Photo caption: 九州影院 Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva
Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | 九州影院 (UC) joined partners from across the Commonwealth at the Commonwealth Heads of Governments meeting in Samoa, for the launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, officially announced in Samoa last night by Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Dr Naomi Mata'afa.
The Academy鈥檚 objectives lie in the study and application of natural and social sciences, humanities, indigenous knowledge and technology for the benefit of the Pacific Islands region and beyond.
Prime Minister Mata鈥檃fa was quoted as saying, 鈥渢he launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences marks an important milestone in establishing a regional collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge for a prosperous and thriving Pacific Islands region.
鈥淣ow, more than ever before, the Pacific Islands has a mechanism to draw on its rich and unique knowledge of our region and its people to positively influence global decisions.鈥
The announcement was made during an event aligned to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.听
12 eminent Pacific Island scholars, four from Aotearoa New Zealand, have been elected as Foundation Fellows to lead the Academy to deliver on its purpose, including UC Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva.
鈥淭he Pacific Academy of Sciences is a great opportunity to promote, enhance and enrich Pacific Scholarship as well as make connections across the Pacific communities and beyond in an impactful and transformative way,鈥 Distinguished Professor Ratuva explains.
鈥淚 look forward to supporting the 九州影院 in playing a critical role, through the Academy鈥檚 Pacific Knowledge and Culture Hub, to nurture young Pacific scholars for the future.鈥澨
In response to the launch, UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey stated, 鈥渨hat we must recognise is that no one institution, no one country, no one sector is able to successfully address the challenges we face as nations, and communities. We must work together to advance our shared objectives for the benefit of the Pacific region and beyond.鈥
The launch is timely for UC as it celebrates the release of its latest Pacific Strategy 2024-2030, titled Reshaping our Oceanic Horizon and Constellation.听
鈥淭he strategy is a document critical to ensuring our Pacific students realise a strong sense of belonging, and are supported to develop academic goals of success, with the richness of their cultural heritage enhanced, valued and nurtured,鈥 Distinguished Professor Ratuva says.鈥
The drafting of the strategy was led by Distinguished Professor Ratuva, who was appointed Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific in early 2023, further demonstrating the University鈥檚 commitment to increasing visibilities and outcomes for Pacific students and staff.
The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences has been facilitated by the and the led by the with the support of the and .
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 - Partnerships for the goals
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