Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Niningi highlighted the importance of the 10th Asia Pacific Mediation Forum (APMF) Conference, emphasizing that dispute resolution is rooted in Papua New Guinea's tradition. Speaking to PNG HAUSBUNG today, he explained that mediation is being strengthened through legislation, aiming to reduce court cases by encouraging alternative dispute resolution. "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." "So, we believe that with these dispute resolutions, we can resolve it." Minister Niningi praised the event's international attendance, including Chief Justices and legal experts, as a testament to its significance. "So that's what we are doing, and we are encouraging and I'm very, very pleased to see that different Chief Justices and many people turn up for this occasion." He also acknowledged the government's commitment to the judiciary, including the completion of the new courthouse. Minister Ninigi also acknowledged Prime Minister James Marape who gave the opening remarks, reiterating government support, stressing the importance of a functional justice system and the government's dedication to promoting justice. "This morning the Prime Minister, James Marape said a number of things, one of which is his government's commitment to the judiciary." "And he's fascinated about it and I also spoke that he's fascinated that the mediator must work." "This current government has put quite a lot into the system to promote justice - we complete paying the new courthouse." "They started but they did not, previous government started but didn't pay." "So we're completely paying it and we hope to open in the near future when King Charles gives a green light, and that's when we'll open it." Meantime, the 10th AMPF conference commenced today Monday August 19th and will run through to Wednesday 21st August at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby.