Suhar: Sohar University kicked off the fifth edition of the Environmental Law and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Conference on its campus from February 19 to 20, with the title ‘Legislation Towards a Sustainable Economy in the MENA Region: Current Status and Future Directions’ under the auspices of Dr Mahad bin Said Baowain, Minister of Labour.
The conference, sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in collaboration with the Policy Law Programme in the Middle East and North Africa (SADER) for legal publishing, and Unesco Chair on Environmental Law, at Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar, 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 mainly cover four main fields related to 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.
During the opening ceremony, Dr Hamdan bin Sulaiman al Fazari, Sohar University Vice-Chancellor, emphasised the role of environmental law in accelerating progress toward 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.
Dr Abdullah bin Ali bin Abdullah al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, highlighted the stages of development of environmental institutions and legislation in Oman, the efforts and results aligning with ‘Oman Vision 2040’ and their strategic sustainable goals.
The conference hosted distinguished guests from different countries such as Dr Prof Patricia Mbote, Director of the Law Division at the United Nations Environment Programme and Prof 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 programme 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 organised a sightseeing tour for conference guests in Suhar to acquaint them with its landmarks and Omani culture.
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