Mohammed Shwani grew up in the multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk in the midst of Iraq’s conflict. The lack of access to a proper education encouraged Mohammed to teach himself English at age 12 and learn from online resources. In 2016, the U.S. The Department of State selected Mohammed for its leadership program. Inspired by his experiences in Iraq and the US, Mohammed co-founded NMUNA to encourage civil and political discourse in Iraq and has provided programming to over 300 individuals across Iraq since then. Mohammed also served as International Programs Coordinator at Soran University, where he bridged the university and students to opportunities abroad. He managed a grant project funded by the US Department of State to create partnerships with US institutions and introduce global citizenship curriculums to students and faculty. The grant also supported hosting Iraq’s first Model United Nations conference. Mohammed’s work for the Kurdistan Regional Government has included briefing government officials on human rights policy and the creation of local tribunals. During his time in Bosnia, Mohammed conducted a comparative analysis of federalism and ethnic conflict in Bosnia and Iraq.
Mohammed’s background in Iraq showed him the effects of a system devoid of basic legal rights. He aims to pursue a career in law to use the legal system to empower and protect people at risk. Mohammed is excited to work with his research mentor, Professor Terrance Halliday, on the role of international institutions in protecting legal freedoms around the world. His experience with Professor Halliday will be a key step toward his interest in an international law career. After ABF, Mohammed will work for the DC law firm Kellogg Hansen on an Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) case in the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit against top pharmaceutical companies for their activities in Iraq.
Mohammed graduated from United World College in Bosnia & Herzegovina and is currently enrolled at Bates College, studying philosophy and politics. Mohammed will join the University of Oxford in the fall to study law.