Port Vila, Vanuatu – Monday 11 May 2026: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the areas of climate change, disaster-induced displacement, research, student engagement and community resilience in Vanuatu.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, innovation and practical solutions to address the growing impacts of climate change and human mobility in Vanuatu and the Pacific region.
Under the agreement, NUV and IOM will collaborate on research, data collection and analysis related to climate-induced displacement, labour mobility and disaster risk reduction. The partnership will also support advocacy initiatives, policy dialogue, experiential learning opportunities for students and community outreach activities.
The first project to be implemented under the agreement will involve six students and one lecturer from NUV’s Climate Resilience and Humanitarian Action program undertaking field surveys in the provinces of Sanma and Malampa. The work forms part of the Operational Foresight and Supporting Local Preparedness in the Context of Climate Displacement project led by IOM’s Climate Mobility Innovation Lab.
The project supports the development of the Risk Index for Climate Displacement, an innovative operational foresight tool designed to strengthen understanding of the risks and patterns of climate-induced displacement. The tool will help governments, development partners and communities to prepare for and respond to climate-related mobility challenges.
Through this initiative, NUV students will gain valuable hands-on experience in field research, data collection and climate resilience planning while contributing directly to national development efforts.
NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, welcomed the partnership and highlighted its importance for students and the country.
“This partnership with IOM creates meaningful opportunities for our students to apply their learning in real-world settings while contributing to issues that directly affect the future of Vanuatu. By involving students in climate displacement research and preparedness activities, we are building critical skills for the labour market and helping develop a new generation of leaders capable of strengthening Vanuatu’s resilience and preparedness to climate change,” the Vice- Chancellor said.
The MoU aligns strongly with NUV’s vision of providing quality higher education, advancing research and innovation, and supporting national development priorities. It also reflects the University’s continued commitment to developing strategic partnerships that enhance student learning, promote practical and applied education, and equip graduates with skills relevant to emerging national and regional challenges.
As Vanuatu continues to face increasing climate risks, the collaboration between NUV and IOM demonstrates the important role of higher education institutions in supporting evidence-based policymaking, resilience-building and sustainable development.
NUV looks forward to working closely with IOM to expand opportunities for students, researchers and communities across the country. The University remains committed to providing quality, inclusive and relevant higher education for Vanuatu and the wider region.
