The British High Commission in Papua New Guinea was pleased to host a one-hour roundtable breakfast seminar with members of the PNG Judiciary, featuring Professor Dapo Akande, the United Kingdom’s candidate for election as Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the 2027–2036 term.

The seminar convened senior judicial leaders, including Acting Chief Justice Justice Ambeng Kandakasi CBE, Justice Susan Purdon Sully, and Justice Karen Carmody. Also participating was Justice Oagile Bethuel Key Dingake, Judge of the Supreme Court and National Court of Papua New Guinea, Professor of Law, and Faculty Member of the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE). Justice Dingake has been nominated by the Government of Botswana as its first-ever candidate for election to the ICJ, a historic nomination announced in late 2025 ahead of the November 2026 elections, reflecting Africa’s growing engagement in global judicial leadership.

Representing the Magisterial Services were Ms Josephine Kilage, Deputy Chief Magistrate (Judicial Administration), and Mr Albert Daniels, Acting Principal Magistrate of the Waigani Committal Court. The British High Commission delegation included H.E. Paul Eastwood, British High Commissioner-designate, and Mr Niall Cullens, Deputy High Commissioner.

The PNGCJE was represented by Mr. Nicholas Mirou, Deputy Executive Director.

Discussions focused on contemporary developments in public international law, the evolving role of international courts, and emerging standards of judicial practice in an increasingly complex global environment. Both Professor Akande and Justice Dingake contributed perspectives drawn from their extensive scholarly, judicial, and advisory experience, enriching dialogue on the role of international adjudication in addressing transnational challenges, including climate change and democratic resilience.

Professor Akande shared insights from his work as a member of the International Law Commission and from recent advisory proceedings before the ICJ. The session concluded with a robust and collegial question-and-answer exchange, reflecting strong engagement by the judiciary.

Professor Akande is Chichele Professor of Public International Law at the University of Oxford and a Fellow of All Souls College. An elected member of the International Law Commission, he has more than twenty-five years’ experience in teaching and practice, advising governments across all United Nations regional groups and international organizations including the United Nations and the African Union. He has appeared before leading international courts and regularly contributes to global legal discourse through scholarship and advisory work.