PORT VILA, VANUATU (28 May 2021): A total of eight law students from the University of the South Pacific’s Emalus Campus have successfully completed their internship programme at the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The interns were supervised by the Progamme Manager for Political and Security Affairs (PSA) Ilan Kiloe, for a period of ten (10) weeks, where they undertook legal practice under the different programmes of the MSG. They also researched key issues around soci-economic, trade, sustainable development, security and human rights, among others.
During the concluding presentation this morning, the students appreciated the opportunity to understand some of the issues that governments of the MSG region were engaged in, which they needed to address from a legal perspective.
Some of the interesting issues that emerged during the presentation was how the economies of the MSG members are being severely affected by COVID-19 and how policies and regulations are being formed to address the challenges.
The students reflected on their experiences working at the MSG Secretariat as an intergovernmental organisation, saying it was an eye-opener and a career pathway to working in the region.
Other issues highlighted was that the MSG was a model for sub-regionalism in the Pacific and how it is so important to engage in networking in a professional setting.
Acting Director General, George Hoa’au, congratulated the students for completing their programme and encouraged them to continue to aim high in their education pursuit. He added that the MSG Secretariat has for many years hosted this internship and it was an honour to be able to see it continue.
Wantok News 