The Promise of International Law in the Face of Ecological Crises

Conference: 27- 29 May 2024; Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Conference Programme

Master of Ceremonies: Anne-Sophie Vivier

DAY 1

Monday 27 May

Day one delves into the evolving role of international criminal law in safeguarding the environment, particularly in conflict zones.

3.30 pm
Registration & Coffee

4 pm
Welcome

4.20 - 4.40 pm
Keynote
(virtual)

International Criminal Court Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan

4.45 - 6.15 pm
Panel:
Conflict, Environmental Harm & International Criminal Law

Kate Mackintosh (chair)
Mr. Moneim Adam
Professor Kevin Jon Heller
Professor Nataliia Hendel
Professor Maximo Langer

6.15 - 7.15 pm
Official Launch of the UCLA Law Promise Institute Europe

Join us post-panel to celebrate the launch of The Promise Institute Europe and its partnership with the University of Amsterdam, uniting to harness the transformative potential of international law

DAY 2

Tuesday 28 May

Day two explores the pending advisory proceedings on state responsibilities in the face of climate change before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the International Court of Justice.

9 am
Registration & Coffee

9.50 am
Welcome

10 - 10.20 am
Keynote
(virtual)

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

10.30 am - 12.15 pm
Panel 1:
Unravelling the ITLOS Advisory Opinion: Climate Change, Justice, and the Future of the Law of the Sea

Ms. Monica Feria-Tinta (chair)
Ms. Naima Te Maile Fifita
Dr. Shobha Maharaj
Professor Nilufer Oral (virtual)

12.15 - 12.30 pm
Interlude

12.30 pm
Lunch

1.30 - 3 pm
Panel 2:
Exploring the IACHR Advisory Proceedings: Environmental Rights and Climate Justice

Professor Fernando Lusa Bordin (chair)
Professor David Berry
Alofipo So’oalo Fleur Ramsay
Professor Shaista Shameem

3 - 3.30 pm
Coffee

3.30 - 5.15 pm
Panel 3:
The ICJ Advisory Opinion on Climate Change: Evidence, State Responsibility, and the Voices of the Most Vulnerable

H.E. Ambassador Cheryl E. Bazard (chair)
Dr. Emmanuel Awuku
Professor Andre Nollkaemper
Professor Patricia Galvao Teles (virtual)
Ms. Nicole Ponce

5.15 - 5.30 pm
Wrap up & Close

5.30 - 6.30 pm
Reception

DAY 3

Wednesday 29 May

The final day unites experts to discuss the relationship between science and law. How do we conceptualise, gather and present evidence to enact positive change? Join us to exchange ideas, forge alliances and strategize for a future where international law serves as a cornerstone for human rights and ecological justice.

Practitioners’ Forum

  • What is needed to ensure that intersectional/ justice perspectives are better reflected in legal initiatives? 

  • What are barriers to the inclusion of evidence that can support this framing? 

  • What successes are there to build upon? What lessons have been learnt? 

  • What tools could be useful?

9.30 am
Registration & Coffee

10 am
Welcome

10.10 - 10.25 am
Keynote

Mr. Julian Aguon

10.25 - 11.30 am
Session 1: Framing - The What

Professor Christina Eckes (chair)
Dr. Daphina Misiedjan
Mrs. Fadjar Schouten-Korwa
Mr. Solomon Yeo

11.30 am - 1 pm
Walk & Talk
Lunch

1 - 2.50 pm
Session 2:
Science & Storytelling - The How

Professor Ingo Venzke (chair)
Professor Nabil Ahmed
Mr. Michael Kakande
Ms. Jojo Mehta
Ms. Watna Mori

2.50 - 3 pm
Wrap up & Close