A Decade Hence: The Enduring Promise of Peaceful Dispute Settlement - Reflecting on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award

Atty. Florin Hilbay, former Solicitor General of the Philippines

Monday, 12 October 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm

National Office

GBLT1, Government Buildings, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, 55 Lambton Quay, Wellington

Join us for a public lecture on A Decade Hence: The Enduring Promise of Peaceful Dispute Settlement - Reflecting on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

Atty. Florin Hilbay,  the former Solicitor General of the Philippines and the country’s lead agent in the definitive case of the Republic of the Philippines v. People’s Republic of China, will deliver a commemorative lecture marking ten years since the historic ruling that reshaped international maritime law. As a primary architect of this legal victory, Atty. Hilbay will deliver exclusive insights into the case’s profound legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical impacts a decade later. This event forms part of the Philippines’ global commemoration of the Award, underscoring the vital importance of a rules-based global order.

As maritime security challenges persist, the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a cornerstone for regional security and global ocean governance. This public forum offers policymakers, academics, and students a crucial platform to discuss international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

Significantly, this lecture also celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-New Zealand Diplomatic Relations and the recent elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. 

Contact the National Office

NATIONAL OFFICE CONTACT

nziia@vuw.ac.nz

Join us for a public lecture on A Decade Hence: The Enduring Promise of Peaceful Dispute Settlement - Reflecting on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award.

Atty. Florin Hilbay,  the former Solicitor General of the Philippines and the country’s lead agent in the definitive case of the Republic of the Philippines v. People’s Republic of China, will deliver a commemorative lecture marking ten years since the historic ruling that reshaped international maritime law. As a primary architect of this legal victory, Atty. Hilbay will deliver exclusive insights into the case’s profound legal, diplomatic, and geopolitical impacts a decade later. This event forms part of the Philippines’ global commemoration of the Award, underscoring the vital importance of a rules-based global order.

As maritime security challenges persist, the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a cornerstone for regional security and global ocean governance. This public forum offers policymakers, academics, and students a crucial platform to discuss international law, peaceful dispute resolution, and regional cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

Significantly, this lecture also celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-New Zealand Diplomatic Relations and the recent elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. 

Membership

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