Introducing Dr Penelope J. Ridings
Member of the International Law Commission 2023-2027
Dr Penelope Ridings, MNZM, is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished international lawyers, currently serving as a Member of the International Law Commission for the 2023-2027 term.
Drawing on her background in diplomacy – including roles as Ambassador and High Commissioner – and extensive experience across the Pacific region, Dr Ridings brings both practical insight and New Zealand’s distinctive legal perspectives to her work on the commission.
At the International Law Commission
Dr Ridings is actively engaged in discussions across all International Law Commission topics, with a particular focus on ‘due diligence’.
In 2024, Dr Riding’s proposed topic on Due Diligence was accepted onto the Commission’s Long-Term Programme of Work in 2024 – reflecting its growing significance as a concept increasingly relied on by States, International courts, and tribunals across ranging contemporary legal issues.
In 2025, she was appointed Special Rapporteur with responsibility for “Due Diligence in International Law,” and held the role of ‘General Rapporteur’ for the Commission’s 75th Session in 2024.
Dr Riding’s has also been actively engaged with Pacific Island Forum countries, working with Co-Chair’s from the International Law Commission’s “Study Group on Sea-Level Rise” to update Pacific representatives on the Commission’s work in this area.
Penelope’s background and election
In her long career with New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Penelope has been both Chief International Legal Adviser and Ambassador, and has developed a deep understanding of the academic and diplomatic aspects of international law. She has a broad base of experience work in trade, dispute settlement, oceans and environmental law, and human rights.
Her election to the International Law Commission in late 2021 followed a nomination by New Zealand (alongside co-nominations by Australia, Canada, and Sierra Leone). She officially began her five-year term in January 2023 as one of eight representatives from the Western European and other group of countries.
Previous experience and qualifications
Over a 30-year career, Penelope has built a strong track record in negotiating, collaborating, seeing diverse perspectives, and bringing people to a common understanding.
- Appointed to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) “Multi-Party
Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement” - Adjudicated high-profile, complex disputes as a WTO Dispute Panellist
- Acted as Counsel and Advocate before international tribunals, including the International Court of Justice, the International
- Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and the World Trade Organisation
- On the Panels of Arbitrators and Conciliators at the International Centre for Settlement of International Disputes
- Legal Adviser to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission
- Chair of the First Performance Review Panel of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation
- New Zealand’s Ambassador to Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, 2008-2011
- New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, 2001-2004
For more information
Twitter: follow Penelope @pj_ridings