Spotlight on IBA Committees’ work to address climate change and champion sustainability across the legal profession

Friday 6 June 2025

To commemorate the 2025 United Nations World Environment Day on 5 June, the International Bar Association (IBA) – the global voice of the legal profession – is spotlighting the work around addressing climate change and advancing sustainability among the legal profession carried out by IBA Committees, as well as bar association and law society member organisations.

IBA President Jaime Carey, commented: ‘As an organisation holding observer status with the UN, it is important that the IBA fulfils its original mission to promote and protect the rule of law and contribute to the development of international law. Considering World Environment Day and the emphasis on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] of the UN that are linked to encouraging action to mitigate the effects of climate change and support adaptation measures, it is evident that lawyers play a central role in shaping environmental policies for both governments and businesses. In this regard, the work of IBA Committees is crucial and has the potential to influence a more sustainable future for us all.’

Across IBA constituents – sections, committees, regional fora, law firms, bar associations and law societies – groups are sharing their expertise and working together on different climate crisis and ESG initiatives to produce reports, guides, toolkits, articles, podcasts, webinars, films and more, as well as to hold events. Most of these materials are free for anyone (legal professionals, stakeholders and the general public alike) to download, read, listen to, watch or attend from links on the IBA website. A hub page compiles much of this information in one location.

Some recent IBA activities/initiatives to support sustainability among the legal profession include:

The IBA also brings together legal professionals and other stakeholders to discuss environmental issues and action to raise awareness and develop solutions. Forthcoming events include:

Additionally, biodiversity risk and climate change will be the focus of several sessions during the IBA Annual Conference (2-7 November) in Toronto, Canada including one to be convened by the IBA Bar Issues Commission.

On this World Environment Day with the chief focus on ending plastic pollution there will be lawyers across the globe advocating for implementation of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution to develop a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.

ENDS

Contact: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org

Notes

  1. Read more about IBA climate-related activities and initiatives at the ESG hub.

  2. Related material:

  3. The International Bar Association (IBA), the global voice of the legal profession, is the foremost organisation for international legal practitioners, bar associations and law societies. Established in 1947, shortly after the creation of the United Nations, it was born out of the conviction that an organisation made up of the world's bar associations could contribute to global stability and peace through the administration of justice.

    The IBA has considerable expertise in providing assistance to the global legal community, and through its global membership, it influences the development of international law reform and helps to shape the future of the legal profession throughout the world.

  4. Find the IBA (@IBAnews) on social media here:

Press Office
International Bar Association

Chancery House, 53-64 Chancery Lane
London, WC2A 1QS
United Kingdom

Mobile: +44 (0)7940 731 915
Direct Line: +44 (0)20 7842 0094
Main Office: +44 (0)20 7842 0090
Email: IBApressoffice@int-bar.org

Website page link for this news release:

Short link: www.tinyurl.com/3tbndc6b
Full link: www.ibanet.org/Spotlight-on-IBA-Committees-work-to-address-climate-change-and-champion-sustainability-across-the-legal-profession