We are delighted to invite submissions for the upcoming conference on "Legal Pathways to Sustainability Transition: Innovation and Resilience", scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 1, 2025 at Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong. This conference will convene leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in sustainability laws amidst the rapid pace of technological innovation and economic uncertainty.
 

The Asia-Pacific region holds a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainability. As a diverse and dynamic area, it encompasses both rapidly developing economies and rich ecological landscapes. The region's significance is further underscored by its substantial contributions to global economic growth, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship. Addressing sustainability challenges in the Asia-Pacific context is integral to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as it bridges the gap between economic development and environmental preservation.
 

Hong Kong, along with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), plays a significant role in advancing sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. The GBA, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and nine cities in Guangdong Province, is one of China's most vibrant and economically significant regions. This integrated economic and business hub is poised to be a leader in sustainable development, leveraging its strong legal frameworks, financial markets, and technological advancements. The robust legal infrastructure in Hong Kong supports the creation and enforcement of laws that promote sustainability. The GBA’s collaborative approach enables cross-border cooperation in addressing environmental challenges, fostering innovation in green technologies, and implementing comprehensive sustainability practices.
 

The conference will focus on various aspects of sustainability law, emphasizing the necessity for rapid adaptation and innovation. We welcome papers that explore, but are not limited to, the following topics:

1. Post-pandemic Economic Recovery and Transformation

2. Regional Collaboration on Environmental Governance

3. Environmental Justice and Climate Justice Movements

4. Environmental Rule of Law in Civil Disobedience and Conflict-affected Settings

5. Regulation of Green Industry and Technology

6. Environmental Self-Governance Schemes

7. Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on the Rights of Nature

 

Interested participants are invited to submit an abstract of no more than 400 words, outlining the scope, methodology, and key findings of their proposed paper. Submissions should also include the author's name, affiliation, and contact information. The deadline for abstract submission is January 15, 2025, and the notification of acceptance will be sent out on February 10, 2025.

 

The conference will culminate in a special issue with the Review of European, Comparative & International Environmental Law (RECIEL). All presenters are invited to submit their papers for consideration in this special issue. Please note that while we encourage all submissions, acceptance into the special issue is not guaranteed and will be subject to the standard peer-review process of RECIEL.

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Any other inquiries should be submitted to the Philip K.H. Wong Centre for Chinese Law at Faculty of Law, The University of Hong Kong. Please send them to the official email: ccl921@hku.hk.

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To submit your abstract, please fill out online form by clicking 'Submit Your Abstract' button.​​​​​​​