Dr Melaku Desta
LL.B., LL.M., PhD
Reader in International Economic Law and Director of PhD programme
Dr Melaku Geboye Desta is a reader in international economic law at CEPMLP and director of our PhD programme.
Dr Desta obtained a PhD degree in international trade law, and LLM degree (Magna cum Laude) at the University of Leuven, Belgium; LLB degree (distinction, first-ranking and winner of the Chancellor's Medal) from Addis Ababa University; and a university diploma in education (distinction and first-ranking) from Bahir Dar Teachers' College, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia.
Research
Dr Desta's research interests include the law of the WTO in general and its sectoral application in agriculture and energy in particular, trade and development, trade and investment, and international business transactions. He is also Corresponding Editor for the International Legal Materials responsible for "Agriculture and Natural Resources under the WTO System and Africa"; member of the editorial board for the Law and Development Review; editorial board member of the Journal of International Dispute Settlement, and founding Executive Council member of the Society of International Economic Law (SIEL).
Dr Desta consults governments, international organizations and companies on international trade law issues.
Dr Desta was also a visiting professor to the oikos Young Scholars International Economics Academy 2011 on "The Control of Natural Resources and International Trade" (Geneva 28 August - 2 September 2011).
Teaches On-Campus Modules for:
International Arbitration (CP51019)
To provide the candidate with an overview of the law and practice of international arbitration as a major means of settling international disputes. The course will be taught comparatively with reference to various international laws, the arbitration rules of UNCITRAL, the rules of leading arbitration institutions (e.g. AAA, ICC, LCIA, ICSID), and the major international instruments relevant to international arbitration.
International Dispute Settlement (CP52020)
The main objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the nature and forms of international disputes and the different mechanisms of addressing such disputes in an amicable manner.
International Trade Law (CP51010)
The main objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the overall regulatory framework within which international business transactions take place. This includes an understanding of international treaties regulating cross-border trade relations and the operation of pertinent international organisations administering those treaties, particularly the WTO. The course approaches most issues from a natural resources perspective.