All India Lawyers Forum Organized Round Table Conference on Global Environment Laws with University College London

 

New Delhi - The All India Lawyers Forum (AILF) organised a distinguished Round Table Conference on “Global Environmental Laws and their Intersection with Health and Climate” at the residence of the Hon’ble Attorney General of India with University College London This significant event witnessed participation from prominent international legal scholars, esteemed academicians, and experienced practitioners, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue and international collaboration.

Highlights of the Event:-

The program commenced with a warm and gracious welcome by AILF Chairman, Vinod Kumar Goyal, who greeted the esteemed guests and presented them with floral bouquets as a token of Indian hospitality. In his address, Mr. Goyal extended heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Attorney General of India for his magnanimity in hosting this significant conference at his residence. He praised the Attorney General for his unwavering commitment to fostering global legal dialogue and his exemplary vision in addressing critical issues such as environmental law, health, and climate change. Mr. Goyal remarked that this gesture exemplifies the spirit of India’s renowned hospitality—a blend of warmth, respect, and a commitment to meaningful collaboration.

Pragya Parijat Singh, Advocate-on-Record (AOR), delivered the introductory speech, recounting the inception of AILF during the lockdown. She highlighted AILF’s efforts in organizing numerous webinars featuring sitting judges, senior

lawyers, and vice-chancellors from leading law schools, fostering intellectual exchange on critical legal topics.

Insights from Expert Speakers said during discussion:-

1. Professor Eloise Scotford, Dean and Professor of Environmental Law at the UCL Faculty of Laws, initiated the discussions by emphasizing the pivotal role of the Supreme Court of India in climate change litigation. He highlighted how the Court’s comprehensive judgments often serve as valuable references for policymakers worldwide, enabling them to adopt relevant portions in their legislative frameworks.

2. Dr. Isra Black, Vice Dean (International) and Associate Professor of Health Law and Normative Jurisprudence at UCL, stressed the challenges of implementing international treaties due to the diverse perspectives of participating nations. However, she underscored the importance of continued knowledge-sharing and advocated for a nation’s right to adopt laws tailored to its geographical and cultural needs, referencing the concept of flexible legal frameworks inspired by the Eureka Movement Treaties.

3. Presiding over the conference, Mr. R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate and Attorney General of India, pointed out that legal education should emphasize social justice missions over monetary incentives in litigation. He proposed the establishment of a Global Environmental Bar to facilitate cross-border legal collaboration and knowledge exchange. Reflecting on India’s diversity, he stressed the importance of framing policies that respect cultural and regional variations, referencing the philosophy of “prisoners of inherited determinance” to underline the need for policies rooted in historical and cultural contexts.

4. Durgesh Gupta, AOR, Supreme Court of India and Vice President of AILF, elaborated on the Forum’s organizational contributions and highlighted policies implemented by central and state governments that address environmental challenges effectively.

5. Yog Maya, Executive Member of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), praised the efforts of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), citing judgments that strike a balance between industrial profitability and environmental protection.

6. Vikas Verma, AOR, Supreme Court of India and Co-founder of AILF, concluded the event with a heartfelt vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Attorney General and the international speakers for their invaluable contributions and for making the conference a resounding success.

Conclusion

This Round Table Conference marked a milestone in advancing discussions on global environmental laws, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions at the intersection of health and climate. AILF remains committed to fostering international cooperation and driving impactful change through meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

The conference concluded with a gracious dinner hosted by the Hon’ble Attorney General of India, Mr. R. Venkataramani, Senior Advocate, in honor of the AILF organization and the international delegates. AILF extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Attorney General for his unparalleled generosity and unwavering support in facilitating this event. His gracious hospitality not only showcased the warmth of

Indian traditions but also created a congenial atmosphere for meaningful exchanges and strengthened the spirit of global collaboration.