University of Auckland building Pacific-led research in Pacific
01 June 2024
The University’s commitment to build Pacific-led research was on strong display at the United Nations’ Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference last week.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau says the University’s commitment to build Pacific-led research in the Pacific was on strong display at the United Nations’ Small Island Developing States (SIDS) conference last week from 27 - 30 May.
Held in the Caribbean nation of Antigua & Barbuda, global leaders represented 60 states from around the world including Professor Tiatia-Siau along with Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem MNZM from Waipapa Taumata Rau, and Ilisapeci Masivesi from Oxfam in the Pacific.
The Pacific academics presented their respective research in a panel discussion about challenges facing Pacific nations addressing interconnected health, development and climate change issues.
As well as showcasing the University’s Pacific research, such as the world's first research centre with a focus on Pacific and global health Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa, and Professor Tiatia-Siau’s own research, the conference provided an invaluable networking opportunity for potential collaborations with other SIDS tertiary institutions.
The event underscored an emerging partnership with the University’s commitment to build Pacific-led research capacity in the Pacific, working alongside its communities to elevate and improve outcomes for Pacific peoples.
Professor Tiatia-Siau wanted to acknowledge the collaboration between the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Strategic Engagement, Dr Erik Lithander ensuring the University’s strong Pacific academic presence at the conference.
She says the week-long conference was intense with leaders working to develop a 10 year prosperity and sustainable development plan.
“It was an intense engagement, attending and presenting at the United Nations’ Small Island Developing States 4th conference, which occurs every 10 years.”
Representing the University at an international gathering of world leaders, was even more significant with the conference held during Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa (Sāmoa Language Week) and Sāmoa’s Independence Day on 1 June
As a Sāmoan academic from Aotearoa, Professor Tiatia-Siau said representing the University at an international gathering of world leaders, was made even more significant with the conference held during Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa (Sāmoa Language Week) and Sāmoa’s Independence Day falling on 1 June.
It was also a great privilege to share and discuss her research paper: ‘The Inextricable Link between Climate Change and Mental Wellbeing for Pacific Peoples’ given the extreme climate issues facing Pacific people in the region and across Aotearoa, and how Pacific peoples are impacted.
A large number of Pacific leaders attended including a strong delegation of Pacific Islands Forum members and the Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific agencies. Providing serious mana and playing a significant role at the conference was Her Excellency the Hon. Prime Minister of Sāmoa, Lau Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, as chair of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
Professor Tiatia-Siau said it was serendipitous that she was not only able to meet with Sāmoa’s Prime Minister but also share her research.
“It was such a tremendous honour, I can’t believe I got to spend time with her, it took travelling to the other side of the world to meet Prime Minister, Lau Afioga Fiamē Mata’afa. It has been one of the biggest highlights of an incredible week. I’m still coming down! What a phenomenal leader and what a way to celebrate Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa.”