Across insightful presentations and discussions, speakers from 14+ countries highlighted a vital truth: climate change is a human rights issue. From climate-induced inequality and displacement to food security, labour rights, and intergenerational justice, the conference underscored the urgent need for rights-based, inclusive, and accountable approaches to sustainability.
In her opening address, Dr Cynthia C. Umezulike GHRC President and Chair of the International Conference, set a powerful tone, urging collective responsibility, ethical leadership, and action beyond rhetoric. She emphasised that protecting human dignity in the face of the climate crisis requires not only ambitious environmental policies, but also justice, participation, and accountability.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of bridging research, policy, and lived experience to deliver climate solutions that are both effective and equitable. These conversations did not end with theory, they challenged us to act.
Grateful to all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to a truly global and impactful conference.
Selected papers will be published in the forthcoming edited volume The Justice Nexus: Contemporary Human Rights, Sustainability and Climate Action Debates (Cambridge Scholars Publishing).
