Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Wednesday 25 June 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) has taken another important step toward reinforcing its leadership in Pacific education and regional cooperation, through its active participation in the Sino-Pacific Symposium on Higher Education, Innovation and Development held on 23–24 June 2025 at the National University of Samoa.
Representing NUV, Vice Chancellor Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua played a key role in these forums, which brought together academic leaders, government representatives, and international partners to discuss shared challenges and opportunities in higher education and climate action.
A major highlight of NUV’s involvement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Liaocheng University of China. This MoU will pave the way for strengthened academic collaboration between the two institutions, including joint research, particularly on climate change, and cultural and language exchange programs. The agreement reflects NUV’s ongoing commitment to international partnership and academic excellence.
Vice-Chancellor Nirua expressed his appreciation for this opportunity for NUV to contribute to strategic discussions that will shape the future of education in the region.
“I was delighted to take part in this important symposium and to sign the MoU with Liaocheng University, which marks a new chapter of collaboration between our institutions,” said Vice Chancellor Nirua. “Strengthening partnerships in the Pacific and beyond is vital for advancing research, innovation, and education that are aligned with our shared priorities – especially climate resilience and cultural preservation.”
The opening ceremony of the symposium was held in the presence of the Prime Minister of Samoa, underlining the significance of the event at a national and regional level. In addition to bilateral meetings, the forum served as a platform for meaningful dialogue between national universities from the Pacific region—including Samoa, Tonga, and the University of Papua New Guinea —on future cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
