Professor Economides, an eminent expert in international law, passed away in June 2011. In his role as President of the Intergovernmental Committee for the promotion of the return of cultural property to its country of origin or its restitution in case of illegal export, his diplomacy and spirit of cooperation empowered him to overcome obstacles to the work of the Committee, and the high quality of his contributions have always been appreciated.

Constantin Economides was a professor at Panteion University in Athens. He specialized in international law and human rights law. As Director of the Office of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece from 1976 to 1995, he had represented the Ministry in the case of the Continental Shelf of the Aegean Sea in front of the International Court of Justice (The Hague) in 1976. Professor Economides had twice been elected as member of the International Law Commission, a subsidiary organ of the General Assembly of the United Nations, representing Greece between 1997 and 2001, and again between 2003 and 2006.

Throughout his career, Professor Economides has been called upon by international organizations, including UNESCO, to use his mediation skills in the resolution of delicate questions concerning complex normative international instruments, including the 2005 Convention for the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

Additionally, Professor Economides published a number of articles and works within the field of international law. His works have been widely recognized by his peers and among students of international law, for whom his works have provided useful references for their studies.

The passing of Professor Constantin Economides represents a loss to the international community, not just of a renowned expert but also of a dedicated humanist.