The University of Melbourne's Oceania Institute has hosted the inaugural Oceania Oration, bringing together regional leaders, researchers and community representatives to discuss how global change is impacting everyday life in Oceania.
The oration, titled Securing and Sustaining our Blue Pacific – What Will This Take?, was delivered by The Honourable Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji and Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.
The address emphasised the importance of reframing perspectives on the Pacific, addressing climate change and development challenges, and fostering stronger partnerships between Australia and Pacific nations.
Professor Prasad spoke of the urgency of regionally grounded responses to global challenges and the importance of Pacific agency, proposing a vision for the Blue Pacific to be an "Ocean of Peace".
"The potential to unleash opportunities for people and communities of a peaceful rather than a restless Blue Pacific are infinite," Professor Prasad said.
"We need a new framework where threats to sovereignty, economic functionality, and environmental integrity are overcome through systematic cooperation – including between superpowers of our times.
"The Blue Pacific's knowledge, its voices and its research, which are championed and enhanced by institutions like the Oceania Institute, must have primacy in our efforts."
Covering 8.5 million square kilometres of ocean, the Pacific is the world's largest maritime region. Its vast waters and ecosystems play a critical role in regulating climate, preserving biodiversity and enabling global trade. At the same time, the region and its communities face complex and interconnected challenges including climate change, public health, education and economic opportunity.
As Australia's leading university, the University of Melbourne is committed to working alongside Pacific partners.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston AO reaffirmed the University's commitment to the region.
"The Oceania Institute reflects our belief in the power of partnership," she said.
"The Institute's mission is to connect, collaborate and co-create knowledge with our neighbours across the Pacific and we are very proud to have welcomed The Honourable Professor Biman Prasad to deliver the inaugural oration.
"The shifting domestic and geopolitical environment underscores the importance of anchor institutions like the University of Melbourne, not only as places of learning and discovery, but as key contributors to building regional resilience and fostering social cohesion."
The event marked a significant milestone for the Oceania Institute, which was established in 2024 by the University's Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Science to enhance connection and collaboration between the University and people and institutions throughout Oceania.
"The University of Melbourne is deeply committed to partnerships across Oceania," said Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement).
"We recognise our futures are interconnected and collaboration is essential to addressing the region's challenges and opportunities.
"Through the Oceania Institute, we are deepening our engagement with Pacific communities—supporting regionally led research, strengthening institutional ties, and creating opportunities for shared learning and innovation."
The oration, held at the Arts West Building's Forum Theatre, was attended by over 100 guests, including representatives from the Fijian government, the Victorian Multicultural Commission and Pasifika community organisations, alongside University students, researchers and leaders.
The Oceania Institute continues to grow its portfolio of research, education and engagement activities, with a focus on strengthening relationships, fostering mutual learning across the region and supporting Pasifika communities in Melbourne and beyond.
