The third and final day of the Advancing Ocean Learning: Navigating Knowledge in the Pacific conference at The University of the South Pacific (USP), Lower Campus, opened with a powerful call to action – one rooted in unity, purpose, and the enduring strength of partnerships.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice-President (Regional Campuses and Global Engagement), Dr Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, set the tone with an inspiring opening speech that echoed throughout the day.
“We pay our deepest respects to the custodians of this great land that we are gathered on,” she began, grounding the conference in a spirit of respect and collaboration.
“Our gathering here is a strong reminder of the power of partnership,” she emphasised.
“No one achieves anything alone. We applaud the organisers and partners for this important initiative and valuable platform for advancing ocean learning—the European Union, The Pacific Community (SPC), Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and our colleagues at USP and the Swedish Government.”
Dr Tupou-Roosen stressed that education is the foundation of sustainable ocean stewardship. “Embracing education, we recognise that the sustainability of our ocean and marine resources starts with education. It is the platform – and it doesn’t begin at tertiary level, it begins in early childhood, in primary, in secondary education, and continues beyond,” she said. “It’s not a one-off. It’s about instilling in our children a love of lifelong learning and deep care for our oceans.”
Day Three of the conference focused on Marine Sustainable Development, igniting vibrant and insightful discussions on balancing economic growth with the imperative of environmental protection.
Participants explored key topics such as marine biodiversity finance, ocean governance frameworks, pollution control, and the critical need for effective marine spatial planning. The conversations underscored the urgency of safeguarding ocean ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods and blue economy initiatives.
As the conference drew to a close, one message rang loud and clear: the future of Pacific oceans lies in our collective hands. Through education, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, Pacific communities are charting a united course toward a more sustainable and resilient ocean future.
The Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership (PEUMP) Programme is a EUR 45 million flagship initiative jointly funded by the European Union and the Government of Sweden. It is implemented through a consortium of key regional agencies – SPC, FFA, SPREP, and USP – and stands as a model of regional cooperation.
The programme addresses critical ocean-related challenges by fostering strategic partnerships with Pacific governments, civil society organisations, and academic institutions, aiming to promote sustainable ocean governance, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive economic development.
