African States Sensitization Conference on the ICJ (International Court of Justice) Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in Respect of Climate Change
Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)
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Abstract: This concept note outlines an African States Sensitization Conference scheduled for 21-23 April 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the International Court of Justice's Advisory Opinion on state obligations regarding climate change. The conference brings together government officials, judges, legal experts, scientists, policymakers, and practitioners from East African Community and Intergovernmental Authority on Development member states to bridge the gap between legal principles established in the ICJ Advisory Opinion and their practical implementation in African states vulnerable to climate change. The conference prioritizes climate justice as a core objective, addressing the fundamental inequity whereby African states have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions yet suffer the most severe adverse effects of climate change.