Ian Mannix
Digital News Editor
The Pacific Islands Academy of Sciences and Humanities secretariat is to be based in Samoa.
The Academy will be established as an independent, not-for-profit, and non-governmental body and hopes to “elevate and coordinate the voice of science and other forms of knowledge in the Pacific region.”
It is expected there will be a formal launch of the new Academy in conjunction with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa in October.
A spokesperson for the International Science Council’s Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, which is shepherding the new group, told Cosmos the decision to establish the headquarters in Samoa was made by the Pacific Establishment Committee.
“Factors considered in arriving at this decision included ease of doing business, political stability, and proximity to other regional organisations based in Samoa such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP),” the spokesperson said.
Academy will have its work cut out
In a statement on the ISC website the establishment group says:
”There is a sense of urgency in the Pacific to establish an Academy of Sciences and Humanities. It’s not just in response to regional challenges but a resounding call to unify and recognise Pacific scholars and their research to inform international decisions about the region. The Pacific is taking a critical step forward, and the global implications of this movement are profound.
“The establishment of the Pacific Academy of Sciences and Humanities moves beyond a regional aspiration and is now a global imperative.
“It is a call to action for the international community to recognise and support the Pacific in its pursuit of knowledge for the prosperity and resilience of our shared planet. “The time for this Academy is now, and the world should stand in solidarity with the Pacific as it takes this pivotal step towards a more sustainable and interconnected future.”
Co-signatories to the statement were:
Sir Collin Tukuitonga, University of Auckland
Prof. Teatulohi Matainaho, Pacific Adventist University, Papua New Guinea
Dr Vomaranda Joy Botleng, Vanuatu
Robert Karoro, Kiribati
Dr Eric Katovai, Solomon Islands National University
Prof. Sushil Kumar, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji
Peseta Dr. Desmond Mene Lee-Hang, Deputy Vice Chancellor, National University of Samoa; Salote Nasalo, The University of the South Pacific
Prof. Steven Ratuva, University of Canterbury
Prof. Ora Renagi, Papua New Guinea University of Technology
Prof Catherine Ris, University of New Caledonia
Merita Tuari’i, Te Puna Vai Mārama, Cook Islands Research Centre.
The International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, which received funding from the Australian Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the ISC, is supporting the Establishment Committee for the Pacific Academy. Funding from The Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Richard Lounsbery Foundation has also contributed to supporting the work required to establish an academy.
Photo caption: Top Row (L-R): Robert Karoro, Kiribati; Salote Nasalo, Prof. Ora Renagi, Papua New Guinea University of Technology; The University of the South Pacific; Merita Tuari’i, Te Puna Vai Mārama, Cook Islands Research Centre; Sir Collin Tukuitonga, University of Auckland. Botom Row (L-R) Dr Vomaranda Joy Botleng, Vanuatu; Peseta Dr. Desmond Mene Lee-Hang, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, National University of Samoa; Dr Eric Katovai, Solomon Islands National University; Prof. Sushil Kumar, The University of the South Pacific, Fiji.
