International Conference on Environmental Law Commences at Sohar University
Sohar, The Gulf Observer: Sohar University in North Al Batinah Governorate hosted the inaugural session of the Conference on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development Plan 2030, titled ‘Towards Building a Sustainable Economy in the Middle East and North Africa Region’. The conference, conducted under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), marks a collaborative effort with SADER Legal Publishing (MENA) and the UNESCO Chair in Environmental Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University in Qatar.
The opening ceremony, held under the patronage of Dr. Mahad Said Ba’owain, Minister of Labour, welcomed participants and experts in the field of environmental education, university lecturers, trainers, and practitioners in environmental law. Dr. Hamdan Sulaiman Al Fazari, Vice Chancellor of Sohar University, elucidated that the conference’s primary objective is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences among specialists to enhance the education and practice of environmental law in the region.
The conference, spanning two days, centers around four main themes. The first theme explores the intersection of international environmental law and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The second theme delves into local and regional approaches, emphasizing a multi-stakeholder approach to adopting environmental, social, and governance standards across the region. The third theme focuses on the teaching of environmental law to implement SDGs, while the fourth theme addresses practical applications, discussing gaps in capacity development and the specific needs of ministries and institutions related to environmental law in the region.
Several workshops were conducted during the conference, covering legal topics related to the environment. Topics included the role of international environmental law, SDGs, the integrated and multi-stakeholder approach to SDGs, and enhancing environmental legal education on biodiversity and nature conservation.
Dr. Al Fazari emphasized that institutions worldwide are actively working on strategic plans aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and national priorities. The conference serves as a platform for sharing resources, skills, and methodologies to equip environmental officials and students in the region with the necessary legal and governance skills, aiming to advance SDGs in their respective areas of specialization.
