Chapter 1 is a discussion of the scope of the concept of sustainable development. It examines the multiple dimensions of the concept and how these different angles to this concept have contributed to both its advance and decline in the law. This conceptual challenge accounted for the concept’s poor meaning and considerably poor performance. This chapter also provides insights into theoretical and methodological considerations underpinning this book, including the choice of Africa as the pivot of analysis and Third World Approaches to International Law as a scholarly approach.

Chapter 7 is the final concluding chapter of the book, which draws together the various theoretical, empirical and normative arguments to make a case for why the CoP needs to be reimagined to better secure access to justice for those affected by its decisions. In short, the concluding chapter argues for a reimagined CoP in which the subject of proceedings is at the centre of its processes and institutional practices at every stage. Such a reimagining ought to be viewed as a mechanism through which to better secure access to the knowledge, expertise and forum in which to secure justice for the embodied subject of CoP proceedings. The chapter concludes by urging those who work in the CoP to think about how their own practices might be more attentive to the issues raised and to facilitate the subject of proceedings to give voice, participate in and shape the proceedings.