University News Last updated 31 March
Students from Birmingham City University (BCU) have been crowned world champions at the inaugural Paula Sparks World Moot on International Law and Animal Rights, defeating the University of Reading in a highly competitive final.
Hosted earlier this month by the University of Birmingham, the landmark event brought together more than 15 universities from across the UK and around the globe for the world’s first international legal advocacy and policy competition dedicated to animal rights.
Representing BCU were Law with Business Law students Lukundo Siwila and Armaanpreet Singh, alongside LLB Law students Gia Dhami and Mirah Kauser.
Final-year student Siwila said the team’s success was built on determination and discipline: “Our success was driven by intense preparation, teamwork and resilience.
“We dedicated weeks to focused preparation leading up to the competition. Due to the short timeframe, we completed our written submissions within three days, sacrificing personal time and weekends.”
The two-day competition challenged participants to rethink the legal status of animals and confront issues of exploitation and abuse on a global scale.
It also aimed to equip future lawyers, as well as social and natural scientists, with the skills to advocate effectively for animal interests in complex, real-world contexts.
The competition featured two strands. In the negotiation round, Dhami and Kauser represented fictional NGOs, demonstrating strong advocacy skills despite not progressing to the final stages.
In the advocacy moot, Siwila (26) and Singh (19) argued before a simulated International Court of Justice, delivering standout performances that secured their place in – and ultimately victory at – the final.
The final was judged by an international panel of leading experts in law and animal rights.
Siwila credited the team’s achievement to the support of BCU’s academic staff, including Jon Yorke, Carley Lightfoot, Sunday Akanni and Dr Love Alfred.
“Overall, our victory was the result of discipline, collaboration, and strong academic and moral support. It was amazing to hear BCU declared world champions for 2026,”
Reflecting on the experience, Singh added: “This competition challenged me to think beyond traditional legal boundaries and engage with the evolving role of law in addressing global ethical issues.
“Animal rights is an area that is only going to grow in importance, and being part of a moot at this level made me realise how impactful legal advocacy can be in shaping that future.
“It was an intense but rewarding experience that pushed me to develop both academically and personally.”