The University of Papua New Guinea’s New Lecture Theatre hosted the 2026 Sir Buri Kidu Lecture on 1 July 2026, featuring distinguished international legal scholar Professor Mary Keyes of Griffith University, Australia, as the keynote lecturer.
The event brought together members of the judiciary, legal profession, academia, government representatives, students and members of the public to honour the legacy of the late Sir Buri Kidu, Papua New Guinea’s first national Chief Justice and one of the nation’s most respected jurists.
In his welcome address, Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, GCL, CBE, described Sir Buri Kidu as a national leader whose life embodied wisdom, integrity, scholarship, humility and an unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law. He noted that Sir Buri’s legacy continues to guide the courts through the principles of judicial independence, constitutionalism, public service, accountability and fidelity to the law.
The Deputy Chief Justice observed that the Sir Buri Kidu Lecture Series serves as an important forum for scholarly reflection and discussion on contemporary legal issues and challenges facing justice systems. He emphasised that the series encourages meaningful dialogue between the judiciary, legal profession, academia, students and the broader community on matters affecting law, governance and the administration of justice.
Welcoming Professor Mary Keyes, the Deputy Chief Justice described her as an internationally respected legal scholar whose contributions to legal education, research and academic leadership have earned recognition throughout Australia and beyond. He also noted her childhood connection to Papua New Guinea and her unique historical link through having been taught in primary school by Dame Carol Kidu. The Deputy Chief Justice acknowledged the University of Papua New Guinea for its continued support of legal education and scholarship, recognising the important role played by universities in developing future generations of lawyers, judges, academics and public
