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Announcements
2026 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy Presented to Alfred Brownell and Durwood Zaelke for Transformative Contributions to Environmental Law
The Elisabeth Haub School of Law proudly conferred the 2026 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy on Alfred Brownell and Durwood Zaelke for their groundbreaking contributions to the progressive development of environmental law and decades of leadership advancing environmental justice, climate action, and environmental governance around the world. The award was presented on October 21, 2026, at 91ÊÓƵ in New York City.
Brownell, a Liberian environmental lawyer, law professor, and human rights advocate, was recognized for pioneering legal strategies to protect communities, environmental and climate defenders, and natural resources while advancing environmental rights and climate justice across Africa and globally. Zaelke, founder and President of the Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development, was honored for his leading role in strengthening the Montreal Protocol and building on its success to achieve significant climate benefits, including his leadership in securing the landmark Kigali Amendment.
The ceremony also featured a panel discussion titled Transforming International Law to Protect People and the Planet, bringing together both laureates and David Hunter, Professor Emeritus at American University Washington College of Law. Moderated by Camila Bustos, Associate Professor of Law at Haub Law, the discussion focused on the role of international law in addressing environmental challenges and advancing global environmental protection.
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