Environmental Law Conference of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North Africa Universities (ASSELLMU) concludes in Riyadh, Fostering Global Dialogue on Water Security and Environmental Law in the MENA Region
Last February, WCEL members and other leading international environmental law experts have called for the urgent prioritization of environmental law education in order to advance water security and the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the MENA region.
The 6th Environmental Law Conference of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North Africa Universities (ASSELLMU), held at the Faculty of Law, Arab East Colleges, wrapped up on February 26 after three days of rigorous discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses focused on water security and environmental law across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The conference, which ran from February 24 to 26, 2025, brought together leading environmental law scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from across the MENA region and beyond. The event aimed to discuss the role of environmental law in addressing the pressing environmental challenges the region faces, particularly concerning water security, and foster a collaborative approach to enhancing the teaching of environmental law. The conference was sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme; SADER Legal Publishing; and with technical collaboration and partnership of the Rule of Law Programme Middle East & North Africa, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V; and the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law at Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
Day 1 Highlights: Pre-conference roundtable discussions, conference opening ceremony and book launch
The conference opened with two thought-provoking pre-conference roundtables aimed at stimulating general understanding on international environmental law. The first roundtable focused on enhancing environmental law education through faith-based values in the MENA region, with contributions from scholars including Dr. Youness Lazrak Hassouni of Hassan I University, Morocco, Abdulaziz Alshehre, Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Pedi Obani of the University of Bradford, UK, and Dr. Al Omari Mohammad from the General Administration of Boards and Committee. The second roundtable on the role of the judiciary in advancing environmental justice featured an impactful keynote address from Professor and UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN which sparked intense discussion on enhancing judicial capacity for climate and environmental justice in the MENA region. Discussions were also enriched by contributions from judges and legal experts across the region, including WCEL member and Chair of the Board of the IUCN Academy of Environmental Law, Professor Tiina Paloniity, Judge Rachid Bouajila from Tunisia, Judge Alshamsan Ibrahim, Judge Dughaim Bin Dheifallah Al-Nomsi of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Jaafar Al-Maani from the Jordanian Judicial Council, Judge Ayad Bardan, Judge Sara Rammal, and Judge Lamis Al Haj Diab from the Lebanon Judiciary.
The conference itself was declared open in a short opening ceremony featuring a welcome address from the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Arab East Colleges, HE Professor Abdullah M. Al-Faisal, Director of the Law Division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Prof. Patricia Mbote, SC, President of ASSELLMU, Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN, and Philip Bremer, the Director of the Rule of Law Program Middle East and North Africa of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
In a key moment of the first day, the formal presentation of the book Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Law and Policy in the Middle East and North Africa Region, edited by Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN and Dr. Riyad Fahkri and published by Cambridge University Press, took place. The editors officially presented and launched the book, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of environmental law scholarship in the region.
Later in the day, attendees enjoyed a networking dinner that allowed for informal discussions among peers and experts in the field.
Day 2: Workshops on Environmental Law and Water Security
Day 2 began with an insightful keynote speech from the Director of the Law Division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Prof. Patricia Mbote, SC, on the role of environmental law in promoting water security. The keynote lecture led to a dynamic workshop moderated by Dr. Khalid O. Al-Omeir, Dean of the College of Law, Arab East College on the current status and future directions of environmental law education in the MENA region.
The second keynote address of the conference was delivered by the Legal Counsel of the African Union, Prof. Hajer Gueldich who provided compelling insights on how continental legal instruments such as African Union’s water governance frameworks can contribute to water security in the MENA region. The conference's workshop sessions continued with presentations on topics like water governance in Arab states, the international perspective on environmental law and water security, and sustainable resolutions for water and environmental disputes. A fascinating workshop focused on the role of industry and multistakeholder approaches to environmental law, which was moderated by Dr. Zain Moneer, featuring insights from Dr. Abrar Wafa & Dr. Omar Alomeir, of Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia and Eric Awomolo Heriot Watt University (UAE).
Attendees also participated in interactive Q&A sessions, which provided a platform for in-depth discussions on water security challenges and solutions in the region.
Day 3: Panel Discussions and Early Career Opportunities
The final day of the conference began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Mohammad Tawfiq Ladan, former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, which highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in environmental law education and sustainable development. Following this, the conference featured workshops on strengthening environmental research and education, as well as a panel discussion on early career opportunities in water and environmental law.
The final sessions focused on water security research and its future directions, with significant contributions from academics such as Dr. Karima Karroumy of Université Chouaib Doukkali, Morocco, Dr. Pedi Obani of the University of Bradford, UK, and Dr. Mohammed R. Al-Sulaiti, whose expertise in the legal frameworks around water governance added depth to the discussion.
The conference closed with a heartfelt presentation of certificates and remarks by Dr. Khalid O. Al-Omeir, honoring sponsors and participants for their contributions to the success of the event.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for MENA’s Future in Environmental Law
The conference concluded with a closing ceremony highlighting future directions on advancing water security and environmental law in the MENA region.
The high point of the closing ceremony was the official unveiling of Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi (SUAD), United Arab Emirates as the host university for the 7th Conference in 2026, and the official handover of the conference flag to SUAD.
Prof. Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi commented: "We take immense pride in being part of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU), as it aligns seamlessly with the core of our strategic plan and our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Hosting the 7th Scientific Conference on our campus in 2026 reinforces our dedication to addressing critical environmental challenges and fostering collaboration in the pursuit of water security and effective environmental laws in the MENA region."
Participants left this year’s conference with new knowledge, fresh ideas, and strengthened networks that will drive further collaboration and innovation in the region’s environmental policy and legal frameworks. The 7th Environmental Law Conference at Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi, themed “Environmental Law in the Digital Age” will aim to build on the important dialogue established in this year's event. .
Author:
Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulaiti
Environmental Law and Policy Expert
Research Fellow, UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, HBKU, Qatar
Affiliated Researcher, University of Oxford, UK
https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/people/mohammed-al-sulaiti
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