The University of Melbourne has reinforced its ongoing commitment to the Pacific region after a three-nation visit which strengthened collaborative research, teaching and professional development opportunities.
The visit to Samoa, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, led by Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), saw several new agreements signed, highlighting the strong ties between the Pacific region and the University of Melbourne.
"Our futures are intertwined," said Professor Wesley. "Pacific nations are seeking access to markets, technology, financing and infrastructure to build a viable future, and as Australia's leading university, we recognise our shared responsibility to address challenges facing the region.
"By working together, we can drive meaningful change on issues such as climate change, access to quality healthcare and education and socio-economic inequality."
During last month's visit, the University of Melbourne signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the University of the South Pacific (USP). These agreements facilitate broad academic collaboration to enhance research, teaching and learning, professional development and research supervision, and provide opportunities for inbound and outbound student flows.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston, said these agreements shows the University's key role in regional development.
"Building resilient communities in the Pacific region, so they can not only withstand but also adapt to change, is essential," said Professor Johnston.
"Through the work and collaboration of our people, we continue exploring meaningful partnerships to bring long-term benefits to the region."
The University of Melbourne's Oceania Institute provides a vital platform for its connections into the Pacific - a network of nearly 200 University staff and research students engaged in research and partnerships with over 60 regional organisations.
Associate Professor Debra McDougall, Co-Director of the Oceania Institute, said the Institute seeks to leverage the University's research capability and networks to better understand and address key shared challenges.
"The University's formal partnership with SINU builds on long-term relationships linking Melbourne researchers, Melbourne alumni, SINU programs and staff, and other important stakeholders in Solomon Islands," Professor McDougall said. "We are excited by developments at SINU and see a great deal of room for mutual learning."
The University of Melbourne and SINU outlined several initiatives and commitments within their new partnership, which included consolidating data on biodiversity and linguistic diversity, developing joint undergraduate and postgraduate courses, establishing a linguistics and languages centre, and planning public dialogues on pressing political, economic, and environmental regional challenges.
During the visit, the University also participated in the 2025 Fiji Dialogue, led by the Australia India Institute. This dialogue was part of a broader effort to engage in critical discussions about the evolving higher education landscape and enhance Australia and India's cooperation with Pacific Island and Indian Ocean Island nations.
Later this year, the University of Melbourne will host a delegation from SINU. Other events include the visit of Tuvalu's Minister of Education and Human Resources as part of the Oceania Institute's "Conversation" series and a workshop during the Pacific Week of Agriculture. The Oceania Institute will also host its inaugural Oceania Oration at the University of Melbourne.
