African Judicial Webinar on Climate Change Law and Litigation
Webinar Details
As climate change continues to pose profound challenges to economies, societies, and ecosystems across Africa, the judiciary plays a vital role in shaping effective legal and governance frameworks to address these issues. The African Judicial Training on Climate Change Law and Litigation, scheduled for 5-6 February 2025, brings together members of the judiciary to explore the complexities of climate change legislation and litigation.
The first day, led by African academics, provides foundational knowledge, focusing on international instruments and the evolution of climate change legislation. It equips judicial officers with critical insights into the intersection of climate science and human rights. Building on the high-level research provided by BIICL's Global Toolbox on Corporate Climate Litigation and its extensive international group of experts, the training offers participants a comprehensive understanding of emerging legal challenges and innovative solutions.
The second day shifts to sessions led by African judges, offering an in-depth examination of regional perspectives on climate jurisprudence and evidentiary challenges in litigation.
This training is part of a global series of judicial trainings organised by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL) to enhance the expertise of the judiciary across diverse jurisdictions in this crucial field of governance and legal practice. Held in collaboration with the African Judicial Education Network on Environmental Law (AJENEL) and the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI), the training fosters judicial capacity-building to advance climate justice. It provides a unique platform for African judges to engage with cutting-edge legal developments, regional case studies, and practical tools to uphold the rule of law in addressing the global climate crisis.
Convenor
Dr Ivano Alogna, Senior Research Fellow in Environmental and Climate Change Law, British Institute of International and Comparative Law.
Format
The webinar will be held online over two days on 5-6 February 2025 under the Chatham House Rule to ensure open and candid discussions.
Programme
Day 1 (5 February 2025)
Moderator: Dr. Ivano Alogna, British Institute of International & Comparative Law
- Opening Remarks
- Dr. Habib Ahmed Djiga, Burkina Faso, AJENEL Board Member
- Session 1: International Instruments and Evolution of Climate Change Legislation
Dr. Omondi OwinoJ, KUAT School of Law, Kenya & Prof. Uzuazo Etemire, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Session 2: Equipping Judicial Officers for Climate Change
Dr. Kim Bouwer, Durham University, United Kingdom & Dr. Joyce Kimutai, Meteorological Department, Kenya - Closing Remarks
Justice Samson Okong'o, Kenya and Regional Magistrate Tinus Boonzaaier, South Africa
Day 2 (6 February 2025)
Moderator: Judge Avinash Govindjee, SAJEI Council Member
- Session 3: Evidential Challenges in Climate Change Litigation
Justice Robert Makaramba,(retired),Tanzania & Regional Magistrate Tinus Boonzaaier, South Africa - Session 4: Overview of Climate Change Jurisprudence in South Africa
Justice Nambitha Dambuza, Supreme Court of Appeal, South Africa - Closing Remarks
Justice Phillip Nsoa, Cameroon, AJENEL Member
Pricing and Registration
Attendance is by invitation-only.