24 October 2024
As the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM) continues in Apia, Samoa, the Pacific Academy of Sciences has been launched and its 12 Foundation Fellows welcomed, including the University of Auckland’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau (pictured).
At an official side event to CHOGM, Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa made the announcement, saying today’s challenges transcend borders, and require international collaboration among scientists and experts of all disciplines to curate knowledge and scientific evidence that can inform public policy and guide our actions.
“The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences marks an important milestone in establishing a regional collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge for a prosperous and thriving Pacific Islands region,” the Prime Minister says.
Professor Tiatia-Siau says it is a great honour to be named as one of the 12 Foundation Fellows.
“Until now, the Pacific region had yet to establish an internationally recognised body of scientists,” she says.
“Now we have the opportunity to bring Pacific scholars together in order to grow generations to come, which can only be a positive development.”
Earlier in the week, the Professor had been part of a panel discussing ways to prepare the next generation of Pacific peoples for the global challenges that lie ahead, such as climate changed-induced challenges.
“The Pacific Academy of Sciences will certainly increase the visibility of Pacific-led research and showcase our scholarly talent across the Pacific region in sciences and in academia.
“There are some specific challenges that are unique to the Pacific region, so there is huge potential and opportunity with the Pacific Academy of Sciences for our researchers to be impactful.”
University of Auckland Associate Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga co-chaired the Pacific Academy establishment committee and has been a strong voice championing it.
“This is a historic moment for Pacific scholars and for science,” he says.
“The Academy will enable and support opportunities for young people and contribute to decision making for the region.
“We want to thank the International Science Council, Australian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of NZ for their support.
“We also want to thank the National University and the Government of Sāmoa where the Secretariat will be based.”
International Science Council president Emeritus Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, director of the University of Auckland’s Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures, is the first honorary fellow of the new Academy.
The Pacific Academy of Sciences promotes the study and application of natural and social sciences, the humanities, Indigenous knowledge systems, and technology, for the benefit of the Pacific region and beyond.
The 12 eminent Pacific scholars were elected to lead the Academy to deliver on its purpose.
Foundation Fellow and newly appointed Pacific Academy of Sciences President, Professor Teatulohi Matainaho from Papua New Guinea, highlighted the opportunities an Academy would create for young scientists in the region.
“The Pacific Academy of Sciences will support our young people with their career development in the Pacific for the Pacific by providing mentors and building collegiality with peers regionally and globally,” Professor Matainaho says.
Established as a charitable trust to be based in Apia in Sāmoa, the first meeting of the governing council (trustees and Foundation Fellows) will be held after the launch.
Meanwhile, through Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited’s partnership with 2AP and TV9 Samoa, the organisation is ensuring significant moments are captured and shared across key platforms.
For ongoing updates, live feeds, and key moments, follow Radio 2AP and TV9’s social media platforms.
You can also visit the CHOGM website for more information about the event.
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