On November 13, Martin Polaine took the stage at the prestigious Small States Conference, aptly themed “Small States, Big Futures: A Decade of Dialogue.” This event celebrated its 10th anniversary by inviting back speakers from the inaugural conference in 2015, allowing them to share their perspectives on the developments over the past decade.
During his address, Martin delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “The Integration of ESG and Human Rights Obligations into International Investment Law: Opportunity or Pitfall for a Small State?” His insights highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing small states in adapting to evolving international investment frameworks, particularly concerning Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and human rights obligations.
Martin’s contributions to the conference emphasised the critical role that small states can play in shaping a sustainable future while navigating the complexities of international law. The reflections of previous speakers enriched the discussions, showing how far the dialogue has progressed in the last ten years.
As the conference concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the future of small states in the global arena, particularly as they seek to harness their unique strengths in a rapidly changing world.
