What's New?
June 2025
June 24-25: Professor Olawuyi, SAN delivered plenary address in Marrakech, Morocco at the Arab-African Dialogue on Business and Human Rights, organized by the Government of Morocco in partnership with UNDP, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UNICEF and other co-organizers. (Link)
June 20: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Hamburg, Germany to deliver a keynote address at the 4th JNR - Young Sustainability Law | Junges Nachhaltigkeitsrecht Conference at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law. (Agenda, Link)
June 19: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Paris, France to speak at the ESG Conference organized by the International Bar Association, held in Paris, France. Agenda; Link)
June 18: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Essex, United Kingdom to speak at the “Building a Sustainable Future: Integrating Climate Action, Financial Stability, and Transition Financing” conference held at Essex Law School, United Kingdom. (Link)
June 12: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Oslo, Norway to deliver a keynote lecture at the 2nd ELAWNET conference held at the University of Oslo, Norway. (More information here)
June 09: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Milan, Italy to speak at a session on Business and Human Rights co-organized by Withers LLP and Roma Tre - UNIDROIT Centre for Transnational Commercial Law and International Arbitration, on the occasion of the Italian Arbitration Day (More information here)
June 08: NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: Prof Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger and Prof Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN announce the publication of the new book, Sustainable Development Law: Principles, Practices, and Prospects, with Oxford University Press. This second edition analyses latest developments and challenges in international law on sustainable development, cutting across the social, environmental, and economic dimensions.
May 2025
May 28: Professor Olawuyi delivered the keynote address at the official launching of the ICC Qatar Environment and Energy Commission. He discussed the importance of industry-led research and capacity development, to effectively advance the triple objectives of energy security, clean energy transition and international energy cooperation (Linkedin)
May 09: NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: Delighted to announce that our new Special Issue on ‘Business, Human Rights and Just Transition in the Energy and Extractive Industries’ with the Business and Human Rights Journal, Cambridge University Press, is now available. It explores how businesses, states and other stakeholders can advance a just, inclusive and rights-based energy transition that leaves no one behind. Available here.
May 08: Professor Olawuyi SAN was in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to speak at an important event on “Business and Human Rights: Practical Insights on Human Rights Due Diligence.” The event is organized by the Permanent Committee for Human Rights UAE, and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. More information.
May 07: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was an invited speaker at the High-Level Dialogue on Justice and Capacity-Building in International Law organized by United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar and the International Law Association GCC Branch. More information here.
April 2025
April 9-10: In his capacity as President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, Professor Olawuyi chaired the 8th Annual Conference of the Branch held at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria (Agenda; Leadership News; Independent News; New Telegraph; Tribune; Metro News; Punch Newspaper; Guardian; The Nation)
April 7: Professor Olawuyi moderated a panel at the Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Summit. The wide ranging discussion covered right-based investigation, prosecution and reporting of crime, as well as the ethical use of artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system.
March 2025
March 26: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was a guest speaker at the Maiden Annual Lecture of the Nigerian Body of Benchers, held in Abuja, Nigeria. The event was chaired by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kekere-Ekun, GCON (ThisDay Newspaper. Twitter, LinkedIn)
IN THE NEWS: Professor Damilola S. Olawuyi, SAN was recently featured and interviewed by Africa’s premier law journal -The Law Digest in its Winter 2024 edition. He also shares his thoughts on the implications of the clean energy transition for energy security in Nigeria and beyond, as well as the recent trends in arbitration and the legal profession in Nigeria. Read the full interview here.
February, 2025
Feb 24-26: Professor Olawuyi chairs 6th Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Environmental Law Conference at the Faculty of Law, Arab East Colleges Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Video; Al Sharq; IUCN; Peninsula News)
Feb. 19: In Singapore, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, calls for greater focus on international energy law and diplomacy. He was in Singapore as a Distinguished Visiting Global Scholar at the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore (The Nation; NigerianLawyers)
NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: We are pleased to announce the publication of the book, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Law and Policy in the MENA Region (Cambridge University Press, 2025) edited by Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN and Dr. Riyad Fakhri.
