In these turbulent times, when respect for the rule of law and multilateralism is under threat and tensions are running high, international law on sustainable development—and its crucial contribution to human rights, the natural world, and our global economy—has never been more important. However, there remains a significant gap in legal and governance capacity worldwide to confront the greatest sustainability challenges of our time, including rising poverty, climate change, and conflict, and to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
To help address this need, this online learning hub offers access to keynote speeches, roundtable sessions, and resources recorded during a global online event on 25 July 2025, on the eve of the CISDL Annual Research Meeting 2025. These roundtable videos convene world-renowned jurists, experts, and practitioners to explore emerging obstacles and opportunities in scaling up capacity to implement sustainable development law—globally and urgently.
Framed by the crucial findings of international courts and tribunals—including the extraordinary advisory opinions on climate change delivered by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, and the International Court of Justice (released 23 July 2025)—this collection of videos and materials aims to enlighten, engage, and empower a global community of educators, researchers, and legal professionals committed to teaching and advancing this vital field of law.
Opening: SD Law & Governance Research & Education Needs against Recent Tribunal Decisions
With more than 2,400 registrants from 90+ countries, the video opens with an invitation to engage deeply with the materials and with each other—sparking a global conversation on the role of law in delivering sustainability and justice.
Roundtable I: Innovations in Research & Teaching of Sustainable Development Law and Governance
Roundtable II: Innovations in Training and Advancing Sustainable Development Law and Governance
Emerging Global Sustainable Development Law Leadership Opportunities
Closing Keynote by Judge Szabó
In the concluding keynote, Hon. Judge Marcel Szabó (Judge, Constitutional Court of Hungary / Member, CISDL Board of Governors) shares his insights on the urgent need to intensify the teaching, research, and practice of sustainable development law worldwide. Highlighting the principle of intergenerational justice and the role of institutions like the Ombudsperson for Future Generations, Judge Szabó reflects on the profound responsibilities of courts, governments, and legal professionals. In light of the three recent advisory opinions on the climate emergency from ITLOS, the IACtHR, and the ICJ, he underscores the critical importance of respecting the rule of law, ensuring state compliance, and taking bold action to safeguard the future of humanity and all life on Earth.
For further exploration:
- Courage, Contributions & Compliance: The Routledge Handbook of Climate Law and Governance (Routledge, 2025), edited by Prof. Marie‑Claire Cordonier Segger & Prof. Christina Voigt — A comprehensive legal compendium addressing global climate law, governance frameworks, and strategies for implementing the Paris Agreement.
- International Financial Institutions and Sustainable Development: Lawmaking and Accountability by Johanna Aleria P. Lorenzo (CUP, 2025) — Balances theory and practice to examine how IFI safeguard policies and accountability mechanisms affect communities and development outcomes.
- Net Zero and Natural Resources Law: Sovereignty, Security, and Solidarity in the Clean Energy Transition by Damilola S. Olawuyi José Juan González, Hanri Mostert, Milton Fernando Montoya, and Catherine Banet (OUP, 2024) offers a comprehensive and accessible analysis of natural resources law and policy, featuring global case studies and practical legal strategies to support a coherent and coordinated clean energy transition toward net zero.
- Intergenerational Justice in Sustainable Development Treaty Implementation, edited by Marie‑Claire Cordonier Segger, Marcel Szabó & Alexandra R. Harrington(CUP, 2021)—Explores how legal institutions can embed rights for future generations within sustainable development treaties.
- Sustainable Development Goals: Article‑by‑Article Commentary by Winfried Huck (Nomos, 2022) — A detailed legal analysis of each SDG, offering authoritative insight into implementation across jurisdictions.
- Research Handbook on Investment Law and Sustainable Development (Edward Elgar, 2025), edited by Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger, Dr Ted Gleason and Adv Sean Stephenson, examines how investment law and policy can foster or frustrate sustainable development goals and accords.
- Crafting Trade and Investment Accords for Sustainable Development: Athena’s Treaties (OUP, 2021) by Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger offers a coherent new framework for economic law to foster rather than frustrate the SDGs.
- Voices of the Future: Stories from Around the World, part of the UNESCO “Voices of Future Generations” Children’s Book Series (2012–2024, CISDL) — An inspiring collection of stories authored by children globally, reflecting hopeful visions and engagement with the SDGs.