Trusteeship principles and the initiative for an International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the Climate Crisis

The Earth Trusteeship Working Group, Normandy Chair for Peace and World Future Council, in collaboration with Sidley Austin LLP (Geneva), cordially invite you to this informal consultation Nations Business Centre, Rue du Pré-de-la-Bichette 1, 1201, Geneva

The ICJAO Initiative on the Climate Crisis

On October 27, 2022, the Republic of Vanuatu announced at the UN General Assembly that they had assembled a core group of countries that would introduce a UNGA resolution to formally request the International Court of Justice to render an Advisory Opinion on the obligations of States under international law to protect the rights of present and future generations against the adverse effects of climate change. This initiative has arisen from a campaign by youth from the Pacific Islands, joined by youth from around the world and supported by the organisations co-hosting this event and over 1500 other civil society organizations. An opinion from the ICJ could affirm common legal obligations for all, transcending the ‘Tragedy of the Global Commons’ and the vested interests in the fossil fuel economy which are preventing progress to protect the planet for current and future generations.

Earth Trusteeship principles and the ICJAO initiative

Earth Trusteeship explores legal principles of sharing, care, and regeneration applicable to Earth System Governance, climate justice, governance of the Global Commons, and Global Public Goods. The aim is to safeguard the integrity of the “community of life” for the well-being of future generations. The Earth Trusteeship Working Group (ETWG) explores the principles of trusteeship as part of emerging customary law and global governance. These principles could play an important role in the ICJAO on the climate crisis.

This ICJAO consultation is convened at the occasion of an organisational meeting of the ETWG, 8-9 December 2022, at Right Livelihood College, Maison de la Paix, Geneva.