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NEWS ARCHIVE: 2005 Wednesday, 14 December & Thursday, 15 December, 2005
International Eco-Health Assessment Law Panel Event & ‘Beyond the Barricades’ Book Launch
For more information For Symposium Registration   Montreal, July 29, 2005 Release of CISDL Scoping Study on BiosafetyToday, CISDL releases a scoping study that examines the current context for biosafety and how this has been applied in the development of new national biosafety regulatory regimes. In conducting the study, CISDL consulted with a wide range of experts to develop priorities for research on the legal aspects of biosafety. The study concludes with three recommendations pertaining to biosafety governance, capacity building and research. The CISDL Biosafety Scoping Study was made possible by funding from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada, and the United Nations Environment Program - Global Environment Facility's project on the Development of National Biosafety Frameworks. Montreal, June 2, 2005 Release of CISDL Biosafety Working Paper During the very successful special guests reception attended by over 75 representatives of developing and developed countries, CISDL released a Biosafety Working Paper which contains leading research and analysis in English and French on biosafety and the Biosafety Protocol, innovations in biosafety law, and pressing sustainable development questions in biosafety law and policy. Research on the areas covered in the Working Paper will continue and the authors look forward to engaging with others in the field on these topics. The Working Paper can be downloaded through the link below. Montreal, July 26, 2005 CISDL is pleased to present the final project report from the 'Laying the Foundation' project on access to genetic resources and benefit-sharing (ABS). CISDL partnered with Gene Campaign in India, the Peruvian Environmental Law Society, and the Southern Environmental and Agricultural Policy Research Institute in Kenya to conduct preliminary research on ABS contracts in these countries. The project also included a mentorship component whereby each organization took on a junior researcher who assisted in the research and also participated in a three-week workshop in Montreal. The project was made possible thanks to funding from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada. The project partners continue to work together and are currently preparing a project to conduct in-depth research on the ABS contracts that were identified in the foundational research described in the report. Montreal | Wednesday, June 1 – International Law Seminar“ Local Law for the Global Commons: Recent Innovations in Domestic Implementation of Sustainable Development Treaties”2pm – 5pm, Law Faculty Boardroom, 3690 Peel Street, McGill UniversityOn June 1st, the CISDL will host an International Law Seminar at McGill University. Featuring two Legal Experts Panels, this event will be chaired by Hon. Judge Charles Gonthier (CISDL Chair and Former Canadian Supreme Court Justice, Ms. Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger (Director, CISDL, and Mr. Ashfaq Khalfan (Director, CISDL). The first session will give international discussants from Germany, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Argentina the opportunity to discuss recent innovations in domestic legislation pertaining to Climate Change, Desertification, and Water. During the second panel discussion, legal experts from Costa Rica, Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria will share their perspectives on Bioprospecting, Biosafety and Food Security. CISDL welcomes all who have interest in this event to attend. For a more detailed description of the seminar, please click on the PDF link below. Montreal | June 2 - Special Guests Reception On the evening of June 2, the United Nations Environment Programme - Global Environment Fund Biosafety Project and the CISDL are hosting a special reception at the McGill University Faculty Club, providing CISDL members, partners, and associates from around the world with the opportunity to gather as a large group. Dr. Christopher Briggs (UNEP-GEF Biosafety Project) and Hon. Judge Charles Gonthier (CISDL, McGill Law Faculty/McCarthy Tetrault) will host this event. During the reception, the CISDL will present to its esteemed colleagues the release of a CISDL Biosafety Law Working Paper (to be posted on the CISDL website as well) and the Canadian Launch of ‘Sustainable Justice: Reconciling Economic, Social & Environmental Law’ (Martinus Nijoff, 2004). Montreal | June 1, 2, 3 – CISDL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The CISDL Annual General Meeting will be launched by an International Law Seminar: "Local Law for the Global Commons: Recent Innovations in Domestic Implementation of Sustainable Development Treaties", with panels on climate change, desertification and water, and on biosafety, bio-prospecting and food security, on June 01, 2005 at the McGillLaw Faculty. It will close on June 03, except for a Saturday policymeeting for lead counsels, directors and senior research fellows, with a CISDL legal Workshop: 'SD Law: Rules and Rights' to discuss recentdevelopments with respect to the 7 ILA principles of sustainable development, also the