Suva, Fiji – April 14, 2025 — The University of the South Pacific (USP) proudly launched the 2025 Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Conference today at its Laucala Campus, Wasawasa Room. Running from April 14–16, the three-day regional gathering is held under the theme “Advancing Ocean Learning: Navigating Knowledge in the Pacific” and celebrates the transformative role of education, research, and innovation in building a sustainable ocean future.
In his welcome address, USP Acting Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Jito Vanualailai, reaffirmed the University’s enduring leadership in ocean education and regional capacity building, stating, “this conference is a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment: to invest in education, to promote lifelong learning, to build a resilient and skilled Pacific workforce, and to ensure that our people—especially women, youth, and coastal communities—are active participants in shaping sustainable marine futures.”
In his keynote address, Fiji’s Honourable Minister for Education, Mr. Aseri Radrodro, emphasized the importance of ocean literacy and the nation’s unwavering commitment to strengthening it across generations. “Education is the foundation of transformation, resilience, and sustainable development. Nowhere is this more evident than in our efforts to preserve and sustainably manage our marine resources. The ocean is not only our lifeline—it is our classroom, our laboratory, our economy, our culture, and our identity.”
He continued, urging a united effort to prioritize ocean learning across the region stating, “let us elevate ocean learning as a regional priority. Let us share our research, strengthen our networks, and build on the ancestral knowledge that has long guided our ocean stewardship—for our children, our islands, and our shared Pacific identity.” His powerful message reaffirmed the vital role of education in shaping the future of the Blue Pacific.
Echoing these sentiments, Mr. Nereo Peñalver Garcia, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Fiji and the Pacific, highlighted the power of partnerships in advancing ocean action. “The Pacific Ocean is a shared global responsibility. Through partnerships like PEUMP, we empower Pacific communities with the tools, resources, and education to lead the way in ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries.”
He added, “this conference is an opportunity to highlight the importance of investing in marine science—because by investing in marine sciences, we are safeguarding the critical ecosystem services that oceans provide. Marine research also allows us to harness the full potential of the blue economy for the benefit of local communities today and for future generations.”
Over the next three days, the conference will facilitate meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and regional cooperation aimed at advancing ocean learning and sustainability. Participants will explore innovative solutions, share best practices, and reinforce the importance of inclusive education, traditional knowledge, and community-driven action in protecting the Pacific Ocean for current and future generations.
Jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden, the EUR 45 million PEUMP Programme is a flagship initiative addressing some of the region’s most pressing ocean-related challenges. It is implemented by key regional organisations—the Pacific Community (SPC), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and USP—in partnership with governments, civil society, and academic institutions.
The conference marks a pivotal moment for the region to take stock of progress, reflect on lessons learned, and build momentum toward the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. It also serves as a powerful platform to amplify Pacific voices and reaffirm the region’s leadership in ocean governance and sustainability.
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About the University of the South Pacific (USP)
USP is the premier institution of higher learning for the Pacific, uniquely positioned to serve a region of exceptional cultural, ecological, and economic diversity. With 12 member countries—Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu—USP delivers high-quality education, research, and policy support that drives sustainable development across the region.
About the PEUMP Programme
The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) is a seven-year programme funded by the European Union (EUR 35 million) and the Government of Sweden (EUR 10 million). It addresses key challenges in ocean and coastal governance, including marine biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, sustainable fisheries, gender inclusion, and capacity building. The programme is implemented by SPC, FFA, SPREP, and USP in close collaboration with governments, NGOs, and local communities.
