On 16 May 2024, Tilburg University hosted the kickoff seminar on “A legal history of the global commons,” as a formal initiation of dr Ville Kari’s ongoing research project. The event brought together esteemed scholars from various institutions, to discuss the intricate legal dimensions surrounding regions such as the high seas, deep seabed, Antarctica, and outer space. The seminar aimed to map out the historical trajectory of these global commons and shed light on their governance through the lens of international law. Attendees from all over the Netherlands were warmly welcomed to the Faculty Club, where they engaged in two thought-provoking panels chaired by experts in the field.
The first panel, chaired by Mónica García-Salmones Rovira of Maastricht University, featured presentations by Emily Sipiorski and Ville Kari from Tilburg University, Markus Gunneflo from Lund University, and Jan Klabbers from the University of Helsinki. Topics ranged from the regulation of the seabed to the influence of international organizations on global commons governance.
Emily Sipiorski and Ville Kari, representing Tilburg University, provided insights into the regulation of the seabed’s economic exploitation, and the implications of the International Geophysical Year of 1957 on global commons governance, respectively. Markus Gunneflo from Lund University shed light on the role of Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) in UN space law negotiations from 1958 to 1963. Jan Klabbers, of the University of Helsinki, examined the influence of international organizations on the governance of global commons.
In the second panel, chaired by Michael Leach, Arnulf Becker Lorca from the European University Institute, Outi Penttilä, and Martti Koskenniemi from the University of Helsinki, expanded on various aspects of the global commons.
Arnulf Becker Lorca analyzed the transition from uti possidetis to the concept of common heritage of humankind, Outti Penttilä delved into the legal history of planetary nature conservation, and Martti Koskenniemi reflected on alternative pathways in the law of international society.
After each panel, the participants had the chance to ask questions to the panelists, resulting in valuable discussions.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all attendees for making this event the success it was!