Climate resilience, health security and cultural preservation in the Pacific will form the cornerstone of a new partnership between the University of Melbourne and National University of Samoa (NUS).
Announced in Samoa's capital Apia, on Thursday, the partnership will see the two universities develop new initiatives in areas including climate adaptation, ocean governance, and the curation of Pacific cultural collections.
University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley said the partnership was a proud moment for the University of Melbourne.
"The Pacific is a region of enormous talent and knowledge, facing some of the world's most urgent challenges—climate, health, and youth opportunity.
"Working alongside our partners and investing in learning and exchange, universities are uniquely placed to contribute and support solutions," Professor Wesley said.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony was attended by Dr Viliamu Iese, senior lecturer in the Faculty of Science, Samoan Matai (Samoan High Chief) and distinguished NUS alumni, who said: "This agreement is deeply personal to me. It represents a strengthening of the va – the sacred space between our institutions and our peoples."
"It will allow us to scale up vital work on the issues that matter most to Samoa and our region, from climate-resilient agriculture to public health. It also opens doors for the next generation of Samoan scholars through exchange opportunities like the New Colombo Plan."
National University of Samoa Vice-Chancellor Professor Tuifuisa'a Patila Malua Amosa welcomed the agreement as a milestone in the university's history.
"This MoU with the University of Melbourne is a testament to our shared vision for higher education as a force for positive change in the Pacific," Professor Amosa said.
"It recognises the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern research to address our unique challenges. We are particularly excited by the prospects for our staff and students to engage in mutual learning and innovation, ensuring our work is locally grounded and globally relevant."
The MoU builds on a strong foundation of existing collaboration between researchers, including co-authorship of the Pacific Ocean and Climate Crisis Assessment (POCCA), a major report launched at the COP29 climate summit, and projects on sustainable agriculture and health co-designed with Pacific communities.
Professor Wesley said: "We look forward to building on our shared history through co-designed research, exchange, and cultural projects, and by supporting the next generation of Pacific and Australian leaders, scholars and innovators."
Last year, the University of Melbourne signed MoUs with Solomon Islands National University and the University of the South Pacific. This agreement joins a growing Pacific network, strengthening co‑designed research, teaching excellence, professional development and student exchange opportunities.
