Biographical Note

NEW PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS

(Based on information received from the Protocol and Liaison Service.)

Robert Guba Aisi, the new Permanent Representative of Papua New Guinea to the United Nations, presented his credentials to Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 25 June.

Prior to his current posting, Mr. Aisi was Councillor of Papua New Guinea’s Legal Training Institute for five years.  He remains associated with the Institute as a visiting lecturer while also maintaining ties to the Faculty of Law at the University of Papua New Guinea.

Mr. Aisi has been a partner for seven years in the national corporate law firm he founded.  Owned and operated entirely by Papua New Guineans, the firm supports the Moot Court Programmes conducted by the University’s Law Faculty.

Prior to the partnership, Mr. Aisi served with Australian law firms based in Papua New Guinea.  From 1990 to 1992, he was Principal Legal Officer and Deputy Commission Secretary to his country’s Electricity Commission.  From 1986 to 1990, he was Principal Legal Officer to the Authority governing the area that is effectively the City of Port Moresby.

Admitted in 1980 to the practice of law in both the National and Supreme Courts of his country, Mr. Aisi has expanded his experience into the international arena.  In 1987 he read at the Victorian Bar in Australia.  From 1989 to 1990 he studied human resources management at the International Institute of Public Administration in France.  After that, he served with the Executive Branch (Legal Affairs) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Educated at the Armidale School in New South Wales, Australia and the University of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Aisi received a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1979.  He also undertook postgraduate studies at the Legal Training Institute. 

He is active in business, private sector and cultural affairs, serving on a number of boards and organizations.  Among others, he is President of the Business Council of Papua New Guinea, a Member of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Business Council, an Honorary Consul to South Africa and a Founding Member of sports clubs, health clubs and a professional club promoting international linkages for youths.                   

Mr. Aisi is married and has four children.

* *** *