Doha: Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s (HBKU) College of Law collaborated with the University of Jordan and the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU) to jointly host the 4th MENA Environmental Law and Policy Scholars’ Conference recently in Amman, Jordan.
Organised under the theme “Law on Biodiversity, Nature Conservation and the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the Middle East and North Africa Region,” the conference brought together educators and researchers from the environmental sector to exchange knowledge on how to strengthen biodiversity law practice, education, and implementation across the region.
Several prominent figures gave conference keynote addresses, including Patricia Mbote, Director of the Law Division, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); H E Dr. Leila Chikhaoui, Minister of the Environment of Tunisia; Dr. Nathir Obeidat, President, University of Jordan; Professor Randall Abate, Assistant Dean for Environmental Law Studies, George Washington University, USA; and Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, Professor of Law and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at HBKU and Chair of ASSELLMU.
Other participants from HBKU included Dean Susan L. Karamanian of HBKU Law; Dr. Andreas Rechkemmer, Professor of Public Policy, HBKU’s College of Public Policy, and Elena Athwal, third year Juris Doctor (J.D.) student and research fellow to the Unesco Chair at HBKU.
“Biodiversity law is a powerful tool that protects our cultural heritage as much as our natural environment. Through our partnership with ASSELLMU, the University of Jordan and the financial support of UNEP, we hope to strengthen both the framework of environmental law in the region and strengthen the pedagogy of educational programs in this field. Together, we are eager to continue contributing toward realisation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Qatar’s National Vision 2030,” said Dean Karamanian.
