Legal professionals and policymakers must embrace change as a constant force shaping the Pacific, emphasising that legal resilience and innovation are critical to addressing the region’s evolving challenges.
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko highlighted this during the Fiji Law Society Convention and the 2nd Pasefika Lawyers Collective Conference, under the theme “Embracing Change: The Future of Law in the Pacific,” currently underway at the Crowne Plaza in Nadi.
Jitoko says that Parliament plays a vital role in building resilient, inclusive and teacher-ready societies in Fiji and throughout the South Pacific through the mechanism of lawmaking by the Third Arm of the State, the Legislature.
He emphasised that change is not optional; it is a responsibility rooted in service, and that legal frameworks must anticipate crises, whether cyclones, natural disasters, or complex commercial and multilateral transactions.
The Speaker urged greater investment in legal aid, community outreach programs, and pro bono services, particularly in remote areas, to ensure justice is accessible to all.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in procedural law and the High Court rules, emphasising culturally sensitive pathways for resolving land and family disputes while protecting individual rights.
Jitoko says artificial intelligence can streamline legal research, automate routine tasks, and enhance access to justice, but also raises critical questions regarding ethics, privacy, and regulatory frameworks.
He stressed that exploring AI responsibly is crucial to the future of law in the Pacific.
He concluded by urging the legal profession to actively engage with Parliament during law drafting and amendments, noting that their insights are invaluable for creating principled, practical, and resilient legislation.
