The Judiciary of Papua New Guinea has taken an important step in strengthening regional judicial cooperation with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Judiciary of Vanuatu. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to improving the administration of justice through closer collaboration, exchange of knowledge, and practical institutional support.
The new MOU provides a framework for cooperation in key areas such as case management, judicial education, access to justice, and the use of modern technologies in court administration. It also opens the way for greater professional exchange and capacity building between the two judiciaries, with a focus on practical outcomes that will support more effective and responsive courts.
Speaking at the signing, Chief Justice Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika said the agreement represented more than a formal arrangement, describing it as a statement of shared intent to address common challenges facing courts across the Pacific. He said the real value of the partnership would be measured not by the document itself, but by how effectively it is implemented through sustained engagement, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering tangible results.
Chief Justice Vincent Lunabek of Vanuatu welcomed the signing of the MOU, saying, “We welcome the signing of this MOU as a timely and practical step toward deeper cooperation between our two judiciaries. We will immediately take the necessary action to give effect to this agreement and begin implementing the areas of collaboration identified under it, so that this partnership delivers immediate and meaningful benefits for both courts.”
The signing also highlights a broader vision for stronger regional collaboration among Pacific judiciaries. By working together and sharing expertise, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu aim to build more resilient justice systems that better serve their people and reinforce public confidence in the rule of law across the region.