PACIFIC countries need to rethink how Western philosophies shape leadership and development and strengthen approaches grounded in Pasifika values, knowledge and lived experiences, Pasifika Communities University Manu Folau Dr Upolu Luma Vaai says.
Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Pasifika Philosophies, Leadership, Weaving Futures Conference at Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus, Professor Vaai said Pacific development continued to be influenced by Western frameworks that did not always reflect the region’s own realities.
He said this had contributed to a “logic of deficiency”, where Pacific communities were often viewed through their needs and gaps rather than their existing strengths, resources and potential.
“The Pacific is often viewed through the lens of deficit and deficiency,” Professor Vaai said.
He said Pasifika philosophies instead offered a “logic of enoughness”, which began by recognising the resources, strengths and gifts already present in Pacific communities.
Professor Vaai said this approach could help strengthen resilience and self-determination and provide a stronger foundation for Pacific development.
He also called for greater recognition of what he described as the “ethics of restraint” in leadership and governance.
He said the principle encouraged leaders to pause, reflect and consider their relationships with people, land, ocean and creation before making decisions.
“It is about finding time to pause. To slow down. To wait,” he said.
Professor Vaai said Pacific leadership needed to retain its “ethical memory” alongside institutional systems focused on governance and compliance.
He said education and leadership training based largely on Western systems had provided Pacific leaders with important skills but could also disconnect leadership from the cultural and ethical foundations of Pacific communities.
He called for a Pasifika-centred leadership initiative grounded in a “whole of life” philosophy, which recognises the interconnectedness of people, land, ocean and all dimensions of life.
“The ‘whole of life’ is a philosophy that centres life for everyone and everything,” he said.
Professor Vaai said the approach should move beyond competing interests and instead focus on “weaving and blending the best of worlds.”
Drawing on the Samoan concept of Tautala Aso, meaning “the days speak” or “the days tell”, he said Pacific societies also had a responsibility to preserve and pass on knowledge and memories between generations.
He said elders remained important custodians of this knowledge, helping communities adapt traditional stories and wisdom to changing circumstances.
Professor Vaai said the conference provided an opportunity to question existing leadership models and collectively consider a different pathway for the Pacific’s future.
“We are invited to create memory by weaving and reflecting on the theme, ‘Pasifika Philosophies, Leadership, Weaving Futures’,” he said.
