Exploring Gaps in International Environmental Law: Assessing the Need for the Global Pact

Following the adoption by the UN General Assembly in May 2018 of Resolution 72/277 “Towards a Global Pact for the Environment,” many legal scholars have raised questions of the necessity and utility of such an initiative. The UNGA requested the Secretary-General to provide a report during the 73rd session on potential gaps in international environmental law and environment-related instruments in conjunction with the establishment of a working group. The report was released November 2018.

This CIGI workshop will explore the necessity and utility of a Global Pact for the Environment. Applying a critical lens to the current international environmental framework, the Workshop aims to discuss the notion of gaps in international environmental law and evaluate the potential benefits and risks of a Global Pact.

Topics to be discussed:

• Are there gaps in international environmental law and if so, how could they be best addressed?

• What options exist to improve international environmental law?

• What could be the added value of a Global Pact?

• Will the Global Pact assist in the fight against climate change?

The Workshop will take place at The Westin Ottawa in the Newfoundland/Nova Scotia Room from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with reception to follow.

The Workshop will be held under the Chatham House Rule:

The Chatham House Rule

When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.