
About this Event
States' Duty to Prevent Climate Change and its Impact on Business and Human Rights
Date: 24th March 2025
Time: 12:00 – 14:00
Location: Palatine – PCL054, Durham University
Organized by: The Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) and the Durham International Dispute Resolution Institute (DIDRI)
Join us for an engaging panel discussion on the States' Duty to Prevent Climate Change and its implications for Business and Human Rights. This session will cover recent developments in climate change litigation and its intersection with business practices and human rights law. Our expert panelists will discuss:
- The evolution of Business and Human Rights (BHR) and climate change litigation.
- Key international and regional legal proceedings, including cases before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR).
- Predictions on the future of climate litigation and its impact on business operations and human rights responsibilities.
Moderator:
- Dr Can Eken – is a renowned academic in international law and dispute resolution, with a focus on investment law and arbitration. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and has significant experience advising on climate change and human rights law. Dr. Eken has taught at top institutions such as Stanford University and the Max Planck Institute, and is currently leading research on the intersection of climate justice and business accountability.
Speakers:
- Ruzin Dagli – is a senior associate in Withers LLP, specializing in litigation and arbitration, with expertise in both private and public international law. A dual-qualified lawyer in Turkey and England & Wales, she has previously practiced in Paris and Istanbul. She represents individuals, corporations, States, and State-owned entities in international disputes under LCIA, ICC, DIAC, SCC, UNCITRAL, and ICSID rules, covering sectors such as construction, energy, infrastructure, technology, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. She also advises States and international organizations on public international law matters, including treaty interpretation, investment disputes, human rights, and sovereign immunity. Ruzin also handles commercial litigation before the English High Court, including shareholder disputes, insolvency matters, and arbitration-related enforcement. She has appeared as an advocate before the Turkish courts in commercial disputes and enforcement actions. Committed to pro bono work, she advises individuals and international organizations on international human rights and environmental law. Recognized by Who’s Who Legal and Legal 500, she has been described as “thorough and incisive” with “fantastic people skills and great attention to detail.”Withers worldwide
- Jovana Crnčević – is special counsel in the litigation and arbitration team of Withersworldwide, focusing on international arbitration and public international law. She represents clients in arbitration proceedings and related litigation, including the enforcement of arbitral awards. She has advised on various international law matters, including treaty application, sovereign immunity, the act of state doctrine, jurisdictional issues, and the recognition of foreign judgments. Jovana also has extensive experience in U.S. federal and state litigation, handling complex commercial disputes involving breach of contract, financial transactions, business torts, trademark issues, unfair competition, and trade secret misappropriation. She has managed cases from pleadings through trial, taken over 30 depositions, and conducted administrative trial proceedings, including witness examinations. Her practice spans multiple industries, including energy, technology, financial services, hospitality, transportation, manufacturing, real estate, and consumer products. Committed to pro bono work, Jovana provides legal counsel on international human rights and criminal law. She has represented victims in proceedings before the International Criminal Court, advised NGOs on fair trial standards, and assisted individuals seeking asylum in the United States. In addition to her legal practice, Jovana has taught public international law and international criminal law at the New School University.
- Saadia Bhatty – is a partner in Gide’s Arbitration team of Gide Loyrette Nouel in London, specializing in international arbitration and public international law. She advises and represents States and private entities in commercial and investment arbitration, as well as in treaty drafting, negotiations, and advisory proceedings before the International Court of Justice. With nearly 15 years of experience in London, Paris, and New York, Saadia has acted as counsel in arbitrations under ICSID, ICC, HKIAC, LCIA, and UNCITRAL rules, with a focus on energy, oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing disputes. She has advised clients across civil and common law jurisdictions, including Algeria, France, Chile, China, Pakistan, the U.S., and the U.K. Saadia sits as an arbitrator and is part of the roster of several arbitral institutions worldwide. She is also a member of arbitration organizations across Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia, co-hosts The Arbitration Station podcast, and serves as President of the Harvard W3D London Chapter. She is ranked as a leading practitioner by Chambers Global, Legal 500, WWL, and Best Lawyers UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to gain insights from leading legal experts in international arbitration, climate justice, and human rights law.
The discussions are open for all undergraduate and postgraduate students from all disciplines.
CSDLP and DIDRI are looking forward to seeing you!
Don’t miss out—mark your calendars and join us for this important conversation!
#ClimateChange #BusinessAndHumanRights #LegalPanel #DurhamUniversity #CSDLP #DIDRI #ClimateLitigation #InternationalLaw
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Law School • Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00