Photo caption: University of Canterbury Pro-Vice-Chancellor Pacific Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (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’s 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’afa was quoted as saying, “the 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.
“Now, 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.”
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.
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.
“The 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,” Distinguished Professor Ratuva explains.
“I look forward to supporting the University of Canterbury in playing a critical role, through the Academy’s Pacific Knowledge and Culture Hub, to nurture young Pacific scholars for the future.”
In response to the launch, UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey stated, “what 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.”
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.
“The 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,” Distinguished Professor Ratuva says.
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’s commitment to increasing visibilities and outcomes for Pacific students and staff.
Read the International Science Council release here>
The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences has been facilitated by the National University of Samoa 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 Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 - Partnerships for the goals
