Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 3 July 2026: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) proudly celebrates the remarkable participation of its students, lecturers and staff at the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment (PIFCE) 2026, hosted in Vanuatu from 1–3 July 2026.
Throughout the three-day regional event, NUV showcased its commitment to education, research and innovation through an engaging university booth, inspiring panel discussions and strong student participation in the various activities, including the hackathon, panel discussions and interviews.
Mr Jean-Pierre Nirua, NUV’s Vice-Chancellor, commended the University’s delegation for their exceptional representation throughout the Forum. He said, “I sincerely thank all our students, lecturers and staff for their outstanding commitment and engagement throughout the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment. You represented the National University of Vanuatu with professionalism, passion and integrity. Your participation reflects the dynamism, values and excellence that define our University, and we are proud to see NUV contributing meaningfully to shaping a more resilient and sustainable Pacific.”
NUV extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who visited the University’s booth over the three days to learn more about its mission, academic programmes and strategic partnerships across the Pacific, Asia and Europe. Visitors discovered NUV’s collaborative work in joint research, capacity building, student and staff mobility, joint programme development, and research projects addressing key regional and global challenges. Pauline Josh and Melissa Siro, two NUV students, engaged with visitors throughout the three days and helped showcase the University’s initiatives and partnerships.
NUV also contributed to the Forum’s high-level discussions. Science Lecturer Kushima Authelsingh represented the University on the panel The Role of Pacific National Universities in Building Climate and Environmental Leaders, highlighting the essential role of higher education in preparing future leaders for a resilient Pacific.
NUV continues to offer programmes in Climate Resilience & Humanitarian Action, Project & Program Management, Resilience to Climate Change, alongside programmes delivered through its School of Education, School of Science and partnerships with leading universities across the region and beyond.
Students demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation throughout the Forum. Students Moses George, Marion Hymak, Delisia Malare, Ludovic Niere, Randy Pune Narai, Suzanne Still and Chloé Wilson proudly represented the University in the Climate Tech Hackathon Vanuatu 2026, presenting innovative solutions to climate and environmental challenges on 2 July. Led by Marion Hymak (Team Vanuatu) and Chloé Wilson (Team Pacific), they showcased the creativity, technical skills and commitment of NUV students to building a more sustainable future.
Chloé Wilson also represented NUV as a panellist in the discussion Youth Pacific People Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis, where she shared the perspectives of Pacific youth on climate action and sustainability. Following the panel, she was also interviewed, further demonstrating the growing contribution of NUV students to regional dialogue.
Mrs Anne-Sophie Vivier, NUV’s Director of Policy, Planning and Global Engagement, congratulated the students for embracing every opportunity the Forum offered and highlighted the importance of partnerships.
“Our students demonstrated outstanding initiative, professionalism and enthusiasm throughout this regional event. Beyond their achievements, what stands out is how experiences like PIFCE strengthen our long-term vision for collaboration. We are actively working to deepen partnerships with universities across the region, and beyond, to build solid foundations of cooperation in teaching, research and innovation that will benefit the entire Pacific community.”
NUV is proud to see its students, lecturers and staff making a meaningful contribution to regional dialogue on climate resilience, innovation and sustainable development. Their engagement throughout the PIFCE reflects the University’s commitment to developing skilled graduates, advancing impactful research and strengthening partnerships that support a more resilient Pacific.
