A team from the Jigme Singye Wangchuck (JSW) School of Law made a significant impact at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held from November 11 to 22, 2024, underscoring Bhutan’s commitment to integrating legal expertise into global climate negotiations.
The delegation, comprising six members—including faculty, staff, and two standout students—embarked on a mission to enhance their understanding of the intricate climate negotiation processes and to explore the pivotal role that legal professionals play in shaping effective climate policies.
COP29, a cornerstone event in the international climate calendar, gathered representatives from over 190 nations with the common goal of advancing measures to curb global warming in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The conference is renowned for its high-stakes deliberations, where every clause in draft agreements holds substantial weight. Negotiators navigate a complex landscape of national interests, environmental imperatives, and global diplomacy, a realm often referred to as “climate politics.”
For the JSW School of Law, participation in COP29 was an invaluable opportunity to observe firsthand how legal frameworks influence climate policy. Secretary Karma Tshering of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, who led Bhutan’s delegation, highlighted the critical need for lawyers versed in climate processes. “Legal professionals strengthen Bhutan’s capacity to negotiate effectively on the international stage,” Tshering remarked.
As an official participant with “Party” status, the JSW School of Law engaged actively in the negotiations, contributing to Bhutan’s climate diplomacy efforts. Assistant Dean Helen Lansdowne, leading the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Law at JSW, explained that their primary goals were to demystify the COP process and understand the operational mechanics of this global institution. “We also observed how the government negotiates and the strategies they employ at COP,” Lansdowne added.
The Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Law, backed by The Karuna Foundation and The Asia Foundation, facilitated the involvement of both faculty and students through funded participation. Earlier in the year, an open competition identified two exceptional students, Choki Pelden Lhamo and Ngawang Yeshi Tenzin, to represent the school at the summit.
Choki Pelden Lhamo described her experience as transformative. “Witnessing climate negotiations firsthand was far more impactful than theoretical simulations,” she said. “Lawyers play a pivotal role in drafting binding agreements, dissecting legal frameworks, and ensuring that commitments translate into enforceable actions.”
Ngawang Yeshi Tenzin shared his initial skepticism about the effectiveness of COP meetings but acknowledged the summit’s critical role in fostering global cooperation. “While I was initially doubtful about COP’s impact, I now see it as an essential platform for uniting efforts to combat climate change and advocating for a sustainable future.”
Migmar Lham, a faculty member at JSW School of Law, emphasized that COP29 was not just about policy formulation but also about contributing to financial solutions for resilience and sustainable growth. “COP29’s focus on adaptation, just transition, and financial mechanisms aligns Bhutan’s priorities with global initiatives, particularly in areas like carbon trading and community empowerment,” Lham noted.
Reflecting the vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Sonam Dechen Wangchuck, the JSW School of Law is set to launch a new graduate program next year dedicated to climate change and environmental law. “Introducing climate change into the law curriculum was a long-held aspiration of our President,” Lansdowne said. “This program will foster more in-depth legal research and expertise in this critical field.”
Bhutan’s active participation in COP29, bolstered by the JSW School of Law’s delegation, highlights the nation’s proactive stance in addressing climate change through legal avenues. As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges, Bhutan’s integration of legal scholarship and practical diplomacy serves as a model for leveraging academic expertise in global policy-making.
