World Congress
- The rule of law at national and international levels can make a significant contribution toward forging an enduring partnership between the environment and development founded on ecological and social sustainability.
- Recognizing environmental law as a foundation for environmental sustainability and realizing its full potential is ever more urgent in our quest towards sustainable development and new economic growth, but also towards just and fair societies vis-à-vis growing environmental pressures.
- Through the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development and UNEP’s World Congress on Justice, Governance and Law for Environmental Sustainability, the rule of law in environmental matters has received new affirmation.
- Any diplomatic outcomes related to the environment and sustainable development will remain unimplemented without adherence to the rule of law, without open, just and dependable legal orders.
- The rule of law plays a central role on the path towards sustainable development and makes it a prerequisite for a successful transition to greener economies. National judiciaries have a crucial role to play in ensuring fairness and equity in the implementation of policies to further sustainable development.
- The UN General Assembly Resolution on the Rule of Law (A/RES/67/1) underlines the importance of fair, stable, and predictable legal frameworks for generating inclusive, sustainable and equitable development and maintaining peace and security.
The International Advisory Council for the Advancement of Justice, Governance and Law for Enforcement Sustainability
- The nine-member advisory council includes Chief Justices, senior judges, auditors and legal academics. Led by UNEP, it provides strategic guidance to the international community in improving the legal foundations for achieving international environmental goals, and overcoming legal barriers to inclusive sustainable development.
- The establishment of the International Advisory Council for the Advancement of Justice, Governance and Law for Environmental Sustainability follows the World Congress on Justice, Governance and Law for Environmental Sustainability which saw representatives of over 60 countries calling for the creation of an international network to support efforts to achieve sustainability through stronger legal responses to environmental pressures.
- The new council aims to meet that request, and is tasked with engaging the legal and auditing community worldwide, supporting the development and implementation of environmental law at all levels, and encouraging the further expansion of environmental jurisprudence.
- The Council will also provide strategic advice on the provision of information, data and technical assistance to support governments and other bodies.