Feb. 09: In his capacity as UNESCO Chairholder on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at HBKU, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN convened the inaugural edition of the Distinguished Speaker Speakers Series with a public talk featuring Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of The ONE Campaign. (HBKU)
February 07, 2025: Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN spoke in Geneva, Switzerland at the Dialogue on “Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Growth: Rethinking International Investment Agreements (IIAs) in the context of Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals 2030” organized by the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the WTO and UN in Geneva. Video
January 2025
NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: We a re pleased to announce the publication of two books edited by Eduardo Pereira, Marianthi Pappa, Damilola Olawuyi: (1) International Approaches to Hydrocarbon Development in Disputed Zones: Unitization and Unit Operating Agreements (Routledge, 2025); and (2) National Approaches to Hydrocarbon Development (Routledge, 2025).
December 2024
December 19: Professor Olawuyi, SAN delivered opening remarks at the 10th Session of the open-ended intergovernmental working group on the legally binding instrument that kicked off today in Geneva, Switzerland. He emphasized the importance of sustaining the momentum towards a legally binding instrument on business and human rights to entrench rights-based business activities that advance sustainable development. Video
December 06: Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN was at the Parliament of the Kingdom of Morocco in Rabat to attend the Transitional Justice conference organized by the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, under the High Patronage of His Majesty the King. He discussed the crucial roles of business enterprises to support transitional justice processes and remedy efforts. Video
November 2024
November 25-27: Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN was in Geneva, Switzerland for the 13th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights, organized by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights. He participated in three days of engaging discussions, starting with a keynote lecture that he delivered on just energy transition at a session organized by the Pacto Global - Rede Brasil; opening remarks at a reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Finland, Geneva; and opening remarks at the CSDDD event co-organized by the UNDP and the European Union. He also moderated two panels on access to remedy, and on BHR in Africa; and insightful panels on the role of youth in the BHR agenda, as well as on BHR developments in the MENA region.
November 16-17: Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN joined business leaders and industry experts at the Qatar Africa Business Forum held in Marrakech, Morocco, where he moderated a panel on “Turning Africa into a Global Food Basket.” Featuring esteemed panelists: Margarita Louis-Dreyfus, Chairperson, Louis Dreyfus Company, Ahmed Hussain Al-Khalaf, Chairman, Agrico Qatar and Marc Norris, Partner, Torba Market , the session explored innovative and sustainable ways to build Africa as the next global food basket.
November 2: Professor Olawuyi, SAN delivered the keynote lecture at the 13th Annual Conference of the African Society of International Law on the topic ‘Just Energy Transition in Africa and the Role of International Law’ in Lagos, Nigeria. He emphasized the justice risks of the ongoing global energy transition and the need for right-based approaches, including human rights due diligence, to effectively mitigate such risks in African contexts. (NigerianLawyers; The Sun; The Nation; Tribune)
October 2024
October 28: Professor Olawuyi delivered opening remarks at the Inaugural Dialogue on Business and Human Rights in Doha Qatar. The Dialogue is hosted by the National Human Rights Committee Qatar in partnership with the UNDP B+HR, GANHRI (Global Alliance Of National Human Rights Institutions), Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, UNICEF, OHCHR and other partners. (Qatar Tribune; UNDP)
October 23-24: In his capacity as UNESCO Chairholder on Environmental Law and Sustainable Development at HBKU, Prof. Damilola Olawuyi, SAN delivered opening remarks at the RULE OF LAW FORUM held at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. (Gulf Times; Qatar News Agency)
October 16: In his capacity as President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, Professor Olawuyi, SAN spoke at the opening ceremony of the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Law and Diplomacy course, a one-week training program held in Lagos at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies. (Punch Newspaper; Nigerian Tribune; Guardian Newspaper; The NigerianLawyer)
October 8-10: Professor Olawuyi, SAN participates in 3rd Africa Forum on Business and Human Rights in Nairobi, Kenya, delivers high-level plenary address (Forum Website)
September 2024
September 22: Professor Olawuyi, SAN served as guest speaker in the Hiwar Speaker Series held at Northwestern University in Qatar. Themed Climate and Sustainability Reporting in Africa: The Role of the Media, Professor Olawuyi examined environment and sustainability coverage and the state of media in Africa. (Northwestern; Punch Newspaper; Nigerian Tribune; NigerianLawyer; LegalNaija)
September 20: Professor Olawuyi,SAN delivered a keynote lecture in Berlin, Germany at the 9th EU Peer Learning group on Business & Human Rights. He emphasized that the ongoing energy transition must not constrain progress on human rights.
