Date: 12 March 3 - 4:30 PM UTC, registration (Spanish translation available)
Date: 13 March 7:30 - 9 AM UTC, registration (French translation available)
A pivotal moment in the fight for climate justice! A campaign that originally started with 27 law students from The University of the South Pacific has culminated in the biggest climate case at the World’s Highest Court: advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on State obligations in the context of climate change. From 2 to 13 December 2024, 96 States and 11 international organisations had the opportunity to plead before the Court in The Hague and present their arguments on States’ climate obligations under international law and human rights. This level of participation in ICJ oral hearings marks an unprecedented moment in history.
The release of the advisory opinion from the Court has the potential to become a vital tool in the fight for climate justice and a sustainable future, to hold States accountable for failing to uphold their obligations under international law, and to protect and guarantee fundamental human rights and the rights of those most affected by this crisis, including Small Island Developing States and future generations.
While the Court is deliberating, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), World's Youth for Climate Justice (WYCJ), and Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) are hosting a webinar to discuss and reflect on the arguments presented during the hearings. Looking ahead at the forthcoming delivery of the advisory opinion, speakers will also consider ideal outcomes and accountability pathways forward for after the delivery. This will present a unique opportunity for the audience to hear directly from diplomats and legal counsel who have been tirelessly working on this case, as well as from civil society and the youth who have been driving the campaign for the advisory opinion.
The webinar will be held twice: the West Call will take place from 3 - 4:30 PM UTC on March 12th and the East Call from 7:30 - 9 AM UTC on March 13th. The speakers are legal experts, many of whom have been directly involved in the ICJ advisory proceedings. The full list of speakers will be announced at a later date.
Confirmed Speakers - WEST WEBINAR
Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, Associate Professor of Sustainability Law, University of Amsterdam; Attorney, Blue Ocean Law; represented Vanuatu before the ICJ.
Patrícia Galvão Teles, Legal Adviser, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; represented Portugal before the ICJ.
Kate Mackintosh, Executive Director, UCLA Law Promise Institute, Europe; represented Palestine before the ICJ.
David R. Boyd, Associate Professor of Law, Policy and Sustainability, University of British Columbia; Former UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment
Louise Fournier, Legal Counsel- Climate Justice and Liability, Greenpeace International.
Zachary Phillips, Crown Counsel, Attorney General's Chamber, Antigua and Barbuda; represented Antigua and Barbuda before the ICJ.
Moderator:
José Rodríguez-Orúe, Strategic Advisor, World’s Youth for Climate Justice
Confirmed Speakers - EAST WEBINAR
Cynthia Houniuhi, President, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change; represented the Melanesian Spearhead Group before the ICJ
Ilan Kiloe, Head of Political and Security & Legal Affair, Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG); represented MSG before the ICJ
Felina Yu, Senior State Solicitor, Office of the Secretary General, Philippines; represented the Philippines before the ICJ
Justin Sobion, Senior Tutor, University of Auckland, represented Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada before the ICJ
Cristelle Pratt, Former Assistant Secretary General - Environment & Climate Action, Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), represented OACPS before the ICJ
Johanna Gusman, Former Adviser, Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Senior attorney, Center for International Environmental Law; represented the Pacific Community before the ICJ
Moderator:
Theresa Amor-Jürgenssen, Legal Advocacy Deputy, World’s Youth for Climate Justice
Register now:
West call: https://lnkd.in/eetjA6F5 (Spanish translation available)
East call: https://lnkd.in/e7jRX2rj (French translation available)
