Beyond the classroom: Chevening scholars attend the London Conference on International Law

Chevening Scholarships allow future leaders to complete their master’s in the UK, but in-classroom learning is only part of the experience. Throughout their time in the UK, scholars have the opportunity to grow their networks and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. 

For Karla Marie Tumulak, Patience Poni, Bolorsaikhan Badamsambuu, and a few other lucky Chevening scholars, this recently came in the form of attending the London Conference on International Law. 

Held at the QEII Centre in Westminster, the biennial conference brings together leading practitioners, academics, policymakers, diplomats, and judges to ‘examine recent developments in international law and consider the effectiveness and limitations of existing legal frameworks in addressing contemporary challenges’. 

The 2026 programme tackled a range of issues, including climate change, dispute settlement, technology, human rights law, and the changing role of non-state actors. 

For the Chevening scholars who attended, it was a chance not simply to hear these issues debated, but also to take part in them: exchanging ideas with experts, testing what they had learned in their courses, and growing their networks.  

Building a powerful international network

One of the defining features of the Chevening experience is the networks scholars build while they’re in the UK. And for Patience, the conference provided the perfect opportunity for this.  

‘I had conversations with experts from the United Nations, academics, and the FCDO Legal team.’ 

Bolorsaikhan adds how it helped him bridge theoretical learning with real-world global diplomacy: 

‘Building a strong international network and learning directly from leading experts empowered me to grow as a leader, ready to tackle complex challenges.’ 

Taking learning beyond the classroom 

Throughout the conference, discussions explored how international legal rules and institutions should respond to a rapidly changing political, technological, and environmental landscape.  

For Patience, the experience expanded her view of international frameworks and the tools she needs to embed them on a national scale.  

‘The discussions challenged me to look inwardly at states’ commitments to international law, particularly in my own country, Uganda.’ 

Having just completed her studies, Karla Marie adds:

‘It broadened my perspective of global best practices and helped situate my academic and professional experiences within the practical applications of international law.’ 

And for Bolorsaikhan, the event reshaped his perception of global leadership and the importance of working together across nation states through international frameworks.  

‘Interacting directly with seasoned professionals and international experts reinforced how interconnected legal advocacy, research, and policy-making truly are on an international scale.’

Returning home with plans for impact 

‘I left with a renewed sense of responsibility for the rule of law.’ 

Scholars come to the UK to study, but their experience extends far beyond their degree. Through the people they meet, the ideas they encounter, and the extracurricular opportunities they pursue, they develop the confidence they need to turn what they have learned into action. 

The London Conference on International Law was another step in that journey, equipping scholars with new perspectives and connections that will help them drive forward positive change in their home countries for many years to come.   

For Patience, it reaffirmed her commitment to empowering fellow changemakers and future generations.

‘I hope to create spaces where young people can engage critically with questions of human rights, international law, accountability and good governance.’

As for Karla Marie, she’s ready to put everything she’s learned into practice, applying this new knowledge and experience to address the challenges facing her home country.

‘I want to address the human rights challenges in the Philippines by pursuing policy options for transitional justice interventions in the post-drug war context, building a more just and humane world.’

And with new connections and toolkits by his side, Bolorsaikhan is passionate about bringing international standards to domestic legislation back home.

‘I hope to apply the practical insights, advanced legal knowledge, and international connections I gained to improve legal practices and institutional frameworks in my home country.’

We can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make!