The Asia Pacific Mediation Forum (APMF) launched its annual conference in Port Moresby, this week concentrating on using mediation to address environmental and climate change-related disputes. Held under the theme "Regional Challenges, Regional Solutions, Global Outcomes: Using Mediation to Resolve Environment and Climate Change Disputes," the event has attracted legal experts, judges, and stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific region. The conference opened with a grand reception hosted by the Papua New Guinea Judiciary at the iconic APEC Haus on Sunday, August 18. The cultural and ceremonial opening on Monday, August 19, further emphasized the diversity and richness of the Pacific Islands. Delegates were welcomed by the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Gibuma Gibbs Salika, and entertained with cultural performances showcasing the country’s heritage. Prime Minister, James Marape, delivered a keynote address, stressing the urgent need for collective action on climate change. PM Marape noted that environmental and climate justice must be regional priorities, urging stronger collaboration among Pacific nations. The Prime Minister also recognized the vital role of mediation and legal frameworks in resolving disputes linked to climate impacts and resource use. The focus is on regional collaboration and judiciary's role, and the APMF conference comes as climate change presents mounting challenges for Pacific Island nations, which are among the most vulnerable to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and other environmental shifts. To address these pressing issues, the Marape government has committed to bolstering its judiciary’s mediation capacity, recognizing that regional solutions and judicial intervention are essential to achieving global climate outcomes. Since taking office in 2019, Marape's administration has increased funding for the law and justice sector, allowing the judiciary to better support environmental rule of law. Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Pila Ninigi, in an interview with PNG Hausbung on Monday, August 19th, reiterated the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law through increased judiciary support, noting that this year’s conference is a testament to Papua New Guinea's leadership in fostering climate change dialogue. The conference agenda is packed with insightful discussions and panels focused on mediation as a mechanism to address environmental and climate disputes. One of the most anticipated panels is "The Role of Judges and Courts in Climate Change and Environmental Litigation and Mediation," which will feature renowned judges such as Zambian Constitutional Court Judge Mugeni Siwale Mulenga and British barrister John McKendrick KC. These discussions will examine how judicial processes, including litigation and mediation, can deliver climate justice across the region. The conference also features sessions that delve into the role of lawyers in climate change litigation and mediation, with insights from international legal experts such as Mark Fenhalls KC from the UK and Shanta Martin from Australia. These sessions are crucial in exploring the potential of legal advocacy and judicial capacity building as tools for environmental protection. Another critical discussion revolves around the use of scientific data and creative arts in mediating environmental disputes, led by specialists like Dr. Charalee Graydon from Euclid University and President Peta Stilgoe from the Queensland Land Court. Mediation methods rooted in Pacific customs and traditions are also gaining traction as effective tools for resolving disputes. One of the conference’s sessions highlights the importance of customary dispute resolution in Pacific societies as a blueprint for mediating environmental conflicts. This approach is seen as particularly relevant in addressing the unique social and cultural dynamics of the Pacific region, where traditional landownership and resource use are intertwined with environmental justice. This was also highlighted in the interview with Minister Niningi, who said: "As you know, PNG, in tradition, we have a dispute in negotiations and discussions take place where we resolve problems." "So now we incorporate it into an Act of Parliament, so we are strengthening it." "In other countries, maybe it's foreign, but to us, PNG, it is not a foreign concept, it is in us." "So now we are strengthening it so that major cases, a lot of cases come to court, we believe that with these dispute resolutions, we can resolve it." Also today at the Conference, women’s roles in mediation are being recognized, with speakers such as Visaka Dharmadasa, Chairperson of the Association of War Affected Women in Sri Lanka, discussing the significance of women mediators in local and global environmental conflicts. As climate-related disputes become increasingly complex, the conference is fostering dialogue on the establishment of a regional or international environmental mediation mechanism. Leaders from various Pacific nations are discussing the need for a cross-border approach to managing environmental disputes, emphasizing the value of shared regional frameworks. Tuesday's sessions will continue to expand on these themes, featuring panels on the use of technology in environmental governance, such as the Eco-Cop initiative from Spain and discussions on policing environmental laws. Another panel will explore the dynamics of large-scale development projects and how mediation can ensure cultural and environmental considerations are integrated into legal frameworks. The discussions at the APMF conference underscore a collective recognition that while climate change is a global issue, regional collaboration and culturally sensitive mediation strategies are essential to achieving long-term solutions. As the Pacific continues to bear the brunt of climate impacts, the conference serves as a critical platform for advancing the legal and mediation frameworks needed to navigate environmental challenges effectively. The conference will run through the week, concluding with a closing ceremony and optional tours, allowing attendees to experience the natural beauty of Papua New Guinea while fostering further informal discussions. Some of these optional tours include, a Sogeri Tour - A scenic drive to Rouna Waterfall Lookout, Koitaki Farm, Sogeri National High School, and Varirata National Park; a tour around Port Moresby, which includes a visit to Ela Beach, Parliament House, the National Museum, Nature Park, and a tour of the old and new Court Complex, and a boat cruise around APEC Haus & Waterfront, including a visit to Loloata Island and a lunch on board the MV Bulolo.