Lecture | Academic Event
State’s obligations on Climate Change. A Latin American Perspective
- Date
- Thursday 6 November 2025
- Time
- Address
-
Wijnhaven
Turfmarkt 99
2511 DP The Hague - Room
- 3.60
Description
States have an obligation to address climate change that derives from independent and cumulative legal sources, including the 2015 Paris Agreement. More recently, on 23 July 2025, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) released its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. This case represents the highest example of climate litigation to date, indicating that climate change treaties set binding obligations for states. But what happens on the ground? What are the possibilities of international law to hold States to account? What are the main impediments for States to follow up on climate change treaties? And what is the role of non-State actors? The Panel will situate the discussion in the context of Latin America to address these questions, bringing together broad expertise and experience on the topic.
Panelists
- H.E. Roberto Calzadilla – Ambassador of Bolivia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Adv. LL.M., Msc Edgardo Sobenes – International lawyer with extensive experience at the ICJ and climate change law.
- Dr. Natalia Donner (Leiden University) – Member of Knowledges in Terra
- LRM Syry from Maastricht University (to be confirmed) – Researcher on International Climate Change Law
- Moderator: Dr. Soledad Valdivia (Latin American Studies/Institute for History, Leiden University)
Panelists will first discuss three questions, each providing a contribution to the discussion from their experience and expertise. After this, the floor will be open to the public to ask questions to the panelist and participate of the discussion.
Registration
The event is open to the public but registration is necessary. Please register here.
For questions, please email dr. Soledad Valdivia at s.valdivia.rivera@hum.leidenuniv.nl.