right to development and the right to water, with an eye to future avenues of research programming. A Special Research Meeting will be held on June 06, 2005, to discuss planning of specific research projects with our new Board of Governors and various Montreal-based academics. The CISDL Annual General Meeting is CISDL’s main opportunity for planning joint international legal projects for 2005 - 2006, and will be the place where CISDL decides its Research and Publications Strategies for 2005 – 2006. Merton College, Oxford University | Friday, June 3, 12.30 - 2pm “Poverty Eradication, Sustainable Development and the Law: New Challenges” Special Guest Lecture on Globalization & Sustainable Development Law at Oxford Mr. Ko-Yung Tung (USA), former General Counsel and Vice President of The World Bank and former Secretary-General of the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, international expert in economic development, poverty eradication and international law, will give a Guest Lecture at Merton College, Oxford, on Friday, June 03 at 12.30pm, hosted by the CISDL and Oxford Law Faculty series on Globalization and Sustainable Development Law. Mr. Tung graduated from Havard University (B.A. Physics, J.D. ), was a Fellow at the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law, and has taught law at New York University School of Law, and will be a Visiting Lecturer at Yale Law School next year. He currently practices law in New York City and is a frequent lecturer and writer on global issues, such as rule of law, anti-corruption, poverty reduction, economic growth, trade, environment, investment disputes, and international business. He serves on many boards, including the World Bank International Advisory Council on Law and Justice, Human Rights Watch, Transparency International (USA Chapter), London Forum on International Economic Law and Development, and the International Development Law Organization in Rome. London | May 09, 2005 “London Sustainable Development Law Book Launch Reception” Canada House, Trafalgar Square On May 09, the CISDL, the Canadian High Commission, the Royal Institute for International Affairs (Chatham House) and Oxford University Press hosted a Wine & Cheese Reception as part of an international tour of book launches and guest lectures on sustainable development law. It was hosted by Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Guy Saint-Jacques, and Dr. Richard Tarasofsky, Head, Sustainable Development Programme, Chatham House. Presentations were made by the authors, Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Ashfaq Khalfan, CISDL Directors, and the keynote speaker was H.E. Judge C.G. Weeramantry, former Vice-President, International Court of Justice, and Chair of the Weeramantry International Peace Education Research Centre in Sri Lanka. A special toast was offered by Sir Eli Lauterpatcht, of the Lauterpacht Research Centre on International Law at Cambridge University, and Mr. Barry Leon, Co-Chair of the International Law Association 2006 Conference in Toronto, and Vice-President of the Canadian Branch of the ILA. The Reception launched, in London, the books ‘Sustainable Justice: Reconciling Economic, Social and Environmental Law’ (Martinus Nijhoff Press, 2004) edited by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & H.E. Judge C. G. Weeramantry, and ‘Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices and Prospects’ (Oxford University Press, 2004), by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & Ashfaq Khalfan, CISDL. A special appeal was made for assistance to the ongoing relief efforts in Sri Lanka. The launching event was very successful, attracting the participation of distinguished London professors, international experts and representatives from the UK embassies of leading developed and developing countries. Announcing Publication of ‘International Law and Policy of Sustainable Development’ with Manchester University Press/ New York, Juris Publishing – March, 2005. The CISDL is extremely pleased to announce the publication of International Law and Policy of Sustainable Development, authored by CISDL Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Duncan French. An in-depth, scholarly discussion, International Law and Policy of Sustainable Development carefully advances the academic debate on the implementation of international law as related to sustainable development. Dr. French investigates the political and historical aspects of the term, ‘sustainable development,’ in addition to analyzing international law principles relevant to the field of sustainable development. This text also provides an in-depth study of the international legal and policy implications of sustainable development, with particular reference to its implementation within the climate change and biodiversity regimes and a number of key international economic institutions, such as the WTO and World Bank. For further information regarding the contents of International Law and Policy of Sustainable Development and the author’s biography, click on the PDF link below or go to the website . New York | Tuesday, April 19 – Friday, April 22, 2005 CSD–13 The thirteenth session of the Commission for Sustainable Development UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS On April 19, CISDL, in collaboration with other members of the ILSD Partnership (UNEP, World Bank, IDLO and ILA), will arrive in New York City to participate in this year’s CSD. CSD-13 is a policy forum that will enable the international community to take policy decisions on practical measures and options to expedite implementation of commitments in water, sanitation, and human settlements as contained in Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, as well the Millennium Declaration. CISDL will contribute to CSD-13 in several important ways. CISDL will teach the course, ‘Sustainable Developments in Water Law.’ This course will update and educate participants on recent advancements in sustainable development law concerning water. Discussion will centre on sustainable development law principles related to water resources, an overview of recent trends in water regulatory regimes, and recent innovations in legal instruments for the sustainable and equitable use of water resources at the national and international levels. On the last day of CSD-13, CISDL will also host a side-event, ‘Water Rules & Rights: New Directions for the Law on Sustainable Water Management.’ This side event will include the presentation of a working paper, an experts panel, and a group discussion for practitioners and experts from around the world to debate the benefits and possible constraints to using different legal instruments for sustainable water management. The CSD is an event that attracts more than 6,000 sustainable development specialists. Geneva | Thursday, March 31, 2005 Book Launch ReceptionOn March 31, the Canadian Mission to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation hosted a special launch reception for the books 'Sustainable Justice: Reconciling Economic, Social and Environmental Law' (Martinus Nijhoff Press, 2004) edited by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & H.E. Judge C. G. Weeramantry, and 'Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices and Prospects' (Oxford University Press, 2004), by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & Ashfaq Khalfan, CISDL. The Wine & Cheese Reception was hosted by Amb. Don Stephenson, Representative of Canada to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation, and keynote speakers included Amb. Tom Koenigs, Head of the German Delegation to the UN Human Right Commission, Dr. Miloon Kathari of India, UN Special Rapporteur on Housing Rights and Evictions, and Amb. Ronald Saborio-Soto, Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation. A gracious toast was presented by Dr. Ahmed Ihab Gameleldin of Egypt, and Dr. Sue Mainka of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Nairobi | Thursday, February 24, 2005 Book Launch ReceptionOn February 24, the Canadian High Commissioner, Hon. Jim Wall, hosted a special book launch reception with the CISDL and Oxford University Press at the Canadian High Commission in Nairobi. Keynote speakers included Dr. Bakary Kante, Director, Division of Policy Development and Law of the United Nations Environment Programme and Dr. Farouk Tebbal, Chief, Shelter Branch, UN-HABITAT, and a special toast was presented by Dr. Phil Dobie, Head of the United Nations Development Programme Drylands Development Centre. In honour of CISDL’s new books, ‘Sustainable Justice: Reconciling Economic, Social and Environmental Law’ and ‘Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices and Prospects’, this evening reception was attended by special guests from several universities (including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, Harvard, the Netherlands and the University of Nairobi, among others), and several international development and international environmental organizations. International colleagues participating in UNEP’s 23rd Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum were also present. Bangkok | Thursday, February 17 , 2005 'Researching the Foundations for an International ABS Regime' CISDL held a successful side event to the 3rd meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing. Kathryn Garforth, CISDL Research Fellow and Project Coordinator presented the ideas in the working papers prepared by the junior researchers as part of the 'Laying the Foundation' ABS Capacity-Building Workshop for Junior Researchers held in Montreal in the fall of 2004. These ideas were then discussed by two of the project partners, Kent Nnadozie from SEAPRI-ICIPE in Nairobi, and Jorge Cabrera Medaglia from CISDL-University of Costa Rica in San José. The event was chaired by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, CISDL Director. The side event programme and information document can be downloaded below. Side Event Programme: Side Event Documentation: Montreal | Thursday, February 17 , 2005 CISDL Discussion PanelEntry into Force of the Kyoto Protocol: Issues and Implications 5:45 pm, Common Room, New Chancellor Day Hall, McGill Faculty of LawThe Kyoto Protocol will enter into force on February 16th, 2005. The panel will be chaired by Hon. Charles Gonthier, Wainwright Senior Research Fellow, McGill Faculty of Law, Counsel, McCarthy Tétrault & Former Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada. Our distinguished speakers include:Prof. Christopher Green, McGill Department of Economics & Centre for Climate and Global Change Research, on the impact of the entry into force on efforts to stabilize climateElizabeth Harvey, CIDA, Climate Change Unit, on the implications for development programming Prof. Hélène Trudeau, Université de Montréal Faculty of law & CISDL Senior Research Fellow, on the constitutional issues of the entry into forceXueman Wang, Convention on Biodiversity Secretariat & CISDL Lead Counsel, on the advancement of international efforts to be taken after the Kyoto Protocol All Welcome, RSVP preferred. