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KAS Rule of Law Forum Explores AI, Climate Change, and Environmental Governance

KAS Rule of Law Forum Explores AI, Climate Change, and Environmental Governance in MENA 

Doha, Qatar – The UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) partnered with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Rule of Law Programme Middle East and North Africa and the Youssef SADER Foundation for Legal Culture to host the Rule of Law Forum – 2nd Edition, a flagship annual event dedicated to examining key legal developments shaping the Arab world. 

The two-day Forum brought together legal experts, policymakers, and scholars from across the MENA region to discuss pressing issues, including judicial transparency, corporate accountability for human rights, legal frameworks governing startups, the implementation of international environmental treaties, and the role of AI in legal practice. 

Panel on the Implementation of International Environmental Treaties in Arab States 

A key session of the Forum focused on the implementation of international environmental treaties in Arab states, exploring the challenges and opportunities in regional climate governance. As extreme climate events intensify across the Middle East, including devastating floods, rising temperatures, and the broader consequences of climate change, the panel addressed the effectiveness of existing international agreements and the legal mechanisms needed for their enforcement. 

Panelists examined the role of the Paris Agreement and COP28 commitments, emphasizing the legal progress and institutional challenges in environmental governance. 

Among the experts contributing to the discussion was Ms. Elena Athwal, Research Fellow at the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development and S.J.D. candidate at HBKU College of Law, who provided insights on the regulatory gaps in climate treaty implementation and the need for stronger accountability frameworks to drive meaningful change. 

The session was moderated by Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN), Chair of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU), and featured distinguished speakers: 

  • Dr. Darina Saliba Abi Chedid – Member of the UNESCO-MOST BRIDGES Governing Council and faculty member at Qatar University. 
  • Dr. Romana Schweiger – Programme Manager, Security Sector Reform, UNDP Iraq. 

Distinguished Contributions to the Forum 

The event also featured opening remarks from: 

  • HE Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa Al Hassan Al Mohannadi, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, State of Qatar. 
  • The Honorable Lady Justice Imani Daud Aboud, President, African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, who delivered the keynote address on the evolving role of international courts in advancing the rule of law and sustainable development. 
  • Dr. Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN), Professor and UNESCO Chairholder on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, HBKU. 
  • HE Lothar Freischlader, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Qatar. 

AI and the Future of Legal Practice 

Another significant discussion at the Forum centered on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the judiciary, government, and legal practice. With AI-driven technologies rapidly transforming legal processes—ranging from contract review to predictive analytics—panelists debated ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and the long-term implications of AI on legal systems. 

Moderated by Mr. Rany Sader, President of the Youssef SADER Foundation for Legal Culture, the session featured: 

  • Mr. Georges Abi Saab, General Counsel at Ooredoo Group. 
  • Mr. Khaled Shivji, Senior Technology Lawyer and former Regional General Counsel for Microsoft in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. 
  • Dr. Aseel Zimmo, Corporate and Commercial Law Counsel, dispute resolution and compliance advisor. 

Advancing the Rule of Law in MENA 

Reflecting on the Forum’s impact, Susan L. Karamanian, Dean of the HBKU College of Law, emphasized that the rule of law is under growing pressure amid global uncertainty, technological disruptions, and climate challenges.She noted that the Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering legal capacity-building in Qatar and beyond. 

Philipp Bremer, Director of the KAS Rule of Law Programme MENA, highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen legal institutions and governance across the Arab world. Similarly, Me. Rany Sader underscored the need for inclusive legal frameworks that address contemporary challenges, particularly in climate governance and digital transformation. 

Looking Ahead 

Established in 2022, the Rule of Law Forum continues to serve as a premier platform for legal dialogue and policy development in the MENA region. By convening leading experts and decision-makers, the Forum fosters regional collaboration and thought leadership in shaping a sustainable and just legal future. 

Link to more information on the event: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7254895038810247168