The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE), in partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea School of Law(UPNG SOL), recently organized the latest edition of the Sir Buri Kidu Lecture Series. This initiative aims to promote national dialogue on key issues such as constitutionalism, governance, and the rule of law.

Established in honor of Sir Buri Kidu, Papua New Guinea’s first indigenous Chief Justice, the lecture series provides a platform for scholarly engagement and discussion on matters critical to the country’s legal and constitutional development. Since its inception, the series has contributed significantly to fostering legal awareness and judicial excellence within the nation.

This year’s series featured distinguished legal scholars, including Dr. Bal Kama, a renowned constitutional law expert, and Dr. Alfred Chan, Vice President of the Hong Kong Mediation Centre. Their presentations underscored the evolving role of the judiciary in Papua New Guinea and highlighted the expanding significance of mediation in both domestic and international legal contexts.

In April, Dr. Kama, a Special Counsel in Legal Practice and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Business, Government and Law, delivered a lecture titled: “Rethinking Judicial Power in PNG: 50 Years Under an Autochthonous Constitution.”

His address examined the development of the judiciary within the framework of Papua New Guinea’s indigenous constitutional system, advocating for a more transformative and responsive interpretation of judicial authority.

In June, the series continued with a presentation by Dr. Alfred Chan, Vice President of the Hong Kong Mediation Centre and co-founder of multiple international dispute resolution initiatives. His lecture, titled: “Bridging Paths: Navigating the Art and Science of Mediation to Foster Trust and Trade Across Borders,” focused on the importance of mediation in dispute resolution, emphasizing its role in building trust, facilitating cooperation, and promoting international trade.

During the second lecture, the Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Ambeng Kandakasi, delivered opening remarks emphasizing the growing importance of mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Papua New Guinea’s justice system. Justice Kandakasi highlighted the need to shift from adversarial approaches towards collaborative mechanisms that better serve communities, reduce court congestion, and restore relationships.

Each lecture was followed by a moderated panel discussion involving guest speakers, academics, and legal practitioners. These sessions provided opportunities for interactive dialogue, allowing participants to ask questions and engage in meaningful exchanges on complex legal issues.  The Sir Buri Kidu Lecture Series functions as an important educational platform with the objectives to:

• Broaden exposure to advanced legal thought and practice 
• Promote judicial excellence aligned with the constitutional identity of Papua New Guinea 
• Facilitate dialogue and networking among students, academics, and members of the judiciary 

Since 2010, PNGCJE and UPNG Law School have collaborated to bridge theoretical legal knowledge with practical application, strengthening the university’s role as a centre for legal scholarship and leadership within the Pacific region.