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Emily Wheeler at ewheeler@cisdl.org.  Bangkok | Monday, February 14, 2005 Overview of the National and Regional Implementation of Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing Measures Meeting Room E (level 1), United Nations Conference Centre, 12:15 to 1:45CISDL will host a side event to the 3rd meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on ABS to present the preliminary draft of a study on the national and regional implementation of ABS measures. The study reviews over 25 national and regional ABS systems as well as recent ABS capacity-building projects in order to ascertain emerging trends in the field. The side event will be an opportunity to receive feedback on the study and gather the most up to date information for inclusion in the final version.The preliminary draft of the implementation study can be downloaded below. Thanks to Environment Canada for their support for both the research and the side event. Oxford | Friday, February 11 , 2005 2005 Special Guest Lecture Globalisation & Sustainable Development Law "Entry into Force of the Kyoto Protocol: Implications for the Future" Sir Crispin Tickell 12.30 - 2pm (lecture at 1pm) The Breakfast Room, Merton CollegeThe Kyoto Protocol will enter into force on February 16th, 2005. Join Sir Crispin Tickell in a special guest lecture and discussion on the international political and scientific implications of the world's future climate regime.Sir Crispin Tickell is Chancellor of Kent University and Chair of the Climate Institute, he is also the former United Kingdom Permanent Representative to the United Nations, British Ambassador to Mexico and Permanent Secretary of the Overseas Development Administration. Often called 'the father of the global climate regime', Sir Crispin serves as Convener of the British Government Panel on Sustainable Development and is a member of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development. He is the author of Climatic Change and World Affairs, which two decades ago pointed to the possibility that climate change could affect international stability. For further information about his climate work, or to order a copy of his book in advance of the discussion group meeting, see: http://www.crispintickell.com/.All Welcome, RSVP preferred. RSVP to Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & Ashfaq Khalfan Marie.cordoniersegger@law.oxford.ac.uk Ashfaq.khalfan@law.oxford.ac.uk Montreal | Wednesday February 09, 2005 Panel Event- Corporate Social Responsibility: Voluntary or Mandatory? The Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL) and the Institute for European Studies (IES) will be co-hosting a panel event on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on Wednesday, 9 February from 12:30pm to 2:30pm in Room 101, New Chancellor Day Hall, McGill Faculty of Law, 3644 Peel Street, Montreal. The event will focus on the contemporary CSR movement and recent developments which suggest that CSR may be evolving from a voluntary concept to become a mandatory requirement for doing business in the 21st century. Four panelists will be speaking at the event: Lynn Patterson, Senior Advisor on Corporate Responsibility Communications for the RBC Financial Group; Prof. Armand de Mestral, Jean Monnet Chair in the Law of International Economic Integration & Co-Director, Institute for European Studies (McGill - Université de Montréal), Osman Aboubakr, Lawyer with Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt; and Michael Kerr, Research Fellow, CISDL. The Panel will be chaired by Hari Suthan, Associate Fellow, CISDL. Professors, scholars, practitioners, students and members of the public are all welcome. Oxford | February 04, 2005 Oxford University Book Launch Reception For the books 'Sustainable Justice: Reconciling Economic, Social and Environmental Law' (Martinus Nijhoff Press, 2004) edited by Marie- Claire Cordonier Segger & H.E. Judge C. G. Weeramantry, and 'Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices and Prospects' (Oxford University Press, 2004), by Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger & Ashfaq Khalfan, CISDL. 5.00 - 6.40pm, Merton College, Oxford UniversityWine & Cheese Reception hosted by Prof. Vaughan Lowe, Chichele Professor of Public International Law, All Soul's College and Mr. John Louth, Senior Editor, Law, Oxford University Press. Keynote speaker: Dr. Kamal Hossain, ITLOS ad hoc judge, and Vice- Chair, International Law Association, with special toasts made by Nicholas Sinclair-Brown, Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law (Cambridge University) and Dr. Catherine-zoi Varfis, CISDL Senior Research Fellow (Brussels). 
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