The African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) convened its 12th AUCIL Forum from 19 to 20 May 2026 at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, under the theme: “Challenges of Implementing International Environmental Law and Water Resources Management in Africa.” Held in a hybrid format, the Forum brought together members of AUCIL, Member States, representatives of AU Organs and institutions, academics, legal experts, researchers, practitioners, civil society representatives and strategic partners to exchange views on legal and policy questions relating to environmental governance and water resources management in Africa. The Forum was organized within the framework of the AU Theme of the Year 2026, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” and provided a platform for discussions on the implementation of international environmental law in the African context. The opening session featured remarks by the Chairperson of AUCIL (Prof. Kevin Ferdinand Ndjimba), the Chairperson of the Forum (Amb. Jane Gasu Aheto), the representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (Moussa Mohamed Omar), the Legal Counsel of the African Union (Prof. Hajer Gueldich) and the representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (Mr. Yibekal Gizaw). A keynote address was delivered by Prof. Emmanuel Kasimbazi on legal and policy considerations relating to the implementation of international environmental law and water governance in Africa. The discussions during the Forum addressed a broad range of issues relating to environmental protection, water governance and sustainable development. Participants exchanged perspectives on the implementation of international and regional environmental instruments, management of shared water resources, environmental governance frameworks and legal approaches to sustainable water management. Several sessions examined questions relating to the right to a healthy environment and access to water, including discussions on environmental governance, environmental harm, legal accountability and the role of national and regional legal frameworks in addressing environmental and water-related challenges. The Forum also considered issues relating to transboundary water governance and the management of shared watercourses, including discussions on regional cooperation, legal principles applicable to shared water resources and approaches aimed at promoting sustainable and equitable utilization of water resources. In addition, discussions addressed the relationship between climate change, sustainable water governance and environmental protection, including reflections on the impact of climate-related challenges on water resources management and broader sustainable development objectives. Participants further exchanged views on the evolving role of international law in addressing environmental and water-related challenges affecting the continent and emphasized the importance of continued legal dialogue, cooperation and knowledge-sharing among African institutions, legal experts, policymakers and stakeholders. The Forum concluded with general reflections and discussions on approaches to strengthening implementation efforts, promoting cooperation and enhancing understanding of international environmental law and water governance issues in Africa. The AUCIL Forum forms part of the Commission’s broader mandate to promote the teaching, dissemination and progressive development of international law and AU law in Africa and to provide a platform for reflection and exchange on issues of legal importance to the continent. Notes to editor: The AUCIL Forum is an annual forum organized by the African Union Commission on International Law (AUCIL) during one of its statutory sessions. Since its inception in 2012, the Forum has served as a platform for legal scholars, practitioners, policymakers, representatives of Member States, AU institutions and other stakeholders to exchange views on issues relating to international law, AU law and matters of legal importance to the African continent. The Forum provides a platform for discussions on international environmental law, water governance, sustainable development and related legal and policy challenges affecting the African continent. For more information, please contact: 1. Mr. Olatoundji Francis Adanlao | Legal Officer | Office of the Legal Counsel | Email: adanlaoo@africaunion.org 2. Ms. Meseret Fassil Assefa | Associate Legal Officer | Office of the Legal Counsel |Email: Meseretf@africaunion.org For media inquiries and interviews please contact: Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission I E-mail: Media@africanunion.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia I Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram| YouTube |