The LAWASIA Environmental Law Conference 2026 is a significant gathering organized by LAWASIA, the Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence, and the Papua New Guinea Law Society, with support from the South Pacific Lawyers’ Association and the Commonwealth Lawyers Association. Scheduled from August 19 to 21, 2026, at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the conference aims to explore the concept and practice of the environmental rule of law.
Key topics include the meaning and foundations of the environmental rule of law, practical mechanisms for its implementation and enforcement, emerging threats to environmental governance, the institutions responsible for upholding environmental law, and opportunities for strengthening legal frameworks and regional cooperation. The conference will feature discussions led by prominent figures such as CLA President Steven Thiru and CLA Council members David Denniston and Melinda Janki.
Set against the backdrop of Papua New Guinea’s remarkable natural environment and rich cultural heritage, the event offers a dynamic platform for learning, dialogue, collaboration, and capacity-building in the field of environmental law. Delegates may also be eligible for an exclusive LAWASIA membership offer associated with conference participation.
This conference is ideal for lawyers, policymakers, academics, and judges from across the Asia-Pacific region who are interested in environmental law and governance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the environmental rule of law and have the opportunity to engage with leading experts and practitioners in the field.
Speakers(12)
David Denniston
Council Member at Commonwealth Lawyers Association
David Denniston is a Council Member of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, contributing to the association's initiatives.
Dr. Georgina Lloyd
Regional Coordinator Environmental Law and Governance at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Asia and the Pacific Office
Dr. Georgina Lloyd coordinates environmental law and governance initiatives for UNEP in the Asia and Pacific region.
Hubert Numane
President at Law Society of Papua New Guinea
Hubert Numane is the President of the Law Society of Papua New Guinea, representing the interests of legal practitioners in the country.
James Marape
Prime Minister at Government of Papua New Guinea
James Marape is the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea and Member for Tari Pori, leading the nation's government.
Justice Ambeng Kandakasi GCL, CBE
Deputy Chief Justice at Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea
Justice Ambeng Kandakasi is the Deputy Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, delivering judgments and overseeing judicial matters.
Melinda Janki
Council Member at Commonwealth Lawyers Association
Melinda Janki is a Council Member of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, involved in promoting legal collaboration across the Commonwealth.
Robert White
Barrister and Vice-President at Environment and Planning Law Association of NSW
Robert White is a barrister and Vice-President of the Environment and Planning Law Association of NSW, specializing in environmental law.
Shyam Divan
Senior Advocate at Delhi, India
Shyam Divan is a Senior Advocate in Delhi, India, and Immediate Past President of LAWASIA, with expertise in environmental law.
Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika GCL KBE CSM OBE
Chief Justice at Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea
Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika serves as the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, overseeing the nation's judiciary and upholding the rule of law.
Steven Thiru
President at Commonwealth Lawyers Association
Steven Thiru is the President of the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, advocating for the legal profession across the Commonwealth.
William Wylie Clarke
Chair at South Pacific Lawyers Association
William Wylie Clarke serves as the Chair of the South Pacific Lawyers Association, promoting legal collaboration in the South Pacific region.
Yap Teong Liang
President at LAWASIA
Yap Teong Liang is the President of LAWASIA, leading the organization in promoting the interests and concerns of the legal profession in the Asia Pacific region.
Event Details
- Date
- August 19-21, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇵🇬 Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- APEC Haus, Ela Beach
- Audience
- Lawyers, policymakers, academics, and judges from the Asia-Pacific region interested in environmental law and governance.
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