16/04/2026
State of the Pacific Conference 2026: A Platform for Pacific Voices and Partnerships
By Francis Vaigalepa
Canberra, AUSTRALIA – 16 April 2026: The State of the Pacific Conference 2026 stands as a significant gathering dedicated to shaping the future of the Pacific region through collaboration, dialogue, and shared knowledge.
The conference coincided with the visit from Samoa of 6 journalists on a Press Club Tour organised by the Pacific Media Assistance Scheme (PACMAS) in partnership with the Journalist Association of (W) Samoa (JAWS) who were able to attend the conference.
The theme of the conference is “Weaving Pacific Research Relationships" and is a flagship event of the Pacific Research Program, the biennial conference brings together a diverse group of participants, including scholars, policymakers, practitioners, business leaders, civil society representatives, and community voices.
Together, they engage with the evolving challenges and emerging opportunities facing the Pacific. This theme highlights the importance of building long-term partnerships grounded in Pacific values. Much like the traditional practice of weaving, meaningful research and effective policy rely on collaboration, trust, and care.
The conference emphasises the co-creation of knowledge that is not only academically rigorous but also deeply connected to the lived realities, aspirations, and cultural foundations of Pacific communities.
A central highlight of the event is the keynote address by Samoa former Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa. Her selection as keynote speaker reflects her distinguished leadership and enduring commitment to Pacific development with decades of experience in governance and advocacy,
Fiame embodies the integration of traditional knowledge systems with contemporary political leadership. Her work across national, regional, and global platforms positions her as a powerful voice on issues such as climate justice, gender equity, and sustainable development—key themes that align closely with the conference’s objectives.
Over the course of three days, the conference will feature parallel streams exploring a wide range of critical topics including telecommunications, labour mobility, gender equality, governance, climate diplomacy, legal and justice systems, as well as the growing role of Pacific research and data. Each stream is designed to encourage cross-sector dialogue and foster innovative approaches to complex regional issues. Importantly, the conference aims to reflect the interconnected nature of Pacific societies by bringing together diverse perspectives across disciplines, communities, and borders.
This inclusive approach mirrors Fiame’s own leadership style, which bridges local realities with global agendas and ensures that Pacific priorities remain visible on the world stage.
Ultimately, the State of the Pacific Conference 2026 is more than just a forum for discussion; it is a space for building enduring relationships and strengthening collective action.
The conference is set to inspire meaningful dialogue and reinforce its mission of creating a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Pacific region.
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Samoa team in Australia: Gardenia Elisaia Morrison (Pacific Media Assistance Scheme), Leota Marc Membrer (Savali Newspaper), Matauaina Isaako (Radio 2AP & TV 9), Yumi Epati Talaaave (Journalism Lecturer-NUS), Moeilefue Joachim Smith (TV1) and Seiuli Francis Vainalepa (NUS-TV)
