Last week, following a powerful campaign by the Vanuatu government together with grassroots Pacific Islander climate activists, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking an Advisory Opinion from the International Court of Justice on climate change, human rights and intergenerational equity.

The Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education acknowledges and mourns the passing of a great Gumatj man, great thinker, and significant cultural leader Dr. Yunupingu. His leadership and contribution to the Yolngu community, other First Nations communities and Australia as whole has been felt by past, present and in future generations to come. Vale Dr Yunupingu.

Michael Finnane was a leader in every sense of the word – one of Australia’s best judges, a mentor to politicians and social justice advocates, a true friend of East Timor and Sri Lanka through their darkest days, and a staunch ally of the peoples of the Pacific. He was a generous and committed philanthropist, a great friend of the Edmund Rice Centre, and foundation supporter and mentor to ERC’s Pacific Calling Partnership.