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At a time when unprecedented marine heat waves warm 40 percent of the oceans, and much life at sea is endangered, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University is proud to recognize two distinguished women for their leadership negotiating the world’s first legal agreement to safeguard biodiversity in the high seas. The 2024 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy will be jointly awarded to Singapore’s Ambassador for International Law, Rena Lee, and Senior High Seas Advisor to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Kristina Maria Gjerde. Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde will receive the prestigious Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy in recognition of their unwavering commitment to ocean conservation and their instrumental roles in advancing the 2023 UN Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

“Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde are exceptionally worthy Laureates for the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Policy,” said Horace E. Anderson Jr., Dean of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law and President of the Haub Award Jury. “Their diplomatic leadership has provided a much-needed environmental legal framework for the high seas, 70 percent of the Earth’s surface outside of the sovereignty of all nations. The BBNJ Agreement provides a new focus for safeguarding the ocean’s resources. It comes just in time and is a uniquely important contribution to international environmental law.”

The BBNJ Agreement provides a new focus for safeguarding the ocean’s resources. It comes just in time and is a uniquely important contribution to international environmental law.

Ambassador Lee’s career in international law spans over three decades, covering a range of international law subjects, including international human rights and humanitarian law and disarmament law, with a focus on the law of the seas, environmental law, and climate change law. Since joining the Singapore public service in 1992, she has served in a variety of significant roles including with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and now as the Chief Executive of the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore. A pivotal figure in international marine conservation, within these roles, she has had significant contributions and influence on global ocean policy and conservation efforts. As Singapore’s Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and the Special Envoy of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, she was elected as President of the Intergovernmental Conference on an International Legally Binding Instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marina Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction in 2018. Ambassador Lee's leadership in the Conference was crucial in forging this landmark treaty (BBNJ Agreement). The BBNJ Agreement has been heralded as a major achievement in multilateral diplomacy and cooperation. It establishes the legal and institutional framework for sharing the benefits of marine genetic resources derived from areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), conducting environmental impact assessments, creating large-scale marine protected areas, and enabling all States to participate in these processes as part of a global collaborative effort to safeguard the ecological and scientific treasures of these vast ocean areas beyond national boundaries.

Kristina Maria Gjerde has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing public international law relating to the marine environment. Her expertise encompasses ocean governance, shipping, fishing, and deep seabed mining, driven by a passion for advancing the role of science and scientists to improve marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Gjerde’s visionary work through IUCN in conceptualizing the need for and potential content of a potential BBNJ Agreement in the early 2000s led to the establishment of several key initiatives, including the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, the Sargasso Sea Project, and the High Seas Alliance. She also served on the Executive Planning Group of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. In addition to Gjerde’s role with IUCN, Gjerde is an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh, a Pew Marine Fellow and formerly a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Policy Center Fellow. Gjerde sits on the Schmidt Ocean Institute Advisory Board and has co-authored over 200 publications, collaborating with leading ocean scientists and legal scholars with a focus on marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in ABNJ. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the progressive development of marine law and policy, exemplified by her vital role in catalyzing early support for the BBNJ Agreement. Her commitment to uplifting early career scholars has enabled new voices from around the world to shape the process. In February 2023, Professor Gjerde received the IUCN World Commission on Protected Area’s Fred Packard Award for her efforts to secure protections in international law for the high seas.

Described as one of the biggest conservation victories ever, the BBNJ Agreement seeks to foster global stewardship of the world ocean currently and for the future, to protect the marine environment, to responsibly use the international waters, and to maintain and foster the undersea ecosystems while conserving their biological diversity. The BBNJ Agreement will also inherently address climate change impacts related to the degradation of the world ocean and ecosystems by working towards and providing an ocean governance framework for building institutional and ecological resilience in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Pace University Trustee and environmental advocate, Liliane Haub, a member of the Haub Award Jury, expressed her admiration for the laureates: “The dedication and achievements of Ambassador Lee and Professor Gjerde are truly inspiring. Their work in ocean conservation is critical for the sustainability of our planet's marine resources and ecosystems. The scientific and diplomatic leadership of these joint laureates has made a tremendous contribution toward attaining the UN’s goal to set aside 30 percent of the High Seas as protected areas by 2030.”

The Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy is the world’s most prestigious award in the field of environmental law. The Award has a distinguished history since 1979 shaped by progress in the field of environmental law and policy, and through collaborations with the Universite libre du Bruxelles and the International Council of Environmental Law. In 2016, the Family of Elisabeth Haub and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University established the award as it is known today to honor Elisabeth Haub (1899–1977), a noted philanthropist and advocate for strong laws for the conservation of nature. Chosen annually by an esteemed jury, the Award recognizes the innovation, skill, and accomplishments of lawyers, diplomats, international civil servants and other advocates who work to create the world environmental order. In 2023, the Haub Award was given to Ambassador Marja Lehto (Finland) and Ambassador Marie Jacobsson (Sweden) in recognition of their pivotal roles advancing environmental law and policy to protect the environment in times of armed conflict.

