العربية
Recognizing the importance of environmental conservation, the implementation of environmental law, and the execution of the Sustainable Development Plan for the Middle East and North Africa region, and the role of such knowledge shared conference in achieving the strategic goals in Oman vision 2040, Sohar University is hosting the fifth Environmental Law and Sustainable Development 2030 Conference, under the theme “Towards Building a Sustainable Economy in the Middle East and North Africa.” The conference is under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Mahad bin Said Ba Awain, the esteemed Minister of Labor, Sohar University organizes the Environmental Law and Sustainable Development 2030 Conference.
The conference is sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, in collaboration with the Policy Law Program in the Middle East and North Africa (SADER) for legal publishing, and the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
The conference aims to bring together experts in environmental education, university lecturers, trainers, and practitioners in environmental law to exchange knowledge and experience on enhancing environmental law education and practice in the region.
The conference will cover four main fields : international environmental law and sustainable development goals, local and regional approaches and the involvement of various stakeholders in addressing the latest developments in adopting environmental, social, and governance standards throughout the region, environmental law education for implementing sustainable development goals, and practical applications discussing current gaps in capacity development and the needs of ministries and relevant institutions regarding environmental law in the region.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Hamdan bin Suleiman Al Fazari, Sohar University Vice Chancellor, delivered a speech emphasizing the role of environmental law in accelerating progress towards achieving sustainable development goals in the region. He highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainable development goals, particularly those related to environmental law, through partnerships with the industrial sector and the community, including scientific and research projects. Mr Abdullah bin Ali Al Omari, the Chairman of the Omani Environmental Authority, also showcases the stages of development of environmental institutions and legislation in Oman, the efforts and results aligning with Oman vision and their strategic sustainable goals.
The conference hosted distinguished guests from different countries such as Dr. Professor Patricia Mbote, Director of the Law Division at the United Nations Environment Programme, and Professor Damilola Olawuyi, UNESCO Chair in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, among other researchers and others around the world.
The conference program included panel discussions featuring deans of Law Colleges from various universities in the region, as well as workshops on topics such as international environmental law sovereignty and sustainable development goals, integrated approaches and multiple stakeholder involvement regarding sustainable development goals, and enhancing environmental law education on biodiversity conservation and nature preservation.
Additionally, Sohar University organized a sightseeing tour for conference guests in Sohar Governorate to acquaint them with its landmarks and Omani culture.
The conference serves as a platform for sharing and exchanging information on the resources, skills, methods, and methodologies necessary to provide environmental officials and students in the region with the legal and governance skills to enhance sustainable development goals in their respective fields.