European Law Students Association
Established in 1981 by students, ELSA now operates in over 200 universities in 42 countries. Ireland is one of the newest countries to join. In 2008, ELSA signed a Human Rights Partnership agreement with the Council of Europe. ELSA has developed strong bonds with firms and institutions. In 1994, ELSA was granted Consultative Status in Category C in UNESCO (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation); in 1997, ELSA obtained Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council). In addition UNCITRAL (UN Commission on International Trade Law) is inviting ELSA delegations to participate in their sessions.
NUIM is currently the second university to have obtained observership status. Contact Claire Finnegan at CLAIRE.FINNEGAN.2009@nuim.ie for more details.
ELSA Maynooth hosted a presidential debate between Micheal D. Higgins (who went on to become President of Ireland) and Senator David Norris.
ELSA Maynooth also hosted an open forum with presidential candidate Sean Gallagher