The ceremony for the 2024 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy honoring Ambassador Rena Lee and Kristina Maria Gjerde will take place on Thursday, October 24 at 6:15 p.m. EST in New York City and be broadcast virtually.

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Associate Professor Melvin L. Williams, PhD, is an esteemed communication scholar and cultural commentator whose work delves into the intricate intersections of race, gender, and sexuality within popular culture. An award-winning researcher, Professor Williams explores how minority communities utilize various mediums to challenge and address negative media representations. His scholarly contributions have been featured in peer-reviewed journals such as Celebrity Studies, Howard Journal of Communications, and Journal of Sports Media.

In this recent Q+A session, Professor Williams provides insightful commentary on the role of popular culture in political movements, highlighting the significance of Beyoncé's song "Freedom" in Kamala Harris' presidential campaign and the potential impact of high-profile celebrity endorsements in elections. His reflections emphasize the enduring power of music to evoke political engagement and the unique mobilization capabilities of fanbases like Taylor Swift's Swifties.

How do you interpret the significance of Beyoncé giving permission to the Harris campaign to use her song "Freedom"? What message does this send about the intersection of popular culture and political movements?

“Freedom” remains one of Beyoncé’s most striking political compositions. It exudes autonomy, feminism, perseverance, personal redemption, and cultural pride amid life’s innumerable challenges. Upon release, the song deeply resonated with audiences and served as a song of resistance for various sociopolitical movements like the 2016 United States Presidential Election, the Black Lives Matter Movement, numerous 2020 racial justice protests, and contemporarily, Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 US Presidential campaign. In the case of VP Kamala Harris, “Freedom’s” symbolism magnifies, for she is the first Black woman presidential nominee of a major party in US history using a politically charged song from the album (Lemonade) many critics consider to be Beyoncé’s magnum opus in terms of presenting Black women’s social issues and strength to mass audiences. VP Harris’ intentional selection of this song illustrates the intersections of popular culture, music, and politics and most importantly, the power of music to evoke political engagement and create a sense of urgency for listeners.

In light of the rumors about a potential Beyoncé/Taylor Swift concert team-up in support of a political candidate, how do you see such collaborations influencing voter registration and potentially impacting the outcome of the 2024 presidential election?

It would not be atypical if this rumor manifests, as political candidates (like VP Kamala Harris) typically use celebrity concerts to attract voters with varied public reactions. For example, VP Harris recently included rapper Megan Thee Stallion as a performer at an Atlanta, Georgia, presidential rally and encountered public backlash. However, in the case of Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, both musicians have made women’s empowerment pillars of their celebrity brand and musical messages. This factor amplifies the potential impact of their ‘team-up” in this specific US Presidential race. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are two of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry at a historic time when (politically and positionally) the most powerful woman in the US is running for US President. The collaboration aligns branding wise for all involved parties and might fuel voter registration and interest in Harris’ presidential pursuit.

Swifties, Taylor Swift’s superfans, have shown immense mobilization power. How do you think this kind of fanbase engagement can be leveraged in political campaigns?

In the case of The Swifties, we've been here before, and that chapter is called the 2018 Midterm Election. Taylor Swift infamously endorsed Tennessee Democratic candidates, Phil Bredesen and Jim Cooper in the 2018 US Election and was chastised in deeply polarizing contexts within political media. The narratives painted her dually as an admirable, politically engaged celebrity responsibly using her platform and an anti-American traitor who should play the guitar, sing, and not talk about her political views. The backlash also coincided with her disastrous Reputation album era. In the case of Taylor Swift’s political activism, the stakes are high, as politicians can temporarily leverage Swift's fans for votes and walk away unscathed. Yet, Swift’s political engagement is permanently etched into her celebrity history and fans’ consciousness. I foresee Swift remaining meek concerning political candidate endorsements in this election cycle and instead focusing on her established voter registration platform efforts. It remains a safe space for her to promote voter registration among fans while not explicitly telling the Swifties who to vote for.

Generation Z engagement will be a prominent election strategy reflective of a critical voting demographic in this presidential election.

What are the broader political ramifications of high-profile celebrities like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift using their platforms for political purposes? In your opinion, what are the potential risks and rewards for artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift when they become politically active?

