Biography of Paolo Davide Farah
Paolo Davide Farah is a legal scholar, professor, and expert in international economic law, environmental sustainability, and global trade policies His work focuses on promoting collaboration between nations to address pressing global issues such as environmental protection and trade ethics He has authored numerous research papers and served as a consultant for international organizations
Early Life and Education
Paolo Farah pursued higher education at some of the best universities in Europe. He earned a J.D. in International and European Law from Paris Ouest La Defense Nanterre University in France. He later completed an LLM in European Legal Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium, in 2003. Paolo further advanced his education by obtaining a dual PhD in International Law from Aix-Marseille University in France and the University of Milan in Italy in 2011
Career Beginnings
Paolo's professional journey started at the international level. Early in his career, he worked at the Legal Affairs Division of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. He then became an associate lawyer at the law firm Baker & McKenzie in Milan, Italy, where he specialized in legal matters involving international business.
Academic Contributions and Leadership
Paolo Davide Farah is a full professor at West Virginia University (WVU), specifically within the John D Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences He teaches public administration, public policy, law, environmental policy, and energy justice courses in this role
He is also the Director of the Energy Justice and Just Transition Lab, which addresses critical issues in the energy sector, such as the equitable distribution of energy resources, climate change adaptation, and economic justice for communities impacted by energy transitions
As the Coordinator of the Eberly College Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative, Paolo Farah promotes partnerships across academic fields to tackle pressing global problems, such as environmental degradation and human rights violations
International Roles
Paolo's work is not limited to the United States He holds the title of Internationally Renowned Professor of Law at Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) in China, where he teaches and mentors international law and policy students
Since 2006, Paolo has also served as the scientific director of the Summer Law Institute in China This executive education training program provides valuable learning experiences for legal professionals worldwide
Consultancy and Legal Advisory
In addition to his teaching roles, Paolo has served as a legal advisor and consultant for many international organizations. He has worked on projects for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and Commerce, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Research and Publications
Paolo Davide Farah is a prolific writer and researcher. He has authored over 60 peer-reviewed and law articles and book chapters and published nine books and six special issues in academic journals. His work is highly regarded in international law, environmental policy, and sustainable development.
Additionally, Paolo is the editor-in-chief of three important book series: "Transnational Law and Governance" and "Global Law and Sustainable Development," published by Routledge, and “Global Issues” published by Palgrave Macmillan. He is also the editor of the "Studies on Globalization" series by Wolters Kluwer.
Leadership Roles
Throughout his career, Paolo has taken on numerous leadership roles From 2018 to 2022, he served as a board member of the European Society of International Law (ESIL) and chaired ESIL's Interest Group on International Environmental Law for 8 years.
Furthermore, Paolo has served as vice-chair and chair of the Interest Group on International Environmental Law and the Interest Group on International Law and Technology in the American Society of International Law (ASIL)
Paolo's leadership extends to his role as chair of the Sub-Committee on Business and Human Rights for the American Branch of the International Law Association (ABILA) He is also a member of the International Law Association's committees on business and human rights, submarine cables, and sustainable development
Supporting Young Scholars
Paolo Farah strives to support the next generation of scholars Through his leadership in research grants and educational programs, he has provided opportunities for young academics to develop their careers He has coordinated research projects that have received over $2 million in external funding
What's more, Paolo directs the Summer Law Institute in China, one of his most impactful initiatives This program brings together legal experts and students to discuss critical global issues Many participants have gone on to successful careers in academia and international law
Contributions to Global Conversations
Paolo's work contributes to meaningful discussions on critical global challenges As the founder and president of gLAWcal Global Law Initiatives for Sustainable Development he promotes research and dialogue on sustainable development and global justice His organization works to find legal solutions to pressing issues like climate change, human rights, and energy transitions
In 2024, Paolo celebrated a major milestone as the series editor for the gLAWcal-Palgrave MacMillan “Global Issues” book series Under his leadership, eight new volumes were published, featuring contributions from scholars, practitioners, and senior academics These books cover international law, sustainability, and energy transitions
Multilingual Abilities
Paolo's ability to communicate in multiple languages has been valuable throughout his career. He is a native speaker of Italian, fluent in English and French, and has a fair understanding of Chinese.