Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 15 May 2026: Representing the National University of Vanuatu (NUV) at the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, joined regional leaders, government representatives, universities and development partners to discuss ocean governance, research, conservation and sustainable development across Melanesia. The opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu, Hon. Jotham Napat, alongside Hon. James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, and Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, Prime Minister of Fiji, representatives of the Governments of Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, regional leaders from the Pacific, development partners, regional institutions, universities, research and civil societies.
A major outcome of the Summit was the signing of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR) Leaders Declaration by the Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji. The Declaration reaffirms a collective commitment to sustainable ocean governance, marine conservation, scientific research, traditional ecological knowledge and the strengthening of regional cooperation for the protection of Melanesia’s marine ecosystems and coastal communities. It also endorses the establishment of the Coral Reef Science and Resilience Network, which will formalise a consortium of Melanesian universities to support collaborative research, graduate training and scientific policy development.
Speaking during the Summit’s plenary session, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor Nirua highlighted the important role universities must play in bridging scientific knowledge and indigenous wisdom.
“As universities, we believe the answer lies in recognising that science in Melanesia does not stand only in laboratories or research institutions. It also lives in our villages, our customary systems, our oral histories, our navigation practices, and our relationship with the ocean, the land and all resources within,” Vice-Chancellor Nirua said.
Mr Nirua also reaffirmed NUV’s commitment to regional development, research and human capacity building through stronger university partnerships across Melanesia.
During his visit to Papua New Guinea, the NUV Vice-Chancellor met with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea to discuss a new partnership between the two institutions. The partnership is expected to be formalised in the coming months through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will support joint research initiatives, joint academic and training programs, academic and cultural exchanges, staff and student mobility, and regional collaboration in higher education.
NUV’s Vice-Chancellor also met with the Director of the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance. They have exchanged on a tripartite collaboration with the Vanuatu Public Service Commission to upskill Vanuatu civil servants in the leadership and management skills required to deliver their functions. The outcome of the discussion is very positive.
“This visit to Papua New Guinea reflects the National University of Vanuatu’s commitment to building stronger regional partnerships that directly benefit our students, staff and communities. Through collaboration with leading universities and renowned training institutions in Melanesia, we are creating opportunities for student exchanges, joint research, academic development and greater regional expertise that will contribute to the sustainable development of our region,” Vice-Chancellor Nirua said.
The Vice-Chancellor further noted that the University’s growing network of partnerships aligns closely with NUV’s mission to encourage learning, build future leaders, promote impactful research and contribute meaningfully to national and regional development.
