Philippe Sands

Philippe Sands is a Professor of the Public Understanding of Law at University College London's Faculty of Laws. He serves as Director of the Centre on International Courts and Tribunals and is affiliated with the Centre for Law and the Environment. His expertise spans environmental and resources law, public law, and international dispute resolution.

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Cambridge, 1982
• Master of Laws, University of Cambridge, 1983

Research & Professional Roles: Sands co-founded FIELD (Foundation for International Environmental Law and Development) and pioneered programs on Climate Change and Sustainable Development. He advises governments, NGOs, and international organizations on international law matters, and has held visiting professorships at the University of Toronto, University of Melbourne, and Université de Paris I (Sorbonne). His work intersects with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Awards & Recognition: Appointed Queen's Counsel in 2003, and listed as an arbitrator by ICSID and PCA. He has served on advisory boards for journals like the European Journal of International Law and contributed to initiatives such as the Guardian First Book Prize (2007).

Practice & Advocacy: As a practicing barrister, Sands litigates before courts like the International Court of Justice and European Court of Justice. He frequently comments on legal issues for BBC and CNN.