- SMU establishes UNESCO Chair to promote legal innovation and reform in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Focus on research and capacity building, enabling collaboration between academia, policymakers, and industry.
- Aim to enhance regional legal frameworks and nurture talent for future-ready legal systems.
Singapore Management University (SMU) has taken a major step in advancing sustainability law education with the establishment of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures, positioning the university at the forefront of legal research and policy innovation for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Associate Professor Michelle Lim, an internationally recognised scholar in sustainability law and governance, has been appointed as the Chairholder, bringing her expertise in futures-oriented legal frameworks to guide the initiative.
As host of the UNESCO Chair, SMU joins a global network of over 1,100 UNESCO Chairs across 130 countries, connecting faculty and students to more than 10,000 international academics and researchers committed to advancing education, science, and open knowledge through collaboration.
Under Associate Professor Lim’s leadership, the Chair will focus on developing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges, helping societies anticipate emerging risks and craft resilient governance solutions. The initiative also explores innovative methods such as storytelling to link past and future perspectives in the design of legal frameworks that are socially and environmentally responsible.
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SMU President, Professor Lily Kong, highlighted that the UNESCO Chair aligns with SMU2030, the university’s strategic plan emphasizing impactful knowledge creation. By fostering global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and legal innovation, SMU aims to leave a lasting mark on sustainable development. The Chair will contribute to research, teaching, training, and community engagement, providing open-access resources and public dialogues that connect academia, policymakers, and communities.
With this initiative, SMU strengthens its commitment to interdisciplinary education, integrating sustainability into legal scholarship while addressing pressing environmental and social issues. Associate Professor Lim brings a unique background combining law and ecosystem management, with experience spanning Australia, the UK, and Singapore, and has received numerous awards for her work in environmental law. The Chair will not only enhance sustainability law research but also support the cultivation of future leaders capable of navigating complex global challenges with creativity, foresight, and a strong ethical foundation.
By establishing the UNESCO Chair in Sustainability Law Futures, SMU reinforces its vision of producing globally-minded, forward-looking graduates while contributing to meaningful solutions for sustainable development across the Asia-Pacific and beyond
