Third Scientific Conference and Workshop of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in MENA Universities

Theme: Environmental Law Education for Sustainable Development in the Middle East and North African (MENA) Region: Methodologies and Pedagogical Approaches for Effective Delivery

The third Scientific Conference and Workshop of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU) is planned to be held on November 1-5, 2021 to discuss and consolidate the achievements from the first two conferences held in Doha (Qatar) in November 2018, and in Settat (Morocco) in November 2019.

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Chair’s Welcome Message

I warmly welcome you to the third Scientific Conference and Workshop of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU). This year’s conference builds on the achievements of the first two conferences held at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar in November 2018, and Settat (Morocco) in November 2019.

This year’s event features a five-day intensive and high-profile Train the Trainers (TTT) workshop organized, in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme. It will include the delivery of detailed training and lectures on environmental law by top-tier academics, practitioners, and trainers from across the world. The aim is to empower environmental law champions in the region with the advanced pedagogical skills and tools needed to drive the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially those relating to education, water, energy, climate change, and food security.

More importantly, as with previous occasions, we have put together a wide range of social events that will enable participants to renew old friendships, exchange new ideas and develop innovative approaches to the teaching of environmental law in their institutions.

I look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Doha, Qatar!

Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN
Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Research), College of Law, HBKU
Chair, Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities
Chair of the 3rd MENA Environmental Law Scholars Conference

Dean’s Welcome Message

On behalf of the Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Law, I am delighted to welcome you to Doha and to the 3rd Scientific Conference and Workshop of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU). Since its inception in 2018, ASSELLMU has been at the forefront of promoting education in environmental law in the MENA region. Driving ASSELLMU’s work are the pillars of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which in turn are important to Qatar, as reflected in Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

Addressing the effects of climate change and reducing overall pollution is a legal regime that establishes clear standards and sets out a way for their enforcement. This requirement necessitates understanding the complexities of environmental law, both from a theoretical and practical perspective.  ASSELLMU seeks to fill this gap and does so at a regional (MENA) level, relying on lessons learned from leading experts.  

Support has and will always be critical to ASSELLMU’s success.  We are grateful to ASSELLMU members and conference participants as your engagement provides essential substantive knowledge. Furthermore, your interaction and outreach to other environmental law experts in the MENA region has enabled the development of a network that reaches far beyond the events of a single conference or workshop.  

We are also grateful to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for its continuous financial support of ASSELLMU and its regular participation in ASSELLMU activities.  ASSELLMU and its activities are also supported by the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), and we are indebted to QNRF for its generosity.  

Any regional organization with a forward-thinking agenda like ASSELLMU needs leadership, and so, we are indebted to HBKU Law Associate Professor Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN) and the ASSELLMU governing body for their vision and dedication.  

While in Doha, I hope you have the chance to enjoy the beauty of our home in Education City, share a nice Arabic dinner among friends, and experience the warm Qatari hospitality.   Welcome to Qatar! 

Dr. Susan L. Karamanian
Dean, College of Law, HBKU