National Rounds of the Jessup Moot Court Competition Conclude with a Historic Finish

March 25, 2026

The Afghanistan National Rounds of the Philip C Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition concluded with an unforgettable final on March 1, 2026, marked by a level of preparation and professionalism that reflected months of disciplined work by all participating teams. The national rounds showcased not only the growth of moot court culture among Afghan law students, but also the seriousness with which these students engage international law, advocacy, and legal writing.

At the conclusion of the final round, the Ali Shir Nawaee Team emerged as the champion of the national competition. The Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani Team earned the position of runner up after a performance that was equally impressive and intensely competitive. What made this final especially remarkable was how close the competition was: both finalist teams received an equal score, and the outcome ultimately came down to memorial scores, which served as the deciding factor. It was a rare finish that demonstrated the high level of preparation on both sides and the fine margins that separate excellence from victory in Jessup.

Thanks to Ramin Mansoori's management and coordination, the final round was judged by Rachel Mourad, Legal Officer in the United Nation's Security Council, Agata Bzdyń, Human Rights Lawyers in Poland, and Agnese Pizzolla, Principle Legal Counsel at European Central Bank, whose engagement and feedback reflected the seriousness of the proceedings. The judges expressed genuine admiration for the teams’ work and were impressed by the clarity of their legal reasoning, their command of the law, and the poise they demonstrated during oral advocacy. For many observing the national rounds, the message was clear: these students are not merely participating, they are performing at a standard that belongs in global legal forums.

With the national title secured, the Ali Shir Nawaee Team is now preparing to represent Afghanistan in the Jessup International Rounds. This year, the team will compete remotely, carrying forward the momentum of the national season while continuing the long process of refining oral advocacy, strengthening responses to judicial questioning, and sharpening memorial based strategy for the international stage.

Celebrating Achievement and Recognizing Excellence

On March 16, 2026, ALPA College hosted a celebration to honor the champions and recognize the collective effort behind the entire Jessup season. The event awarded certificates of appreciation to the Ali Shir Nawaee Team as the national champion and to the Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani Team as the runner up, celebrating a final that represented the best of Jessup: rigorous preparation, mutual respect, and advocacy at the highest level.

Beyond recognizing the final outcome, ALPA College also honored excellence across the broader competition through certificates awarded in several categories, including Best Oralist (Applicant) and Best Oralist (Respondent), Best Memorial, Best Applicant Team, and Best Respondent Team. Special recognition was also given through a Spirit of Jessup award for a particularly hardworking and dedicated Jessuper, as well as awards for the Best Coach and for the two lead coordinators who carried significant responsibility in managing the ALPA Jessup program.

Importantly, the celebration also recognized the work of all participating teams, the coaches who guided them through months of research and practice, and the administrative staff whose coordination and logistical support made sustained preparation possible. Jessup success is never the result of one round alone. It is built through consistent mentorship, teamwork, and the quiet discipline of draft after draft, practice after practice.

During the celebration, Dr. Bashir Mobasher praised the teams’ resilience, applauded their commitment, and encouraged them to continue and complete the international journey with confidence. He emphasized that the true achievement of this season lies not only in winning, but in the professional growth the students demonstrated through rigorous preparation, sustained teamwork, and the courage to compete under challenging circumstances.

Elizabeth Compa also offered remarks recognizing the students’ impressive knowledge and advocacy skills, commending the seriousness and quality of their work throughout the season and highlighting how strongly they represented Afghan legal talent through their performance.

The 2026 national rounds will be remembered for their competitiveness, their professionalism, and the extraordinary closeness of the final. More than anything, they demonstrated what Afghan students can achieve when talent is matched with structure, mentorship, and determination. As the champion team now moves forward to the international rounds remotely, they carry with them not only the title of national champion, but the collective pride of a program that continues to grow stronger each year.