An online colloquium organized by the College of Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) gathered the authors of a new book, Climate Change Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa Region, to discuss its key topics.

Taking place on September 1, the discussion tied in with the book’s comparative approach in covering key legal and institutional innovation in climate change governance. The colloquium reflected on how MENA countries can advance existing national strategies around climate change, the green economy, and low carbon futures through clear and comprehensive legislation.

The event was chaired by the book’s editor, Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN), associate professor, College of Law, HBKU, and chair of the Association for Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East Universities (ASSELMU). Four contributing authors drew on their in-depth research: Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Executive Secretary of the UN Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity; Dr. Riyad Fahkri, Professor of Law and Director, Research Laboratory on Law at Université Hassan 1er de Settat, Morocco; Dr. Cameron Kelly, General Counsel, Australian Renewable Energy Agency; and HBKU College of Law’s Hilary Bell, Assistant Professor.

The panel also reflected on the guiding principles of a sustainable, integrated and rights-based approach to the design, application, and enforcement of climate change law and policy in the MENA region. Speakers considered how legal innovation relating to blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, disruptive legal education, climate-smart infrastructure, climate disaster response, and Islamic climate financing, among others, are shaping climate regulation and governance across the MENA region.

Speaking about the colloquium, Susan L. Karamanian, Dean of HBKU’s College of Law, said: “Recent scientific findings remind us how close mankind is to a climate tipping point. The situation calls for focused national strategies. Through this College of Law colloquium, leading scholars expanded on the in-depth research in the book to encourage a dialogue on how to achieve greater coherence in implementing effective and equitable climate change response projects in the region.”

To find out more about the book, please visit https://www.routledge.com/

The College of Law regularly holds events that showcase its research interests and activities. Learn more by visiting cl.hbku.edu.qa.