I'm not too fond of women celebrity political endorsement pressures, for prominent women celebrities (like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift) are subjected to disproportionate standards of political engagement nearly never expected by their male celebrity counterparts. We have spent the last three US Presidential election cycles asking, "Who will Beyoncé or Taylor endorse?" and not one asking, "Who does Drake or Morgan Wallen endorse?" *Sarcastically states* Gotta love the prominence of patriarchy in the entertainment industry and political media. When high-profile celebrities use their platforms for political purposes, it ephemerally prompts fickle public responses at best. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are exemplary musical raconteurs, but their political candidate endorsement impacts have not transformed political election results. For example, Taylor Swift endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Phil Bredesen (TN) in a 2018 US midterm election, and he lost! Beyoncé performed for former 2016 US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who lost! While their political endorsements might appeal to some dilettantes, intelligentsias, and musical fans, the true power remains with voters who enter the polls with individualized political opinions.

In your research, you examine how minority communities use popular culture mediums to address disparaging media representations. How do Beyoncé and Taylor Swift’s recent actions align with or diverge from these strategies?

Throughout American media history, women musicians and popular culture figures have always leveraged their voices for sociopolitical purposes, election cycles, and various human rights movements. Popular culture and media are not simply diversion or entertainment sources. Instead, they imbue identity politics and value systems worthy of examination far beyond what the popular culture figure(s) presents. Beyoncé and Taylor Swift exemplify popular culture’s power to reach deep into the heart of people’s consciousness, allow them to emote, and in some cases, engage in political action. While fans are not monolithic and will conjure diverse reactions to both artists’ political opinions, it is undeniable that when Beyoncé or Taylor Swift speak publicly on a political topic, audiences are at a minimum, temporarily interested.

Amid this chaotic influx of information (from all political perspectives), younger demographics are concerned more about political information accuracy and the economic and cultural ramifications of their political decisions than if Charlie XCX thinks VP Harris is brat or not.

How do you think the involvement of influential artists in political campaigns changes the landscape of political communication and engagement, especially among younger demographics?

Generation Z engagement will be a prominent election strategy reflective of a critical voting demographic in this presidential election. As a college professor teaching this generation’s cohort, I remain impressed by their political knowledge, civic engagement, and strong opinions concerning human rights, politics, and media. When I teach its students about the intersections of politics and celebrity culture, they exclaim the involvement of influential artists in political campaigns is a healthy bonus when considering who to vote for but not a singular determinant factor. The landscape of political communication is forever modified by the domination of digital media, algorithmic power, and overwhelming misinformation on political topics across all mediated platforms (including news media). Amid this chaotic influx of information (from all political perspectives), younger demographics are concerned more about political information accuracy and the economic and cultural ramifications of their political decisions than if Charlie XCX thinks VP Harris is brat or not.

What advice would you give to college students and emerging scholars interested in exploring the intersections of popular culture and political activism in their own research?

*Jokingly states* Come to Pace University and sign up for Dr. Melvin L. Williams’ Communication and Popular Culture class! Major in Communication and Media Studies! In all seriousness, I advise students to allow popular culture and politics-related passions to lead their research. Communication and Media Studies is a field that empowers scholars to dig deep into their eccentric popular culture fascinations and actively search for answers to understand phenomena as they unfold and endure. Keep searching for those answers!

Looking to make your voice heard this election season? Get registered to vote. Plus, if you're a residential student, you don't even need to leave campus to cast your ballot—both the New York City Campus and the Pleasantville Campus are polling stations!

Welcome Renowned Choreographer Mandy Moore as Director of Commercial Dance LA

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of world-renowned Choreographer Mandy Moore as Director of Commercial Dance LA. In this role, Mandy will provide our students with an immersive experience, allowing them to learn from one of the industry's top professionals and gain valuable insights into choreography, performance, and the commercial dance world.

Mandy Moore's illustrious career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a profound impact on the dance and entertainment industry. She is a three-time Emmy Award winner with thirteen nominations, captivating audiences worldwide through her work on iconic productions such as "So You Think You Can Dance." In 2017, Mandy made history as the first choreographer to work on the Golden Globe Awards, Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Emmy Awards in the same year. Some of her most recent work includes Paramount’s "Babylon" and Taylor Swift’s "The Eras Tour."

Her choreographic artistry has been showcased in acclaimed films such as Chazelle’s original "La La Land," and "American Hustle," as well as in television shows like "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist," and "Glee." Her stage work includes directing and choreographing the “Dancing with the Stars Tour,” “The Wedding Singer,” and “Nobody Loves You.”

We’re thrilled to have Mandy spearheading this semester in LA for our Junior class. Her vast experience and connections in the film, television, and commercial dance industry in LA will provide our students with first-hand knowledge and unparalleled opportunities. We couldn’t be more excited.

—Lauren Gaul, Interim Program Head of Commercial Dance

Mandy will bring her extensive experience and creative vision to our Commercial Dance LA semester, which offers students the incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders, master dance and choreography skills, and connect with top agencies.

Please join us in welcoming Mandy Moore to our Commercial Dance community. We look forward to the inspiration and excellence she will bring to our program.