Speaker calls on Pacific legal fraternity to champion change and build resilient lives

The Speaker of the Fijian Parliament the Hon. Filimone Jitoko, delivered a powerful keynote address at the Fiji Law Society Convention and the 2nd Pasefika Lawyers Collective Conference 2025, urging legal professionals across the Pacific to lead transformative change in the region’s legal systems.

Addressing an esteemed gathering of judges, lawyers, and legal scholars, Hon. Jitoko emphasised the urgent need for legislation that is resilient, inclusive, and future-ready, that reflect the lived realities of Pacific communities and anticipate emerging challenges.

The conference theme, “Embracing Change: The Future of Law in the Pacific,” set the stage for dynamic discussions on legal innovation and regional unity.

“Change is not a distant possibility; it is a daily reality,” Hon. Jitoko said. “Our laws must reflect the experiences of our people and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.”

He highlighted the importance of designing legal frameworks that can withstand climate change, natural disasters, and public health emergencies, whilst safeguarding civil liberties and democratic values.

Hon. Jitoko also called for greater inclusivity and accessibility in legal systems, advocating for increased investment in legal aid, pro bono services, and reforms to outdated laws – particularly in family and land law.

“I am one strong advocate of a vibrant pro bono legal services made available to individuals and communities who cannot afford them. As you consider it a privilege to be part of the country’s legal system, with it, comes responsibility moral if not ethical, to help ensure that everyone has access to justice,” the Hon. Speaker said.

Fiji’s leadership in digital transformation was identified through its e-Parliament initiative and its co-ordination of the Pacific Regional Hub for Digital Transformation. These efforts, he said, are setting new benchmarks for transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement in legislative processes.

The Speaker also addressed the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in legal contexts, noting its potential to streamline research, automate routine tasks, and improve access to justice. However, he cautioned that AI also raises critical questions around data privacy, ethics, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

A landmark announcement was made with the formation of the Pacific Inter-Parliamentary Association (PIPA) – a new regional body aimed at strengthening legislative collaboration across the Blue Pacific. PIPA will support countries in tackling transnational challenges through shared legal frameworks and co-operation.

Hon. Jitoko concluded by underscoring the need to harmonise customary and contemporary law, especially in areas such as land governance and climate legislation. He stressed that legal reforms must honour traditional knowledge whilst at the same time upholding modern rights protections.

These priorities, he said, reflect Fiji’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Parliament that not only serves its citizens but also contributes meaningfully to regional and global legislative discourse.

“Let us build laws that are visionary, inclusive, and rooted in the realities of our region,” Hon. Jitoko urged. “Together, we can shape a legal future that protects our people and strengthens our Pacific identity.”