The Faculty of Law celebrated its 2nd Annual Research Conference during the University of Nairobi's 6th Research Week, held from October 23rd to 27th, 2023. The conference, themed "Law and Sustainability: Navigating Challenges and Fostering Resilient Communities," was a testament to the faculty's commitment to exploring the vital role of law in shaping the resilience and sustainability of communities in today's rapidly changing world.
The event brought together a diverse array of scientists and scholars from various fields, creating a platform for them to share and discuss their research related to the overarching theme of harnessing research for community resilience and sustainability.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Winnie Kamau, delivered a captivating speech to open the conference. She emphasized the pivotal role of law in addressing the complex and multifaceted sustainability challenges facing our world. Prof. Kamau stressed the need for innovative legal frameworks and policies to navigate the interconnected problems, which range from environmental crises to social injustices, technological advancements, and economic fluctuations.
In her address, Prof. Kamau underlined the importance of the conference's theme as a call to action. It was not merely an intellectual exercise but a concerted effort to identify innovative solutions to help communities face their challenges and to develop policies and strategies that would promote their resilience and sustainability. These solutions, she argued, should be community-driven, evidence-based, and transformative, genuinely assisting communities in building a sustainable future.
To achieve this goal, Prof. Kamau highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Resilient and sustainable communities require approaches that bring together social sciences, environmental studies, technology, economics, and law, among other fields. She proudly announced the Faculty of Law's embrace of multi/interdisciplinary, including the launch of MA Environmental Law/Policy and corresponding PhD programs, as well as the establishment of CASELAP, a specialized center for interdisciplinary research on environmental issues.
Prof. Kamau then delved into the crosscutting nature of the theme, showing how it related to various areas of law. She discussed the role of law in addressing climate change, promoting community resilience, and facilitating adaptation strategies. Prof. Kamau emphasized the intersection between law, human rights, and social justice, particularly in the context of community resilience and sustainable development. The rapid advancement of technology and its legal implications were explored, including areas such as privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Legal frameworks for fostering economic resilience, sustainable business practices, and entrepreneurship were highlighted. Effective governance and the rule of law were discussed as fundamental in promoting community resilience and sustainable development. The role of international legal frameworks and agreements in promoting sustainable development and cooperation among communities across borders was stressed. These considerations illuminated the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the challenges and foster resilient communities. Prof. Kamau encouraged all attendees to combine their expertise, experiences, and insights to develop solutions that transcend borders, disciplines, and ideologies. Together, they could make a difference and shape a more sustainable and resilient future for their communities and the world.
The conference featured over 20 participants and 8 presenters who covered a wide range of topics, from sustainable approaches to fund climate change to legal aid accessibility for sustainable development and the utilization of artificial intelligence for sustainability. Although the topics varied, the common theme was the need to develop sustainable ways to ensure proper governance and systems for a better society.
In addition to the research conference, the Faculty of Law hosted a research fair on the final day of the Research Week. The event, themed "Advancing Human Rights and Social Justice for Sustainable Development," attracted over 100 students from different universities across the country. Other notable speakers included the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation, and Enterprise, and Dr. Constance Gikonyo.
This second annual research conference marked a significant step in the Faculty of Law's commitment to advancing knowledge and facilitating discussions on the critical interplay between law and sustainability. It reinforced the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to address the complex challenges that communities face in the modern world. As participants departed the conference, they carried with them a sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to fostering resilient and sustainable communities.
