About the Conference
The Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU), and Alfaisal University warmly welcome you to the 8th MENA Environmental Law and Policy Scholars Conference.
The Conference is sponsored by the United Nations Environment Programme, with technical partnership of the UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law at Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar; ICELIS Global and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
This conference builds upon the achievements from the first seven conferences held in Doha (Qatar) in November 2018, Settat (Morocco) in November 2019; Doha (Qatar) in November 2021; Aman (Jordan) 2023, Sohar (Oman) 2024; Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) 2025; and in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) 2026.
The ultimate goal of this year's conference is to bring together educators, university instructors, trainers, businesses and practitioners with expertise in environmental law and policy, to explore the role of corporate actors in advancing the teaching, research, practice, and implementation of environmental law and policy across the MENA region. Environmental law implementation intersects with major sectors; health, water, energy, food, culture and tourism, clean technology, trade, green financial services, investment, and more; making integrated ("nexus") approaches increasingly important. As Saudi Vision 2030 and the 2030 SDG timeline approaches, the conference spotlights actionable ways in which corporate actors can support environmental law education and practice while strengthening environmental performance within their operations and supply chains.
In acknowledgment of the importance of corporate responsibility to the teaching and practice of environmental law in the MENA region, the plenary session and workshops will provide an opportunity for sharing information and best practices.
Conference Themes
Teaching & Practicing Environmental Law in the MENA Region
Resources and best practices for integrating corporate responsibility into environmental law education, policymaking, and practice, including CSR, just transitions, ethical procurement, green growth, and responsible investment.
Environmental Law & Responsible Business Practices
Key agreements and global guidelines shaping environmental stewardship, supported by digital tools, due diligence, reporting, risk management, and responsible supply chains.
Domestic & Regional Approaches
Latest developments in ESG standards, National Action Plans, multistakeholder approaches, and legal innovations related to SDG financing and implementation.
Environmental Law Education for SDG Implementation
Environmental law education, research institutes, and innovative teaching tools that strengthen legal and institutional capacity through practical and simulation-based learning.
Practical Application
Capacity development gaps and needs within environmental law agencies and ministries, and strategies to address them.
Who Should Attend?
We welcome academics and practitioners working on environmental law and policy, business management, responsible investment, sustainability governance, dispute resolution, and related fields; especially work offering lessons applicable to the MENA region.
Why Attend?
Engage with leading scholars, regulators, policymakers, and businesses on corporate responsibility.
Present research or practitioner work in person or online and receive constructive feedback from an international audience.
Explore best practices for integrating corporate responsibility into environmental law education, policymaking, and practice.
Benefit from a Q1/Q2 journal publication pathway through a Special Issue.
Gain insights into latest developments in ESG standards and legal innovations related to SDG financing and implementation.
Build visibility and connections at a premier environmental law event in the MENA region.
Keynote Speakers and Hosts
The conference will feature keynote addresses and panels with internationally recognized scholars and leaders in law, environment, business, finance, and corporate governance, alongside senior regulators and executives from the region. Confirmed speakers should be announced on the website as the program is finalized.
Dr Khaled M. AlKattan
Prof Ibrahim Abosag
Dr Torki Abdullah Alshubaiki
H.E. Shaikh Fawaz Meshal Al Sabah
H.E. Dr Shaikh Saqer bin Salman Al Khalifa
Professor Patricia Mbote SC
Mr. Leonardo Sempértegui
Dr. Walters Nsoh
Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN
Conference Program
Registration
We are thrilled to invite you to seize the opportunity to join us at our upcoming conference. We are happy to announce that registration for this event is entirely free, join us and engage in an exceptional experience where ideas converge, and expertise is exchanged. We welcome you with enthusiasm, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity!
Click here to registerTravel and Visa
All attendees are responsible for securing their entry visas. The best option with regards to visas for the conference is for all attendees to apply for a tourist visa, which permits entry for events, exhibitions, and conferences.
Attendees from the 66 pre-approved countries (including all EU member states, the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and China) can get a visa upon arrival. The fee is typically around 440 SAR (including health insurance), payable by credit card at the airport counter.
Attendees from these 66 eligible countries may also apply directly for an eVisa online beforehand through the Official Saudi eVisa Portal to speed up airport entry. For more details, click here: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/ The eVisa is typically valid for one year, allows multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 90 days per visit, subject to nationality eligibility.
Travelers of any nationality who hold a valid, previously used tourist or business visa from the US, UK, or Schengen area (with an entry stamp from that region) also qualify for a visa on arrival.
Secure Your Place at the 8th MENA Conference
Join prominent scholars, regulators, environmental law practitioners, and business leaders at Alfaisal University in Riyadh on January 25-26, 2027. Registration is entirely free.
Sponsors and Supporters
Alfaisal University
Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North African Universities (ASSELLMU)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNESCO Chair on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
ICELIS Global