September 16: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN was in Mexico City, Mexico for the Annual Conference of the International Bar Association. He spoke on a panel on The legal roadmap to net zero: creating positive and transformative change in the delivery of energy transition infrastructure
September 12: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN spoke at the 2024 WTO Public Forum held in Geneva, Switzerland. The session titled “Sustainable Trade and Entrepreneurship: Pathways to Re-globalization” featured eminent speakers: Her Excellency Mrs. Hend Al-Muftah, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva; Mr. Ahmed Al-Sulaiti, Director of the Office of the State of Qatar to the WTO and other Economic Organisations in Geneva; Prof. Damilola S. Olawuyi (SAN) ; Dr. Mena Hassan, Senior Trade Policy and Trade Facilitation Expert, WTO; and Elena Athwal (HBKU). (WTO; Qatar News Agency; Gulf Times; Peninsula Qatar; HBKU ; Video)
Sept. 10: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN was in Brussels, Belgium at the UN House to participate in the Workshop on Business and Human Rights in Africa hosted by the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. More information here.
September 02: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN was in Singapore to speak at the Climate Change Conference - Post-GST and the Road to 2025 hosted by the NUS Centre for International Law (CIL) and the Durham University Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP). More information here
August 2024
August 23: Professor Olawuyi, SAN delivers keynote lecture on Net Zero and Natural Resources Law at Chinese University of Hong Kong. More information here.
August 22: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN Urges Responsible States To Be Wary Of Exploitative Investment Agreements that are Contrary To Nigeria’s Public Policy (Channels TV; The Nigerian Lawyer; Legal Naija)
August 21: NEW PUBLICATION ALERT: "The role of African extractive industries in the global energy transition: An analysis of barriers and strategies" published in Extractive Industries and Society (Elsevier), authored by Dr. Victoria R. Nalule, Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN, and Dr. Thomas Muinzer. Available here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214790X24001096
August 08: NEW PUBLICATION: IBA Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Presentation: ‘Net Zero and Natural Resources Law: Sovereignty, Security and Solidarity in the Clean Energy Transition’ (Oxford University Press, 2024) published in the Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law. Available here.
August 04: NEW PUBLICATION: "Energy Ethics," authored by Professor Damilola Olawuyi, SAN and Ayesha Bashirhas been published in the 'Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences' by Elsevier. Available here
July 2024
July 27: Prof. Olawuyi, SAN delivered a keynote lecture at a prestigious dinner event organized by the University of Abuja Law Students’ Association in honour of the Chief Executive Officer of Oando_PLC, Mr. Adewale Tinubu. (This Day News paper)
July 26: Professor Olawuyi, SAN receives the prestigious Weeramantry International Justice Award in recognition of his commitment to international law, peace and sustainable development. (CISDL; HBKU; The Nation; The NigeriaLawyer, New Telegraph)
July 17: Professor Olawuyi, SAN served as panelist at the 1st National Conference on Human Rights organized by the Human Rights Institute (HRI) of the Nigerian Bar Association, held in Abuja. He discussed global trends on access to remedy and the role of lawyers in mainstreaming the #UNGPs when providing counsel to clients.
