Towards a New Pacific Constitutionalism

Pacific societies are increasingly taking unprecedented actions to securing their future. From the recent innovative constitutional reforms in Tuvalu for the perpetuity of statehood from the threat of rising sea level to the historic Vanuatu-led Advisory Opinion proceedings at the International Court of Justice, Pacific states have demonstrated leadership in addressing shared humanity’s concerns. However, in a region trapped in the legacies of colonialism and grappled with competing interests, efforts for change remain challenged. Climate change, exploitation of natural resources and geo-strategic contestations are only some of what confronts the contemporary Pacific, defining an ‘old’ and signalling the need for a ‘new’ Pacific constitutionalism.

The eight Pacific people that sailed into the Sydney port in the 18th and 19th centuries as captured in Tidal Kin, exemplify the resilience of the Pacific in securing its place, impacting the world and forging trusting relations.

In this talk, Dr Bal Kama reflects on this history to discuss legal and political innovations in the Pacific, and the state of the relationship with Australia.

This event is presented in partnership with the Australian Centre for Climate and Environmental Law and the Centre for Asian and Pacific Law at the University of Sydney Law School.