Breaking News: International Law Community Invited to Contribute to Symposium on Business, Human Rights, and Habitat
Academics and practitioners are being called upon to submit articles for an online symposium exploring teh intersection of business, human rights, and environmental protection through a multilevel approach. The initiative, spearheaded by jean Monnet Saar and the Völkerrechtsblog, welcomes contributions in English or German, with a submission deadline of Friday, October 3rd. Articles should not exceed 1,500 words. further details are available on the Jean Monnet Saar website.
Evergreen Context: The Growing Importance of Interdisciplinary Dialog in global Governance
This call for contributions highlights a critical and ongoing trend in international law and global governance: the increasing recognition of the interconnectedness between business activities,fundamental human rights,and the imperative of environmental sustainability. As businesses operate on a global scale, their impact extends far beyond economic considerations, directly influencing the well-being of individuals and the health of the planet.
The “multilevel approach” emphasized by the symposium signifies a recognition that addressing thes complex issues requires engagement at various levels of governance. This includes international treaties and norms, regional frameworks, national legislation, and even corporate self-regulation and accountability mechanisms. it acknowledges that effective solutions cannot be found solely within traditional legal silos but necessitate collaboration across disciplines, including law, political science, economics, and environmental studies.
The symposium’s focus on human rights and environmental protection in the context of business reflects a broader shift in international discourse.There is a growing demand for greater corporate accountability for human rights abuses and environmental damage, often referred to as “business and human rights” or “corporate social duty.” This movement is driven by civil society organizations, international bodies, and increasingly, by consumers and investors who are demanding more ethical and sustainable business practices.
The inclusion of “changing times” in the title of the U.S. and International Law conference, and the specific mention of geopolitics, international security, trade, human rights, international organizations, science, and technology as panel themes, further underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of the international legal landscape. The call for abstracts from underrepresented groups, including women, individuals from the Global South, and early-career researchers, is a crucial step towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse dialogue in international law.
Similarly, the Polish Review of International and European Law’s focus on advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) points to the increasing meaning of the ICJ’s role in shaping international law, particularly through its advisory opinions. These opinions, while not binding in the same way as judgments in contentious cases, carry significant legal and political weight, influencing state practice and the interpretation of international law. the call for evaluation of the use, procedure, and effects of these proceedings reflects a scholarly interest in understanding and possibly improving this vital aspect of international judicial mechanisms.
In essence, these calls for contributions and participation signal a vibrant and evolving field of international law, grappling with some of the most pressing challenges of our time.The emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, multilevel governance, and inclusivity suggests a forward-looking perspective aimed at developing more effective and equitable solutions for a sustainable global future.
