Port-Vila, Vanuatu – Monday 15 September 2025: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) and the University of New Caledonia (UNC) are pleased to announce the signing of three important agreements that will deepen their historic collaboration in higher education, research, and regional cooperation. The agreements were signed last week by Mr. Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, and Prof. Catherine Ris, President of the University of New Caledonia, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two universities, particularly in the field of student mobility. A dedicated person will manage the partnership.
Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the significance of these agreements for Vanuatu’s national development. He said, “Vanuatu has placed quality education and the development of its national human resources as a top priority agenda item, not only to improve its own economic, social and cultural development, but also to become a leading Pacific nation in tertiary and higher education. The National University of Vanuatu plays a key role in accomplishing this through providing higher education advancement and lifelong learning through academic and professional excellence by way of training, teaching and learning in both the English and French official languages, research and international co-operation. NUV values its collaborative agreements with partner universities and institutions, as they help to enhance closer working relationships and better sharing of knowledge, expertise and experience. These agreements with the University of New Caledonia mark an important step in that journey.”
The first agreement, a general Memorandum of Understanding, provides a broad framework to guide joint initiatives and consolidate years of close cooperation between NUV and UNC. Building on their shared membership in the Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN), the MOU emphasises the two universities’ common mission to support academic, scientific, and cultural development in the Pacific, with a particular focus on the promotion of la francophonie in the Melanesian region.
The second agreement establishes a student mobility program, designed to promote academic and cultural exchanges by enabling students from both universities to study, undertake thematic mobility programs, or complete internships at the partner institution. This initiative will allow students to experience diverse academic environments while strengthening ties between the francophone and anglophone communities of the Pacific.
The third agreement introduces a framework for the recruitment of a Volunteer for International Solidarity, funded by UNC and hosted at NUV. The volunteer will play a pivotal role in supporting academic cooperation, enhancing student and staff mobility, and reinforcing institutional partnerships between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. The Volunteer for International Solidarity mission will also foster broader connections with regional and international stakeholders.
Prof. Catherine Ris, President of the University of New Caledonia, expressed her enthusiasm for the strengthened partnership. She said, “We are delighted to deepen our collaboration with the National University of Vanuatu through these three agreements. They are fully aligned with UNC’s mission to foster regional cooperation, promote student and staff mobility, and contribute to the development of higher education in the Pacific. Together, we are building a sustainable framework that will benefit our institutions, our students, and the wider Pacific region.”
The signing of these agreements demonstrates the shared vision of both universities: to create stronger bridges between New Caledonia and Vanuatu through education, research, and innovation, and to ensure that Pacific institutions play a leading role in shaping the region’s academic and cultural future.
