Port Vila, Vanuatu – Friday 13 March 2026: The National University of Vanuatu (NUV) is pleased to welcome Ms Anne-Sophie Vivier as its new Director of Policy, Planning and Global Engagement. Her appointment marks an important step in the University’s continued development as a dynamic centre for learning, research, and international collaboration in the Pacific region and beyond.
Ms Vivier brings more than two decades of experience, alongside an extensive background in international development, diplomacy and strategic engagement. Her long-standing connection with the country and its institutions makes her uniquely placed to contribute to the University’s growth.
“The National University of Vanuatu represents a project that is very close to my heart,” Ms Vivier explains. “Having lived and worked in Vanuatu for more than twenty years, I have had the privilege of witnessing the early vision that led to the creation of the National University of Vanuatu and contributing, in different ways, to its development.”
For Ms Vivier, joining NUV reflects a strong commitment to strengthening national higher education. As a small island state facing complex challenges such as climate change, resilient and innovative academic institutions play a vital role in shaping future leadership and solutions.
In her role, Ms Vivier works at the intersection of institutional planning, policy development, and international engagement. Her focus will be on strengthening the University’s strategic direction while expanding its partnerships with universities, research centres, and development partners around the world.
One of her priorities will be ensuring that the University’s academic programmes and institutional strategy remain closely aligned with Vanuatu’s national development goals. At the same time, she aims to position NUV more prominently within global conversations on sustainable development, climate resilience, governance, and ocean stewardship – areas where Pacific perspectives are increasingly recognised as essential. Areas such as tropical island environments, sustainable tourism, governance, agriculture, and climate resilience are particularly well placed to attract international partnerships and research initiatives.
During her first year, Ms Vivier intends to focus on consolidating the University’s policies and planning frameworks to ensure sustainable growth, developing international collaborations, and supporting key initiatives. A key milestone ahead will be the planned integration of the Vanuatu Agriculture College as a new School within NUV in 2026, further reinforcing the University’s contribution to national priorities such as food security and agricultural innovation.
For students and faculty, stronger global engagement will translate into practical opportunities. Ms Vivier is committed to building partnerships that provide tangible benefits such as student exchanges, internships, joint research projects, and collaborative teaching initiatives. Programmes such as the Campus Mobile Pacifique initiative – offering NUV students opportunities to participate in summer courses with regional partners – reflect the kind of engagement she hopes to expand.
Equally important is ensuring that international collaboration enriches learning on campus. Visiting scholars, joint teaching modules, and virtual exchanges between students across countries can help connect NUV’s academic community to global networks while remaining firmly grounded in the realities and priorities of Vanuatu.
As she begins this new chapter, Ms Vivier emphasises the importance of collaboration across the University community.
“Building a strong university is a shared journey,” she says. “It requires creativity, openness, and the determination to turn ideas into action. I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to strengthen NUV as a place where knowledge is generated locally, Pacific perspectives are valued, and students are empowered to become leaders for their communities and the region.”
With her leadership, experience, and commitment to Vanuatu, Ms Vivier’s appointment represents an exciting step forward as NUV continues to expand its impact nationally, regionally, and globally.
