Event Tackles Environmental Law Applications in MENA Region

Focus on HBKU academic’s authoritative book on environmental laws in Arab states

Entity: College of Law

The online event took place on February 23

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s College of Law continued its Natural Resources and Sustainability Law Workshop Series on February 23 with the launch of a new book authored by Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN (QC), College of Law Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Research.

Dr. Olawuyi’s book, titled Environmental Law in Arab States, was recently published by Oxford University Press. It examines the essential features and guiding principles of environmental law and regulation across the 22 countries of the Arab region. A central aspect of the book is how Arab countries, many of them oil and gas rich, advance national development visions and the Sustainable Development Goals in relation to climate change and low carbon futures through clear and comprehensive legislation.

In the workshop, a panel of academics and industry experts focused on emerging developments in regulating climate change, green growth, the blue and circular economy, and a low carbon future. Professor Nadia B. Ahmad, Yale Law School (and Associate Professor, Barry University School of Law, USA); Dr. Robert C. Mogielnicki, Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, Washington D.C.; as well as Dr. Samira Idllalène, Professor of Law, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco, spoke about legislative frameworks, institutions, and legal innovation in Islamic financing, infrastructure development, and education from comparative viewpoints. The panel discussion explored new legal frameworks for balancing natural resource exploitation and environmental concerns in a manner that promotes green growth.

Following the seminar, Dean Susan L. Karamanian of the College of Law, remarked: “Sustainability is a pressing issue for humanity and the Arab region faces unique issues, particularly given its relative abundance of hydrocarbon resources and the paucity of fresh water. Dr. Olawuyi’s most recent book, which builds on his work in establishing a network of law faculty and other academics in the MENA region, examines the challenges arising from new legal standards and frameworks, particularly as to enforcement. We were delighted that leading experts could share their insights into these topics in light of Dr. Olawuyi’s most recent scholarly contribution.”

The College of Law’s Natural Resources and Sustainability Law Workshop aims to generate real-world, practical legal knowledge in the areas of natural resources, energy, and the environment, and do so in a way to reflect the contemporary relevance of the work of the college faculty.

The deadline for Qatari nationals and residents who wish to apply to one of the College of Law’s four innovative graduate programs is March 15, 2022.