Honourable Minister of Education,

Honourable Minister of Fisheries and forests,

Dear Deputy Vice Chancellor,

Your Excellencies Ambassadors, High Commissioners and members of the diplomatic corps,

Dear Guests,

Ni Sa Yadra Vinaka and good morning.

Let me begin by thanking the University of the South Pacific (USP) for hosting us today.

A special thanks to the entire USP team who worked tirelessly to put together this very comprehensive programme.

I am truly honoured to be able to kick-off this three-day regional conference, a gathering that aims to celebrate the richness of marine and ocean research in the Pacific, while exploring opportunities to further develop knowledge and expertise in marine sciences and ocean-related disciplines.

This conference offers a unique opportunity to hear the latest marine research from a wide range of fields:

• From the importance of scaling up community- based fisheries management to assessing the impact of micro and macro plastics on fish and coral reefs;
• From assessing the potential of mud-crab, lobster or octopus fisheries to exchanging on the role of women and traditional knowledge in coastal fisheries.

The aim of the rich programme ahead of us is to foster meaningful exchanges between experts, researchers, civil society organisations, key partners and stakeholders, young professionals and students. All gathered around the common theme of reinforcing and promoting marine sciences in the region. 

Marine sciences are key to addressing the global challenges we face. The health of the Pacific Ocean directly influences the well-being of people across the world by regulating climate, providing oxygen, supporting biodiversity, and supplying food and resources.

This conference is an opportunity to highlight importance of investing in marine science. Because by investing in marine sciences we are safeguarding these critical ecosystem services that oceans provide. Marine research also allows us to harness the full potential of the blue economy for the benefit of local communities today and for future generations.

The USP component of the Pacific – European Union Marine Partnership Programme or ‘PEUMP’ has been instrumental in developing educational pathways and careers opportunities in ocean-related fields for students and professionals.

The courses, diplomas, and micro-qualifications offered over the past seven years through the PEUMP programme have focused on ensuring the sustainable management of our oceans' resources and biodiversity.

The PEUMP programme reflects the many common objectives between the European Union and its 27 Member States and Pacific countries and their communities. This conference represents a crucial step in strengthening our collective efforts to safeguard the future of our oceans.

Moving forward, we are excited to explore ways to collaborate further. I would like to highlight two key areas in this regard:

• First, the European Union will be making significant commitments to ocean conservation at the UN Ocean Conference co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice in June this year.
• Second, continue supporting Higher Education and Research Institutions from the Pacific Islands countries to jointly drive innovation and address real-life challenges.

For instance, the Horizon Europe programme has provided over €100 million (around 250 million Fijian dollars) in research funding to Oceania since 2014 by funding over 200 research projects.

• One notable example of EU-Oceania research co-operation is the Pacific Islands Framework for Climate Change Adaptation (PIFCCA) supported by the EU with €1.2 million (around 3 million Fijian dollars). This project, supported by the EU, brought together researchers and policymakers from across the Pacific to develop a regional framework for climate change adaptation.
• Another example is the Family Farming Lifestyle and Health (FALAH) project supported by the EU with €1.3 million (around 3.2 million Fijian dollars). The aim is to promote sustainable family farming practices, improve rural livelihoods, and enhance the overall health and well-being of rural communities.

Through Horizon Europe, European researchers have engaged with research partners from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Marshall Islands or Solomon Islands. And we would like to reach out to many more countries in the region.

From the EU Delegation to the Pacific, we would like to encourage the participation of research institutions of the Pacific Island Countries in Horizon. New Zealand, as an associate partner to this programme, could play a pivotal role in supporting and teaming up when it comes to applications from the Pacific to the funds of Horizon Europe. I encourage you to explore the opportunities available and to reach out to European partners to collaborate on innovative projects that benefit both our regions.

Besides Horizon, the Erasmus programme, that you know well in the USP as the Erasmus Regional Focal Point sits here, will continue to support initiatives that promote educational mobility, research collaboration, and innovation, while also exploring new opportunities for cooperation in areas like, climate change, protection of ocean and marine life, biodiversity, digital skills, entrepreneurship and vocational training.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me finish my words with a call to make the most of the expertise and knowledge of all the ocean researchers and practitioners gathered in this conference from across the Pacific and beyond to advance Ocean learning in the region.  Let’s make the most of Pacific wisdom!

Because by taking care of the Ocean, we are leaving a better world and a better future to our children.

Vinaka vakalevu.