Ida Nydelius' award-winning thesis brought her to the UIA Congress in Paris

The Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE) is designed to give students a deeper understanding of what influences human thought and action in order to shape the future of societies and organizations. Through a variety of impactful teaching methods—from case studies, advanced seminars and international competitions to labs and real-world projects—students get firsthand insights on how to turn theory into practice in the world of work.

Program graduate Ida Nydelius had a unique journey in the program. She wanted to understand how societies work and what shapes them, so she found that IE Law School was the perfect fit. Earning her bachelor’s while also having the opportunity to involve herself in the arts would complete the IE Experience for Ida. “I saw it as an amazing experience to strengthen my knowledge and gain firsthand experience. 

IE Law School is an institution that is way ahead of other institutions. Learning from professionals actively working in the field offered a more realistic and practical education.”
Ida Nydelius, Bachelor in Politics, Law and Economics alum 

We recently sat down with Ida to hear about her journey at IE Law School and, more specifically, about how she earned a spot at the 68th UIA Congress and what it meant to her.

An award-winning thesis

IE University works relentlessly to give students unique, hands-on opportunities. That said, the institution builds professional relationships with organizations worldwide. The International Association of Lawyers (UIA) paired with IE Law School to carry out a competition for the best thesis. The prize? A seat at the 68th UIA Congress in Paris.

Ida presented her thesis, “Global Threads: Unraveling the Impact of Extended Producer Responsibility on the Textile Industry in Pakistan,” and won. Exploring the potential impact and consequences of the proposed amendments to the European Union’s Waste Framework Directive (WFD) and the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems for textiles, Ida’s project focused on the Pakistani textile industry. “I particularly focused on how these amendments will impact labor rights, and with it, the millions of people employed by the industry in third-world countries.” 

One key finding from Ida’s project was the importance of taking a deeper look at the system as a whole—especially when it comes to a highly globalized industry like the textile industry—instead of simply focusing on impacts within the EU. “A lot more work must be done for handling textile waste, especially to develop it into a system that supports a sustainable and circular economy. Currently, the European Union does not have the adequate means to handle the current collection of textile waste.”

An experience of a lifetime

Her hard work and detailed research paid off. Ida was invited to attend the UIA Congress, which seemed to be designed for exactly what she wanted to learn. “I was greatly surprised by the fact that one of the two main themes of the congress was focused on sustainability in the fashion industry.” Ida attended sessions about human rights in the textile industry, the impact of due diligence directives, and how the law can improve by defining rules and regulations to protect employees. 

Maria Teresa Pisani, a UN representative from UNECE, opened the main session of the congress with a presentation on how the textile industry is being increasingly regulated. From this presentation, Ida noted that two main challenges would be shifting the industry from a linear to a circular economy, and helping industry players comply with sustainability requirements.

Beyond insights and newly acquired knowledge, Ida made incredible connections with inspiring legal professionals. “My time at the congress inspired me to consider going back into law. And as I walk away, I feel that my dream of working within the textile industry is much more obtainable thanks to my connections with industry professionals, in-depth discussions on topics that I hold close to my heart and insights on possible ways to break into the profession.”

A future in law

Ida is beyond thankful for IE Law School’s collaboration with UIA. 

“The mere fact that IE Law School is collaborating with UIA for this award to recognize students’ legal research and sponsoring my trip to attend this conference is incredible. I cannot describe it in any other way than this award and this trip made for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Ida Nydelius, Bachelor in Politics, Law and Economics alum 

The support she received along the way from her supervisor, professors and other IE Community members on a project she holds so closely to her heart filled Ida with a new sense of hope for the industry's future and a future for her in the industry. In addition to the practical education and legal skills she gained in the program, Ida feels her professional profile is transversal, allowing her to think about her next move. 

When asked about that next move, Ida shared that it was the “hardest question of them all.” She went on to explain, “Throughout my five years at IE University, I have explored several routes and have discovered that it’s impossible to plan the future. I’ve learned to keep my eyes open and live out the journey rather than focus on an end goal. And in this way, I can catch new opportunities as they arise—like the opportunity to attend this conference and possibly shift back to a legal career.” 

Ida is inspired to pursue law, but more important than that, she feels that IE Law School has prepared her to be a leader, a community builder, a critical thinker and a creative problem-solver. “My education has provided me with the tools to understand society and businesses, which will help me create a positive social impact through my future career.” Her big dream? To work within the textile industry as a lawyer, business owner and social entrepreneur.