On 24-25 September 2025, GCILS Member Dr Joanna Dingwall took part in an expert workshop titled “Blue Economy and International Law: Marine Commodities in the 21st Century”, held in Kiel, Germany. The event brought together leading scholars and practitioners to examine the evolving legal, geopolitical, and environmental dimensions of marine resource governance amid rising global demand and increasing ecological pressures. The workshop focused in particular on marine energy and mineral resources, addressing issues such as critical maritime infrastructure, environmental responsibilities, and investment protection.
Dr Dingwall delivered a presentation on the international legal implications of unilateral mining activities beyond national jurisdiction. Her talk explored the legal framework under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and examined potential dispute resolution mechanisms in response to unilateral actions.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Walther Schücking Institute for International Law at Kiel University and the Jean Monnet Chair for Sustainable and Secure Raw Materials Law and Policy at the Europa-Institut of Saarland University.