July 22: In his capacity as President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, Professor Olawuyi, SAN spoke at the opening ceremony of the Certificate of Advanced Studies in International Law and Diplomacy course, a one-week training program held at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. (The Nation: GuardianNewspaper; The NigeriaLawyer; NTA News: AIT News, Education Monitor)
July 09: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Baghdad, Iraq to participate in the Judicial Roundtable on Environment and Climate Justice, organized by UNDP Iraq as part of the Iraq Environmental and Climate Justice project. In his keynote address, he discussed global trends on climate and environmental justice. (see Video)
June 2024
June 25-28: Professor Olawuyi, SAN was in Athens, Greece for the 81st Biennial Conference of the International Law Association and delivered opening remarks for the panel on Climate Change & SDGs. In his remarks, he discussed the need for systemic integration and nexus approaches if the world is to achieve all of the SDGs. More information here.
June 06: Professor Olawuyi, SAN delivered a keynote lecture at a webinar event organized by The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) in partnership with UNDP Nigeria and International Law Association-Nigerian Branch.He discussed how to maximize the full value of arbitration as a tool for promoting access to remedy for disputes related to the human rights impacts of business activities. Read more here
May 2024
May 11: A workshop and public presentation of the book: Net Zero and Natural Resources Law (Oxford University Press, 2024) was held at Harvard University. More information here
May 10: Professor Olawuyi, SAN served as distinguished keynote speaker at the Gulf Creatives Conference (GCC), held at Harvard University, United States (The Diwan; Nigerian Tribune; Independent; The Nation; NigerianLawyer; New Telegraph)
April 2024
April 27: Professor Olawuyi, SAN co-chaired the UoB Dubai-ASSELLMU Experts Roundtable on Net-Zero and Just Energy Transitions held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He discussed legal imperatives for a just and inclusive energy transition in the MENA region.
April 19: Professor Olawuyi, SAN spoke in Bogota, Colombia at the Biennial Conference of the Section on Energy, Environment, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Law (SEERIL). The panel session featured the formal public presentation of the new book Net Zero and Natural Resources Law. More information about the conference here.
April 08: NEW BOOK ALERT: Prof Olawuyi, SAN is delighted to announce that the new book, Net Zero and Natural Resources Law, with Oxford University Press , is now available for pre-order. More information here
April 05: In his capacity as President of the International Law Association, Nigeria, Professor Olawuyi, SAN chaired the 7th Annual Conference of the Branch. themed: "Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) & International Law: Building Blocks for Sustainable Infrastructure Financing.” (Daily Independent; Nigerian Tribune; Nigerialawyers;
His opening speech is available here.
April 04: Professor Olawuyi concludes working visit to Nigeria. During his visit, he met with United Nations agencies in Nigeria, the diplomatic community, Nigerian Bar Association, National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, business community and other key stakeholders.
March 2024
March 25: Professor Olawuyi, SAN calls for youth-led entrepreneurship to unlock sustainable development in Nigeria (Guardian Newspaper; Independent; Daily Trust; Tribune; New Telegraph; Nigeria Lawyer; Diplomatic Watch)
March 14: In a comprehensive interview covering politics, judiciary, rule of law, climate change and just energy transition, frontline Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof Olawuyi has called on the National Judicial Council to conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of the rather bizarre outcome of the Plateau election case. (Punch Newspaper)
February 2024
Feb 19-20: Professor Olawuyi, SAN chaired the 5th Conference of the Association of Environmental Law Lecturers in Middle East and North Africa Universities (ASSELLMU), held at the College of Law, Sohar University, Oman ( Oman News; Oman TV;, Oman Observer; Oman News Agency, IUCN)
Feb. 01: Professor Olawuyi concludes working visit to Morocco. (Maroc Diplomatique; Morocco World News; Parliament News, HesssNewsEnglish
HessNews, Maroc; CNDH, Media7 Economiste)
January 2024
January 04: Professor Olawuyi discusses Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, Calls for Diplomatic Reset (Diplomatic Watch, Punch Newspaper; Vanguard Newspaper, Independent , Tribune, BNN, The Nation)
January 03: The Energy Transition Shouldn’t Short Change People - Olawuyi (International Policy Digest)
*********************
