The Emerging Principle of Common Concern: Introduction to the SNF Project

International law based upon territorial allocation of jurisdiction increasingly fails to properly address global challenges. It lacks appropriate institutions for dealing with global public goods. The research hypothesis presented in this Brown Bag discusses the relationship of territoriality, public goods, multilevel governance and the emerging doctrine of Common Concern of Humankind (‘Common Concern’) in international law. It suggests that Common Concern, adopted mainly for the purpose of instigating joint action and international cooperation in environmental law, has the potential to develop into a legal principle redefining responsibilities of states vis-à-vis the production and administration of public goods beyond their own borders. The principle of Common Concern – while yet to be defined in terms of its contours, in particular relating to obligations to act – has the potential to partly remedy the shortcomings of territorial allocation of jurisdiction and responsibility. It will trigger appropriate incentives for international cooperation and the creation of global institutions by allowing for measured unilateral action protecting public goods vital to humankind.

We warmly welcome you to join our seminar at the World Trade Institute!

NCCR Trade Regulation Brown Bag Seminars are 30-minute presentations, given by external or in-house researchers. The presentations are followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. The Brown Bag concept comes from the US; it means that people bring their own lunch and eat it during the presentation.