Anna Ramos (2013)
Zachary studied Public International Law in 2013. He now is a legal and diplomatic professional specialising in international law, climate change, ocean governance, and human rights for Antigua and Barbuda.
Introduction
I studied an LLM in Public International Law and I graduated in 2018. I am from Antigua and Barbuda, a twin island nation in the Caribbean.
What is your background before studying your LLM?
Before studying my LLM I has just completed my Bachelor in Laws and I did a prior degree in Political Science both at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. I was so enthralled by the area of Public International Law that I wanted to attain a masters degree before entering the workforce.
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I chose Queen Mary because Queen Mary had the widest range of course modules in the area of international law at the time. I distinctly recall checking the website on different occasions and always finding a new course that sounded so interesting. Narrowing down my courses was extremely difficult.
What were the highlights of studying your programme?
The wide variety of persons who were studying alongside me at QMUL was definitely a highlight. I also thoroughly appreciated how many guest lectures were done by practitioners in the area. It was very helpful to hear how the theory was applied in different scenarios.
How did your CCLS experience contribute to your career?
Immediately upon returning to my home country Antigua and Barbuda, I applied to the Ministry of Legal Affairs to assist specifically with the international law unit. Since then, I have participated in negotiations within the UNFCCC, UNGA 1st and 6th committees. I have done diplomatic work for my country within areas of climate change, ocean governance, human rights and sea level rise. I have helped coordinate both nationally and regionally on several key initiatives in recent years, such as the establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, the Advisory Opinions on Climate Change at the ITLOS, IACtHR and the ICJ. Were it not for Queen Mary, I would not have entered this international law career track.
What advice would you offer future students?
Put your best foot forward in every aspect of the experience because you are never truly sure, how your future endeavours might be affected by your past actions. Also, take the opportunity to explore new things not only within the UK but also with your new classmates. Admittedly, some of my fondest memories involved learning about the culture of my new classmates.
Useful links:
Would you like your story featured? Contact: ccls-alumni@qmul.ac.uk
Back to alumni profiles