6th MENA ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND POLICY SCHOLARS’ CONFERENCE

From February 24 to 26, 2025, environmental law experts, scholars, and policymakers gathered to discuss critical issues surrounding water security and legal frameworks in the MENA region. Hosted by the Faculty of Law at Arab East Colleges, the 6th Environmental Law Conference of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North Africa Universities (ASSELLMU) was held in collaboration with the Rule of Law Programme MENA Region office of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). The event provided a platform for discussions on the intersection of environmental law, sustainable development, and judicial frameworks, with a strong emphasis on education and capacity building.

Day 1: Pre-Conference Roundtables, Opening Ceremony, and Book Launch

The conference began with two specialized pre-conference roundtables addressing crucial topics in environmental law. The first session explored how religious principles could contribute to shaping environmental law education in the MENA region. Among the key contributors were Dr. Youness Lazrak Hassouni from Hassan I University in Morocco and Dr. Al Omari Mohammad from the General Administration of Boards and Committees.

The second session focused on the judiciary’s role in ensuring environmental justice. Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar, delivered an insightful keynote speech. His remarks ignited a discussion on strengthening judicial capacities for climate and environmental litigation. Notable judicial experts, including Professor Tiina Paloniity (Chair of the Board of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law), Judge Rachid Bouajila (Tunisia), Dr. Jaafar Al-Maani (Jordanian Judicial Council), and Lebanese judges Ayad Bardan, Sara Rammal, and Lamis Al Haj Diab, shared their perspectives.

The official opening ceremony followed, with welcoming addresses from HE Professor Abdullah M. Al-Faisal, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Arab East Colleges; Prof. Patricia Mbote, SC, Director of UNEP’s Law Division; and Philip Bremer, Director of the Rule of Law Programme MENA Region at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS).

A highlight of the day was the formal unveiling of Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa Region, edited by Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, and Dr. Riyad Fahkri, and published by Cambridge University Press. The editors officially introduced the book, marking a milestone in advancing environmental law literature in the region.

The evening concluded with a networking dinner, providing an informal setting for participants to connect and exchange ideas.

Day 2: Environmental Law Education and Water Security

The second day commenced with a keynote address by Prof. Patricia Mbote, SC, who emphasized the role of legal frameworks in ensuring water security across the MENA region. This was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Khalid O. Al-Omeir, Dean of the College of Law at Arab East Colleges, which examined challenges and opportunities in environmental law education.

Another keynote was delivered by Prof. Hajer Gueldich, Legal Counsel of the African Union, who provided an overview of the AU’s legal frameworks on water governance and their relevance to the MENA region.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in workshops covering diverse topics such as water governance, international legal perspectives on environmental security, and mechanisms for resolving environmental disputes. A session moderated by Dr. Zain Moneer delved into multi-stakeholder collaborations for water security, with expert insights from Dr. Abrar Wafa, Dr. Omar Al-Omeir (Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia), and Eric Awomolo (Heriot-Watt University, UAE).

Panelists and attendees engaged in dynamic discussions on how legal tools can help mitigate water crises and ensure long-term sustainability.

Day 3: Research, Careers, and the Future of Environmental Law

The final day of the conference opened with a keynote lecture by Prof. Mohammad Tawfiq Ladan, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. His presentation highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling environmental challenges.

The morning sessions included discussions on enhancing research collaboration and strengthening academic programs in environmental law. Another key session explored career opportunities for early-career researchers and legal practitioners in environmental law and water security.

The concluding panel addressed the future of water security in the region, with contributions from Dr. Karima Karroumy (Université Chouaib Doukkali, Morocco), Dr. Pedi Obani (University of Bradford, UK), and Dr. Mohammed R. Al-Sulaiti. These experts examined the legal and institutional changes needed to promote sustainable water management.

A closing ceremony followed, where Dr. Khalid O. Al-Omeir presented certificates of appreciation to participants, partners, and sponsors for their contributions to the event’s success.

Looking Forward: Preparing for the Next Conference

The conference concluded with reflections on key takeaways and future directions for environmental law and policy in the MENA region.

One of the most significant moments was the announcement that Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) will host the 7th Environmental Law Conference in 2026. The official handover of the ASSELLMU conference flag to SUAD marked the transition.

Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, expressed enthusiasm for hosting the next edition:

"Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is honored to be part of ASSELLMU’s initiatives, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. Hosting the 7th Scientific Conference in 2026 reflects our dedication to strengthening legal education and fostering solutions for environmental challenges in the MENA region."

As participants departed, they carried with them new insights, strengthened networks, and a renewed commitment to advancing environmental law and water security in the MENA region. The 2026 conference at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is set to build on the momentum of this year’s discussions, aiming to push the boundaries of legal scholarship and environmental policy.