A Decade Hence: The Enduring Promise of Peaceful Dispute Settlement

Atty. Florin Hilbay, former Solicitor General of the Philippines and lead agent in the Republic of the Philippines v. People's Republic of China case, examines the enduring significance of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award a decade after its historic ruling. The lecture explores the award's profound legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical impacts on international maritime law, regional security, and global ocean governance.

As maritime security challenges persist across the Asia-Pacific, this commemorative lecture offers policymakers, academics, and students insight into the continuing importance of peaceful dispute resolution and a rules-based international order. The event also marks the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-New Zealand Diplomatic Relations and the recent elevation of their partnership.