Dr Antoine Grima, Head of the Environmental and Resources Law Department within the Faculty of Laws, addressed two symposia held in China between the 3 and 6 November 2024, namely the International Island Cooperation Forum in Pingtan and the East Asian Seas Congress and World Ocean Week held in Xiamen.

His participation was upon the invitation of Professor Zhang Haifeng, Director General, Island Research Centre, Ministry of Natural Resources.

In both events, his address was part of a discussion of a panel of global experts and leaders to exchange innovative concepts in relation to island studies in the context of climate change, the blue economy and sustainable marine development.  In both instances he promoted a multi-dimensional approach to identify societal concerns concerning climate change.

In Pingtan, keeping in touch with the general theme of the conference, Global Ocean Governance, Dr Grima delivered an address entitled, “Identifying Societal Issues Emanating from Environmental and Climate Case Law of relevance to Islands”. In the Xiamen Congress he discussed “Recent developments in Climate Action – a Mediterranean Island Perspective”.

The two conferences were attended by distinguished personalities including representatives from a large number of Pacific Island States.