12 July 2019: SGDIA Welcomes New Staff in Politics and DLGHR

The school welcomed Mr. Romitesh Kant (Pictured Left) and Dr. Milla Vaha (Pictured right). Dr. Milla Vaha has been appointed as a Lecturer in Politics and is now coordinating the Politics of Development course (PL101). Mr Romitesh Kant has been appointed as Assistant Lecturer in the Diploma in Leadership, Governance and Human Rights program.

5 July 2019: Meeting with Solomon Islands Government Parliamentary Delegation Task Force on ROC Taiwan and PRC China Relations

Head of School, Associate Professor  Sandra Tarte and Director of Development Studies, Professor Matthew Allen, recently met with a Parliamentary delegation from the Solomon Islands. The Task Force Committee on Taiwan ROC and PRC China Relations was in Fiji to hold consultations with the Fijian Government, as part of a Solomon Islands' parliamentary review of its future relations with Taiwan/ROC and the People's Republic of China. The delegation was led by Hon John Moffat Fugui  and included Hon Jamie Vokia, Hon Rolland Seleso, Hon Rex Ramofafia and Hon Titus Fika MP. They were accompanied by Mr Bernard Bata'anisia, and Mr Mcfaddean Aoraunieaka, from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

12 June 2019: ANU-USP Book Launch - "Understanding Oceania"

This book is inspired by the University of the South Pacific, the leading institution of higher education in the Pacific Islands
region. Founded in 1968, USP has expanded the intellectual horizons of generations of students from its 12 member
countries—Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and
Vanuatu—and been responsible for the formation of a regional elite of educated Pacific Islanders who can be found in key
positions in government and commerce across the region.

Click here to view the full book launch flyer

Click here to access an electronic copy of the book

21 May 2019: Book Presentation to Solomon Islands Minister for Education and Human Resources Development

At a function for Solomon Islands staff and students, the Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) of the Solomon Islands was presented with a copy of the book ‘Educating the People: Governance of Primary Education in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and Solomon Islands, 2000-2013’ edited by Dr Gordon Nanau and Professor Vijay Naidu of the School of Government, Development and International Affairs (SGDIA). The presentation was observed by Mr Francis Tavava, Solomon Islands Education Attaché in Suva, with Solomon Islands students and staff present. The book is both a comparative study of the four PICs and in-depth studies of primary education governance in Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and the Solomon Islands.

16 May 2019: Visit by UN Secretary General

UN Secretary General Antonia Guterres met with women's advocates for a discussion on the impact of climate change on gender equality in the Pacific. The discussion was facilitated by Head of School, Associate Professor Sandra Tarte, and organized by UN Women. It was held on USP Laucala campus on 16 May

11 April 2019: Documentary Launch and Panel Discussion

Film Launch and Panel Discussion for Parenting in the Smart Age: Fijian Perspectives - The film examines how has parenting changed with the introduction of smartphones and social media, including how parents and young people in urban Fiji manage the use of technologies in their day-to-day lives.

Venue: Oceania Centre Pavillion, The University of the South Pacific

Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

4 April 2019: Launch of USP and United Nations Pacific Regional Anti Corruption Project

USP through its partnership with United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC) and UNDP, aims to deliver a 200 level anti-corruption course, which would be imbedded in the Diploma in Leadership, Governance and Human Rights (DLGHR) programme, which is based within SGDIA, FBE.

UNDP/UNPRAC funding for this project is F$103,512. This will support the new course development, promotion and delivery for the course in first semester of offering. This would ensure that the anti-corruption course is sustainably offered beyond the duration of the UNPRAC project in the Pacific.

26 March 2019: Security Seminar in Japan

 The Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation invited Associate Professor Sandra Tarte to address a seminar and panel discussion in Tokyo on 26 March 2019 on the subject 'Pacific Islands regional security after PALM 8 and the Boe Declaration 2018'. The seminar was attended by Japanese government representatives, researchers and representatives of the Pacific Islands Forum diplomatic missions in Tokyo. Also addressing the seminar was Mr James Movick, former Director General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, who spoke on the Challenges and Opportunities for Securing the Blue Pacific.

Sandra and James were also invited to attend a JICA event on 27 March, to meet Pacific islands students studying in Japan under the JICA-sponsored Pacific Leaders' Educational Assistance for Development of State (Pacific LEADS) progra

 26 March 2019: SGDIA Book Launch

Based on unprecedented documentary and field research in four Pacific island countries by scholars who know very well the cultures, histories and development trajectories of Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa and the Solomon Islands, the book is edited by Dr Gordon Nanau and Professor Vijay Naidu. 'Educating the People.....' is meant for educators, students and policy makers of the four countries as well as lay persons who are interested in basic education in the Pacific and its governance.

25-29 March 2019 DLGHR Staff Participate in Diplomacy Training Workshop

D. Natasha Khan and Mr. Anare Tuitoga took part in the 2nd Diplomacy Training Program's (DTP) 2nd regional capacity building program on Human Rights, Business and the SDGs in the Pacific: A Civil Society Capacity Building Program. This was held from 25 - 29 March 2019, at Novotel in Suva. The Diplomacy Training Program was organized in partnership with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Pacific Islands Association of NGOs (PIANGO), Citizens Constitutional Forum (CCF) and Business and Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC).

This 5-day program built on the knowledge, skills and capacities of advocates to protect and promote human rights and sustainable development in the Pacific. It also built on the knowledge of international human rights standards and mechanisms that can be applied and integrated into effective advocacy strategies. It focused on practical skills for engaging with governments and business. Participants were privileged to learn from leading experts and practitioners, share knowledge with each other, and build practical skills and solidarity networks.

Trainers on the program included Professor Surya Deva, member of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Professor Justine Nolan (UNSW Law), Amy Sinclair (Business & Human Rights Resource Centre) and Joshua Cooper.

30-31 October 2018: The 'Rush for Oceania' Workshop

The School of Government, Development and International Affairs (SGDIA) organised a 2 day workshop bringing together academics, civil society representatives, writers, dancers and artists. The workshop focused on considering a new research agenda exploring contemporary Oceans governance and stewardship in the Pacific.

Click here to download a copy of the workshop report

Student volunteers whose wonderful work made USPs 50^th Anniversary Open Day a lively and fulfilled event were hosted by the School to Morning tea in a show of appreciation by staff members. 

Pictured from left to right are: Shameera, Seci, Stephanie, Ernest, Adi Salaseini, Lavenia, Mohammed and Fulori