Borneo Rainforest Law Conference 2024 (25-29 Feb)

APCEL’s Academic Fellow, Mark Ortega, recently presented his Working Paper at the Borneo Rainforest Law Conference 2024, organised by the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Mark’s Working Paper was titled “Climate Justice for Migrant Workers in Climate Adaptation”. Mark’s presentation received an enthusiastic reception from the Conference participants. Mark is currently working on updating this paper as an APCEL Working Paper and aiming for eventual publication.

The Conference was attended by 164 delegates from 25 countries, mostly of the Commonwealth. Also in attendance were representatives from international organisations including the Asian Development Bank and the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative (“CCLI”). NUS Law’s Professor Ernest Lim also delivered one of the Opening Plenary Speeches in his capacity as a representative and Board Member of the CCLI. Local Indigenous communities were also represented, alongside the Sabah Law Society and the Malaysian Bar. Other luminaries including Chief Judge Brian Preston and the Rt. Hon. Lord Carnwath also attended and presented. All of these contributed to a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.

While there were many environmental law experts in attendance, a significant number of the participants were not specialists in environmental law. Accordingly, it was an excellent opportunity for capacity building and the exchange of ideas among lawyers and other legal professionals who were not familiar with environmental law concepts and concerns. Through the various plenary and breakout presentations, as well as the invaluable meal and coffee breaks in-between, communities were forged and ideas were exchanged, often in ways which edified, inspired, and energised the Conference participants.

More details of the Conference can be found at: https://www.commonwealthlawyers.com/cla/report-on-the-borneo-rainforest-law-conference-2024/

Mark’s web profile can be seen at: https://law.nus.edu.sg/people/ortega-mark/

This article is available in pdf here.