Strathmore Law Journal, Volume 8(1), November 2024

This special edition of the Strathmore Law Journal features papers from the conference “Beyond Formal Law: The Role of Ethics, Beliefs, and Values in Amplifying Action against Plastic Pollution in Africa,” held in November 2023 and co-organized by Strathmore University, UNEP, and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa. Rooted in earlier discussions during the 4th International Parliamentarians Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the conference explored how informal norms such as ethics, beliefs, and cultural values can complement formal legal frameworks in addressing environmental challenges. The event brought together diverse stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, and its findings were shared at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution. This journal issue reflects the depth of those discussions, emphasizing a multidisciplinary and values-driven approach to environmental governance and calling for greater integration of informal norms in promoting sustainable and effective action against plastic pollution.