The 2025 Pacific Update, one of the region’s premier gatherings on public policy and development, officially opened yesterday at the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Suva.
Running from June 3 to 5, the conference brings together over 60 presentations from researchers across the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. It features a robust program of keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and panel discussions that span a wide range of pressing issues from regional integration and governance to gender equality, inequality, and labour mobility.
The event has drawn participation from academics, policy makers, business leaders, civil society organisations, and members of the public.
In his keynote address, Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa outlined his vision for a unified Blue Pacific Continent, calling on the region to challenge conventional models of progress.
“It is an opportunity I welcome,” Waqa said. “For us, economic performance must reflect more than numbers. It must reflect how well we respond to challenges, how connected we are, and how prepared we are to shape our own futures.”
He urged participants to rethink traditional development indicators and adopt Pacific-led frameworks that prioritise resilience, quality of life, and well-being.
“Let us use this Pacific Update to recommit to a vision of economic performance rooted in connection, inclusion, and shared prosperity.”
USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, in his welcoming remarks, highlighted the value of collaboration and continuity at the annual event.
“We’re really pleased to have experts from all over the Blue Pacific for these discussions,” he said.
“It’s always such a delight to be here at Pacific Update. And of course, let’s not forget the importance of building those strong personal interconnections that happen as people come together year after year.”
As the conference continues over the next two days, it is expected to generate fresh ideas and foster regional partnerships, contributing to a more connected, inclusive, and empowered Pacific region.