Last August 28 and 29, 2025, the Institute of International Legal Studies, University of the Philippines College of Law (UP IILS) supported the Climate Change Conference on the Systemic Integration of Climate Change in International Law held at Copthorne King’s Singapore. The conference was hosted by the Centre for International Law, National University of Singapore (NUS CIL) and Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy, University of Durham and supported by the Centre for Environmental Law and Climate Justice, Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Law, the Universiti Malaya Climate Change Network, and UP IILS.

The Director of UP IILS and University of the Philippines College of Law Associate Professor Rommel J. Casis moderated the panel entitled “Legal Responsibility for Climate Change, Climate Litigation, and Reparations.” The panel featured presentations from Prof. Dr. Hélène Tigroudja of the National University of Singapore, Mr. Vincenzo Elia of the National University of Singapore, Prof. Dr. Miriam Cohen of Université de Montréal, Prof. Dr. Millicent McCreath of Durham University, and Prof. Dr. Andri G. Wibisana of Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Law.

Prof. Casis also presented his paper entitled “The Risks and Rewards of the Systemic Integration Approach to the Development of Climate Change Law” in the panel on “Trends in International Environmental Law and Governance.” Prof. Casis tackled the current state of climate change law, noting its fragmented approach and inadequate framework. He broke down the elements of systemic integration, explored its previous applications, and suggested specific integration pathways. He concluded the presentation by providing the rewards, risks and challenges of systemic integration. Other members of the panel included Prof. Dr. Wan Mohd. Zulhafiz Wan Zahari of the International Islamic University of Malaysia, Ms. Catherine Hall of the University of Eastern Finland, Mr. Ricardo Murilo da Silva of the Federal University of Santa Catarina and Prof. Dr. Patan Saleem Akram of the Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation. The panel was moderated by Ms. Railla Puno of NUS CIL.

The Head Legal Officer of UP IILS, Atty. Cecilia Therese Guiao, presented her paper co-authored with Ms. Angelika Lourdes J. Pizarro entitled “Climate Change and Outer Space: Interplay and International Legal Intersections” in the panel on “Artificial Intelligence (AI), Technology, Innovation, and Climate Change.” Atty. Guiao emphasized the importance of space technology in addressing climate change. She talked about the cornerstone principles of the Outer Space Treaty as the “Magna Carta of Space” and soft law supporting the use of space technology for climate action. Atty. Guiao concluded by presenting new approaches to integrated sustainability. The panel was moderated by Dr. Jon Mark Truby of NUS CIL and featured presentations of Prof. Dr. Suryanarayana Raju Vadapalli of Galgotias University, Mr. Ivan Harris Tanyag of University of the Philippines Diliman, and Prof. Dr. Niharika Kumar and Mr. Shobhit Pratap Singh of University of Lucknow.

Atty. Guiao also participated in the concluding discussion of the conference on the reflections and way forward. Atty. Guiao shared insights on the climate change negotiations and the implications of systemic integration, and spoke briefly on the possible impacts of the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the negotiations. She likewise spoke briefly on the prioritization of climate action, and understanding country needs while ensuring equity. The discussion also featured the views of Prof. Dr. Andri G. Wibisana of the Universitas Indonesia Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Petra Minnerop of Durham University, Dr. Yew Wei Lit of Universiti Malaya and Ms. Danielle Yeow of the National University of Singapore. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Tara M. Davenport of the National University of Singapore.

The presentations featured in the conference will be included in a future publication. UP IILS is thrilled to be a part of the Climate Change Conference, which is only the beginning of the momentous partnership with NUS CIL and other academic institutions in the region. 

Photographs taken from NUS CIL.