An informed legal profession is one of the best guarantees of a continuing democracy, says Attorney-General Graham Leung.
Mr Leung told those present at a Pacific Islands Law Officers Network (PILONS) Meeting that most island countries were under-resourced and lacked capacity in so many areas.
“But if we pool resources, it can make a big difference,” Mr Leung said.
“There are significant benefits to sharing and combining resources to leverage our Pacific voice, influence and competitiveness and to overcome geographical and demographic disadvantages.
“The challenge for you as leaders and senior law officers is to operationalise PILON’s vision so it becomes practical and meaningful for the people you serve.
“While networking and socialising is important, it must not be an end itself.
“Our people and constituents have every right to ask us what we have achieved in real terms that is making a difference to their daily lives.”
He said PILON members had agreed upon three strategic priorities for the 2024-2026 cycle — corruption, sexual and gender-based violence, and cybercrime.
“As senior law officers are you effectively communicating clear and constructive perspectives on regional and national legal issues to the governments you serve?
“Do your agreed strategic priorities need a rethink and a reset? Do they reflect current demands and aspirations?”
Mr Leung said at the recent 53rd Leaders meeting in Nukualofa, Tonga, the Forum Communique noted that Climate Change continued to be a matter of priority to the Pacific region.
“That surely has to be an understatement.
“I would go further and say climate change poses a profound existential threat for many Pacific states, with the potential to disrupt decades of progress and burden future generations with the costs of unsustainable economic development.
“I therefore find it surprising in reviewing past PILON publications and literature that the issue barely rates a mention.”
