Mineral Resource Development Company Legal Counsel Jerome Sesega delivered the keynote address at the recent 6th LAWASIA Human Rights Conference.
Mr. Sesega presented on the theme Transnational Crises, focusing on climate change and the Carteret Islanders of Bougainville, who are widely regarded as among the world’s first climate change refugees.
The presentation placed Papua New Guinea’s climate change challenges before an international audience of lawyers, judges and legal experts from more than 60 jurisdictions across the Asia-Pacific region.
MRDC Managing Director Augustine Mano said the company’s investment in international legal engagement was important for Papua New Guinea as climate change increasingly affects resource project communities and vulnerable coastal populations.
“As a company representing landowner interests across Papua New Guinea, MRDC recognises that climate change is not a distant issue. It is already affecting communities, livelihoods and future development pathways for our people,” Mr Mano said.
He said participation at forums such as LAWASIA allows MRDC and Papua New Guinea to strengthen international networks, contribute to policy discussions and better understand the evolving legal and human rights implications linked to climate change and displacement.
Mr Sesega said the conference provided an opportunity to elevate Papua New Guinea’s perspective in international conversations around climate change and human rights.
“Representing Papua New Guinea on an international legal platform was both an honour and a responsibility. It was important to share the realities faced by vulnerable island communities in our region,” he said.
