Australian National University Launches Philippines Institute with Retired Justice Antonio Carpio as Keynote Speaker

Justice Antonio T. Carpio (ret) delivered keynote remarks on Rule of Law in the South China Sea at the launch of the Australian National University Philippines Institute on 10 November 2023. (Photo courtesy of ANU/College of Asia and the Pacific) 

CANBERRA 20 November 2023 – The Australian National University launched the Philippines Institute on 10 November 2023 featuring keynote remarks of retired Justice Antonio Carpio on Rule of Law in the South China Sea. Justice Carpio served as Senior Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of the Philippines. 

Justice Carpio discussed the case initiated by the Philippines in the Permanent Court of Arbitration and how countries are now enforcing the South China Sea Arbitration Award of 2016 including Australia. He explained the importance of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in particular in the resolution of disputes between states. Justice Carpio underscored the critical need for governments to uphold the rule of law noting that what is at stake in the South China Sea dispute is not only the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines but more importantly, the preservation of UNCLOS as the constitution of the seas that ensures peace and stability in all the oceans of the world.

The launch was led by ANU College of Asia and the Pacific Dean Professor Helen Sullivan; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan and Philippines Ambassador to Australia Hellen De La Vega. The launch of the Institute was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Manila on 08 September 2023 where he and President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership of the two countries.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega recognized the important role of the Philippines Institute to promote Philippines-related research and expertise among ANU scholars and strengthen linkages between academic groups and the policy community. Further information on the Philippines Institute is available at https://philippinesinstitute.anu.edu.au/. END

ANU College of Asia and the Pacific Dean Hellen Sullivan, Philippines Institute Director Bjoern Dressel, Justice Carpio, DFAT Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan and Ambassador De La Vega. (Photo courtesy of ANU/College of Asia and the Pacific)

Ambassador Hellen De La Vega thanked the Australian Government for their support for the establishment of the Philippines Institute at the ANU. (Photo courtesy of ANU/College of Asia and the Pacific)

Justice Carpio responds to questions facilitated by Associate Professor Bjoern Dressel, Director of the ANU Philippines Institute. (Photo courtesy of ANU/College of Asia and the Pacific)

For more information, visit https://www.philembassy.org.au or https://www.facebook.com/PHinAustralia/.