Port Vila, Vanuatu – Monday 25 May 2026: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV), alongside sister institutions from across the Pacific region, including Solomon Islands National University (SINU), Tonga National University, and the National University of Samoa, proudly participated in the Global Ocean Summit 2026 currently taking place in Hong Kong.
NUV was represented at the summit by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Pascal Michon, and the Director of Policy Planning and Global Engagement, Mrs Anne-Sophie Vivier, reflecting the University’s growing commitment to regional cooperation, international partnerships, and leadership in ocean and climate research.
The summit brought together leading universities, policymakers, researchers, and international experts to advance dialogue and collaboration on global ocean sustainability, marine science, and climate resilience. NUV’s participation aligns strongly with the University’s vision of becoming a leading higher education institution in the Asia-Pacific region while contributing meaningfully to regional and global development priorities.
During a parallel session focused on China–Pacific Island Countries Marine Sci-Tech Cooperation, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor delivered a presentation on advancing Pacific perspectives in global ocean research.
Addressing an audience of international experts and institutional leaders, Prof Michon emphasised the urgent need for greater inclusivity in global ocean discourse and research partnerships.
“Pacific researchers are too often excluded from critical global conversations about the ocean, although the Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering roughly one-third of the planet’s surface,” he said.
In his address, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor highlighted the unique relationship between Pacific Island nations and the ocean, stressing that for countries such as Vanuatu, the ocean is not only a resource but also central to identity, livelihoods, culture, and future prosperity.
He also outlined NUV’s strategic efforts to expand its academic and research capacities in alignment with the Vanuatu Sustainable Development Plan 2016–2030 and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Since its establishment six years ago, NUV has made significant progress in developing programs through its School of Science and is actively working towards the establishment of new Schools in Maritime and Fisheries Affairs – fields critical to the future of Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor further affirmed NUV’s commitment to international collaboration through emerging initiatives such as the Global Ocean Research Union (GlORi) launched at the occasion of the summit, which seeks to strengthen global marine science cooperation, resource sharing, and research partnerships.
“Institutions like the National University of Vanuatu must not only participate in global research networks but actively contribute Pacific knowledge and perspectives to shaping the future of ocean research,” he said.
His presentation also highlighted Vanuatu’s growing leadership in climate justice advocacy and emphasised the important role Pacific universities must play in bridging scientific research, public policy, customary stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems.
After its participation in the recent Melanesian Ocean Summit, which took place in Port Moresby, NUV’s participation in the Global Ocean Summit 2026 demonstrates the University’s continued efforts to strengthen its presence internationally, expand strategic partnerships, and position itself as a key institution for research, innovation, and higher education within the Asia-Pacific region. NUV remains committed to providing quality, inclusive and relevant higher education for Vanuatu and the wider region.
