Sāmoa Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa officially launched the Pacific Academy of Sciences on 22 October in Apia and welcomed its 12 Foundation Fellows.
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Dean Pacific Professor Palatasa (Tasa) Havea and Professor Jodie Hunter have been named as two of the inaugural Fellows.
The Pacific Academy will serve as a platform for Pacific scholars, creating a collective voice to address the pressing environmental and social challenges facing the region. It seeks to empower local scientists and Indigenous communities, recognising their unique knowledge and perspectives. By fostering collaboration and the co-creation of knowledge, the Academy will facilitate sustainable development and inform public policy for the benefit of Pacific communities.
The Academy is designed to complement the efforts of existing scientific and diplomatic organisations, embracing an ethical, transparent and inclusive approach.
The launch was facilitated by the National University of Sāmoa and the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, led by the Australian Academy of Science with the support of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Provost Professor Giselle Byrnes says, “The Academy aligns with the strategic ambitions of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to support scholars to deliver innovative world-class research, enriching our university with Pacific knowledge that will strengthen the university’s uniqueness and enhance its academic reputation across the wider Pacific.”
The need for a Pacific Academy
In October 2023, a meeting in Apia, Samoa, brought together over 60 Pacific scholars to discuss the feasibility of an academy. Currently, there is no formal mechanism for Pacific scholars to collaborate and leverage their knowledge to influence regional and international policies. Given the Pacific's vulnerability to climate change and other pressing issues, the establishment of an academy represents a timely response to the need for a unified scientific community.
Participants at the October 2023 meeting overwhelmingly endorsed the creation of an Academy.
This initiative marks a transformative moment for the Pacific region, positioning it as a key player in global scientific discourse and decision-making. As the Academy takes shape, it promises to elevate Pacific scholarship and empower local voices in addressing the unique challenges of the region.
Read more here.
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