outstanding – not only in their academic expertise but also in their ability to connect theoretical frameworks with current global challenges. Their openness to discussing field-based experiences, especially in complex conflict zones like Syria, added immense value to the learning process. I truly appreciated the way they fostered critical thinking and created a space where professionals from diverse backgrounds could contribute meaningfully to academic dialogue.

How did you balance the programme with your professional life?

Balancing the programme with my professional commitments in Northwest Syria was extremely challenging, especially given the volatile security environment. The region is frequently targeted by airstrikes, terrorist attacks, and car bombings – several of which occurred during my time in the programme. On top of the security threats, I was navigating a politically and a complex humanitarian landscape. The devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in 2023 further intensified these challenges.

Despite all this, I managed to stay committed to the programme through strict time management and personal determination. The flexible and modular nature of the programme made a significant difference. More importantly, I was able to bring these lived experiences to the classroom – sharing real-time insights with peers and professors. This exchange enriched the learning process and created a powerful bridge between academic knowledge and frontline realities.

How has it contributed to your career?

The programme has had a direct and transformative impact on my professional journey. It enhanced the quality of the legal consultations I provide through my advisory firm, especially to international organisations and institutions operating in Syria. The academic rigour and interdisciplinary approach allowed me to offer more sophisticated, well-grounded advice in areas related to international law and humanitarian principles.

Moreover, the knowledge and confidence I gained from the programme enabled me to contribute meaningfully to national milestones – including ongoing discussions on the new Syrian constitution and the legal obligations of the emerging government in the post-conflict phase following the fall of the previous regime. The Geneva Academy’s programme has become a cornerstone in my continued efforts to shape a more just and accountable future for Syria.

More information about our Executive Master of Advanced Studies in International Law in Armed Conflict can be found here, and those interested in the programme can join us for an online information session on May 14.