Pacific leaders urge stronger educational ties in USP meeting

Pacific education leaders say collaboration and educational pathways are significant for the betterment of Pasifika.

The call comes as the 99th University of the South Pacific (USP) Council meeting got underway in Auckland this week.

The USP is the premier learning institution in the region and is governed by 12 Pacific Island countries.

The meeting, held at the University of Auckland, focussed on discussing strategies to address educational challenges and sharing practical approaches among Pacific institutions.

Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, the Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific at Auckland University, says education preserves cultural identity and resilience.

Tiatia-Siau reinforced Auckland University’s partnership and commitment to strengthening educational opportunities in the Pacific.

“We are deeply honoured by your presence here today and your commitment to education and the betterment of our people, Te Tangata o Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, particularly our next generation of leaders,” she says.

“Your leadership is evident not only in your roles but in your willingness to engage in dialogue, share knowledge, and explore innovative, culturally grounded pathways forward.

“Education is not only a cornerstone of national development but also a vessel through which identity, language, culture, and resilience are preserved and strengthened,” Tiatia-Siau says.

Jemaima Tiatia-Siau welcomes the USP Council to the University of Auckland. Photo/supplied

New Zealand’s Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro welcomed Pacific leaders and emphasised Aotearoa’s strong ties to the Pacific region.

She also highlighted the importance of education in the Pacific.

Kiro, a former professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori at Auckland University, says the university holds a special place for her.

The meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to strengthen New Zealand and Australia’s support for tertiary education in the Pacific.

Sāmoa’s Prime Minister, Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, attended.

Delegates of the 99th USP Council meeting being welcomed to the University of Auckland. Photo/supplied

Adrienne Cleland, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Operations at Auckland University, also shared insight on the USP Council’s long-term strategic planning, saying that adaptability is vital to delivering the ideal environment for student learning and engagement.

“If we look at the approaches we’ve used here at the University of Auckland, particularly in long-term capital and financial planning and how that aligns with strategic planning, I believe these plans bring our strategic vision to life in many ways,” she says.

The USP Council Meeting concluded on Wednesday evening.