The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University has awarded the 2025 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy to Professor John H. Knox and Dr. David R. Boyd. The two were recognized for their work as United Nations Special Rapporteurs on the human right to a healthy environment. The ceremony took place on October 23, 2025, at Pace University in New York City, with attendees both in person and online.
Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and President of the Haub Award Jury, stated: “John Knox and David Boyd are visionary leaders who laid the legal and moral groundwork for one of the most consequential developments in international environmental law: global recognition of the human right to a healthy environment. Their work represents more than the contributions of two individuals; it symbolizes what can be achieved through sustained advocacy, diplomacy, and global cooperation.”
Pace University President Marvin Krislov commented on their impact: “Through their work as United Nations Special Rapporteurs, they have made that right clearer, stronger, and harder to ignore. We are honored to celebrate leaders whose efforts have advanced environmental protection through law and diplomacy on the world stage.”
The award was presented by Pace University Trustee Liliane Haub alongside members of the Haub family after introductions from Professors Katrina Fischer Kuh and Camila Bustos from Pace’s Environmental Law faculty. Ms. Haub said: “Through their leadership and collaboration, Professor Knox and Dr. Boyd have helped turn a powerful idea into a recognized international right: clean air, safe water, and a healthy planet for all.”
Professor John H. Knox is Henry C. Lauerman Professor of International Law at Wake Forest University. He served as UN Independent Expert (2012–2018) before becoming Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment. His tenure led to development of Framework Principles clarifying states’ obligations under existing human rights law regarding environmental protection.
Dr. David R. Boyd is a professor at the University of British Columbia who succeeded Knox as Special Rapporteur from 2018–2024. He worked with governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations—over 1,300 groups—and contributed amicus briefs in key cases while producing more than 30 UN reports showing how recognition of this right supports cleaner air and water laws as well as biodiversity protection.
Their combined efforts played a role in prompting resolutions by both the UN Human Rights Council (2021) and General Assembly (2022), which acknowledged the human right to a clean, healthy environment—a momentum further reinforced by an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice this year affirming its status within international law.
A panel discussion titled “Advancing the Right to a Healthy Environment” was moderated by Professor Smita Narula from Pace Haub Law’s Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies during the event.
Panelists included Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde (Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations), who joined Knox and Boyd in discussing how legal recognition has evolved into an accepted norm internationally since adoption by the UN General Assembly in 2022.
Dr. Boyd addressed practical outcomes resulting from formal recognition: its effect is that environmental protection becomes something governments must deliver rather than merely consider.
The discussion also highlighted ongoing need for cooperation among governments, civil society groups, and international institutions if these legal advances are to translate into improvements in air quality or other real-world benefits—especially for those most vulnerable to environmental harm.
In closing remarks directed toward students entering legal careers, Ambassador Chan Valverde said: “Never underestimate the power of collaboration and conviction… Every generation has the chance to make international law stronger, fairer, and more reflective of our shared humanity—and that work begins with you.”
