Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, recently hosted a landmark event — the International Conference on Law, Technology, and Sustainable Development — which brought together some of the most distinguished legal minds from across the globe. Held from March 7 to March 9, 2025, the three-day conference featured an impressive gathering of 14 judges, 20+ distinguished academicians, and legal experts from 12 nations including the USA, Canada, England, France, Estonia, New Zealand, South Korea, South Africa, Nigeria, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
The conference focused on key themes such as climate change, environmental jurisprudence, artificial intelligence, data protection, access to justice, and the role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainable development. It served as a platform for meaningful discussions and policy recommendations, aiming to address the complex intersection of legal frameworks, technological advancements, and sustainability.
Inaugural Session: A Grand Opening with Global Dignitaries
The conference was inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Misra, Judge, Supreme Court of India, who served as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice, Allahabad High Court, presided over the ceremony. Other prominent guests included:
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, Senior Judge, Allahabad High Court
- Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, Vice-Chancellor, RPNLU
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice S. Thurairaja, Judge, Supreme Court of Sri Lanka
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice Kumar Regmi, Judge, Supreme Court of Nepal
- Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rinzin Penjor, Former Judge, Supreme Court of Bhutan and Vice-President, Bar Council of Bhutan
In her welcome address, Vice-Chancellor Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon underscored the transformative impact of technology on law and governance. She stressed that while technological progress offers solutions to global challenges like climate change, it also presents complex ethical and legal dilemmas that demand dynamic legal frameworks.
Keynote Address: Policy Challenges in Technological and Sustainable Development
Delivering the keynote address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Misra highlighted that the challenge lies not in technological development but in ensuring its ethical and sustainable use through effective policies. He called for global cooperation to address issues such as compliance with international treaties and the balance between national policies and global responsibilities.
In his presidential address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Bhansali emphasized the importance of balancing economic growth with ecological preservation. He also raised concerns about cybersecurity, digital exploitation, and data privacy, calling for nuanced legal mechanisms to address these issues.
Judicial Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta stressed the need for proactive legal interpretations and regulatory frameworks to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in shaping sustainable policies and ensuring their robust implementation.
From an international perspective:
- Justice Rinzin Penjor highlighted Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, which integrates environmental stewardship with human development.
- Justice S. Thurairaja underscored the importance of legal frameworks in preventing technology-driven exploitation.
- Justice Kumar Regmi emphasized the need for equitable access to technology to prevent socio-economic disparities.
Key Discussions and Technical Sessions
- 1. The Role of Law in Technological Growth
The first technical session was chaired by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra, Judge, Allahabad High Court. Justice Mishra noted that the rise of artificial intelligence and blockchain requires robust legal frameworks to address data privacy and cybersecurity.
- 2. Climate Justice and Judicial Responsibility
In the second session, Justice Michael D. Wilson, Former Judge of the Hawaii Supreme Court, discussed the environmental crisis in Hawaii caused by rising sea levels and climate change. He stressed the need for immediate legal interventions and challenged the notion that sustainability is financially unfeasible.
- 3. International Environmental Law and Scientific Evidence
In a keynote by Prof. Bosselmann, he highlighted the moral and legal obligation to protect the Earth’s integrity through collective responsibility. He advocated for global compliance with environmental agreements like the Paris Accord.
- 4. Legal Framework for Renewable Energy
Dr. Usha Tandon delivered a detailed lecture on optimizing technology for renewable energy development in India. She noted the absence of a dedicated legal framework for renewable energy and called for concrete policies to promote sustainable energy transitions.
- 5. Exploring Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Law
In a pivotal session, Dr. Erimma Gloria Orie highlighted the role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable development. Similarly, Prof. Philippe Cullet proposed adopting a “Rights of Nature” model to prioritize ecological protection over economic growth.
- 6. Artificial Intelligence and Legal Ethics
Mr. Nitin Nanda, an international lawyer from Estonia, discussed the implications of AI on data privacy and legal frameworks. He cited cases of data breaches and emphasized the need for AI-driven encryption technologies.
Dr. Robert Russo underscored the ethical challenges of AI in environmental law, stressing that AI should remain a tool rather than an autonomous decision-maker.
- 7. The Impact of Carbon Capture and Climate Litigation
Prof. Moon-Hyun Koh from Soongsil University, Korea, examined Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) as a facet of ESG compliance. He analyzed Korea’s CCUS policies under global climate agreements.
Dr. Ivano Alogna explored the increasing reliance on scientific evidence in climate litigation cases, citing landmark cases like Lliuya v. RWE on transnational climate liability.
- 8. The Intersection of Technology and Indigenous Knowledge
Dr. Erimma Gloria Orie explored the potential integration of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) with modern technological advancements to achieve sustainable development.
Valedictory Session: Concluding Insights
The conference concluded with a valedictory address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pankaj Mithal, Judge, Supreme Court of India. He emphasized the judiciary’s critical role in enhancing environmental jurisprudence and addressing contemporary challenges such as biomedical waste, illegal mining, and deforestation.
Justice Mithal highlighted the role of technology in improving judicial accessibility for women and persons with disabilities. He called for a balanced approach to technological growth and environmental preservation, asserting that the legal profession plays a pivotal role in creating an environmentally harmonious society.
Other notable attendees included:
- Prof. Moon-Hyun Koh, Soongsil University, Korea
- Prof. Rama Shanker Verma, Director, MNNIT, Prayagraj
- Prof. (Dr.) S. Surya Prakash, Vice-Chancellor, NLIU, Bhopal
- Mr. Nitin Nanda, International Lawyer, Estonia
A Roadmap for Legal and Sustainable Progress
The International Conference on Law, Technology, and Sustainable Development at NLU, Prayagraj, provided a rich platform for global legal minds to engage in meaningful discourse. The insights gained from the conference are expected to inform future policies and legal frameworks, fostering a more equitable and sustainable world.
The conference underscored that sustainable development is not merely an aspiration but an urgent necessity — one that requires collective global effort, balanced policy-making, and robust legal frameworks. The path forward will depend on how effectively the global legal community integrates technological advancements with environmental and social responsibility.
