Historic Round Table Conference on Global Environmental Laws Hosted By AILF And UCL At Attorney General’s Residence

(Judicial Quest News Network)

The All-India Lawyers Forum (AILF) recently hosted a prestigious Round Table Conference on “Global Environmental Laws and their Intersection with Health and Climate,” in collaboration with University College London (UCL). Held at the residence of the Hon’ble Attorney General of India, Mr. R. Venkataramani, in New Delhi on November 21, 2024, this momentous event brought together renowned legal scholars, academicians, and practitioners from around the world, facilitating a dynamic and impactful dialogue on pressing global environmental issues.

Event Highlights:

The conference began with a warm welcome by AILF Chairman, Vinod Kumar Goyal, who extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Attorney General for generously hosting the event at his residence. Mr. Goyal also presented floral bouquets to the distinguished delegates, symbolizing the hospitality for which India is renowned. He praised the Attorney General’s commitment to fostering global legal discussions on vital issues such as environmental law, climate change, and health, highlighting the vision and leadership shown by Mr. Venkataramani in advancing these causes.

In his address, Mr. Goyal emphasized that the Attorney General’s gesture reflected the spirit of India’s hospitality—rooted in warmth, respect, and a commitment to collaborative efforts. He further acknowledged the invaluable role that such dialogues play in strengthening international legal cooperation.

Pragya Parijat Singh, Advocate-on-Record (AOR), set the stage with her introductory speech, reflecting on the origins of AILF during the pandemic lockdown. She outlined the Forum’s sustained efforts in organizing webinars and intellectual exchanges, featuring distinguished judges, senior lawyers, and vice-chancellors from prominent law schools. AILF’s focus on fostering critical discussions on contemporary legal issues, especially in areas of health and environmental law, has made it a prominent platform for legal collaboration.

Insights from Expert Speakers:

1. Professor Eloise Scotford, Dean and Professor of Environmental Law at UCL, initiated the discourse by underscoring the significant role of the Supreme Court of India in shaping climate change litigation. She noted how India’s landmark judgments on environmental law are increasingly being referenced by global policymakers, enabling countries to adapt relevant legal principles into their own frameworks.
2. Dr. Isra Black, Vice Dean (International) and Associate Professor of Health Law and Normative Jurisprudence at UCL, provided a deep dive into the challenges of implementing international treaties amidst diverse national perspectives. She stressed the importance of knowledge-sharing and the right of nations to tailor laws to their unique geographical and cultural contexts. Dr. Black also advocated for the development of flexible legal frameworks, drawing inspiration from the Eureka Movement Treaties.
3. Mr. R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate and Attorney General of India, presided over the session and highlighted the need for legal education to prioritize social justice over financial gains in litigation. He proposed the creation of a Global Environmental Bar to encourage cross-border legal collaboration, while also emphasizing the importance of designing policies that respect India’s diverse cultural and regional nuances. His reference to the concept of “prisoners of inherited determinance” illustrated the need for policies grounded in historical and cultural understanding.
4. Durgesh Gupta, AOR, Supreme Court of India and Vice President of AILF, discussed the Forum’s ongoing contributions to environmental law, drawing attention to the effective policies implemented by both central and state governments to tackle pressing environmental challenges.
5. Yog Maya, Executive Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), commended the work of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), citing landmark judgments that effectively balance industrial development with environmental preservation.
6. Vikas Verma, AOR, Supreme Court of India and Co-founder of AILF, concluded the conference with a sincere vote of thanks. He expressed deep appreciation for the Hon’ble Attorney General and the international speakers, whose insights had greatly enriched the discussions, making the event a resounding success.

Conclusion:

The Round Table Conference proved to be a landmark event in the ongoing global discourse on environmental law, health, and climate change. Through this platform, AILF continues to foster international cooperation, advocating for sustainable solutions and promoting meaningful dialogue among legal experts worldwide. The conference underscored the necessity of collective action to address the interconnected challenges of health, environment, and climate change in a rapidly evolving world.

The event concluded with a gracious dinner hosted by the Hon’ble Attorney General of India, Mr. R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate, in honor of the AILF and international delegates. AILF extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Attorney General for his unparalleled generosity and unwavering support in facilitating this significant event. His warm hospitality not only showcased the essence of Indian traditions but also provided a conducive environment for fruitful exchanges and reinforced the spirit of global collaboration.