From July 1st to 3rd, 2025 the campus of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) in Lae became a vibrant hub of regional collaboration as it hosted the 6th Pacific Islands Universities Research Network (PIURN) Conference. Nearly 200 delegates representing 30 institutions from across the Pacific gathered under the theme: “Harnessing Technologies for the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Pacific.”
Over three days, researchers, academics from not only PIURN member universities, but also Australian and New Zealand universities, presented their work and engaged in rich discussions across 32 thematic sessions, covering interdisciplinary discussions, from Higher Education Transformation in the Pacific and the Impacts of Climate Change, to Food Security, Digital Connectivity in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories, Natural Resource Exploration, and Sustainable Development and Resilient Infrastructure. These sessions not only addressed the region’s pressing challenges but also showcased innovative solutions informed by traditional knowledge and modern technology.
Plenary Sessions: Spotlight on Regional Priorities
Three plenary sessions provided strategic insights into the region’s most critical issues:
Plenary 1: Island Innovation Unveiled – Transforming Transportation, Health, and Resilience
This session emphasized the importance of the Healthy Islands concept and its implementation, highlighting integrated approaches to transportation and health systems that build community resilience.
Plenary 2: Regional Research Initiatives
Delegates reflected on impactful regional partnerships, including the Australian National University’s programs and the Diversités initiative of the University of New Caledonia. Networks such as the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and the newly established Pacific Academy of Sciences were also spotlighted as key players in advancing the Pacific’s higher education and research agenda. Future pathways for strengthened collaboration were explored.
Plenary 3: The Road to COP31
The final plenary reaffirmed the critical role of Pacific universities in leading climate research within, for, and by the region. The panel called for the development of a regional research position paper or white paper, collaboration with international and regional bodies, and stronger advocacy for Pacific-led research funding and visibility in global forums.
A Growing Network
The conference concluded on a high note with the announcements from the PIURN Co-Chairs following the PIURN Board Meeting held on July 2nd. Western Pacific University, located in Papua New Guinea’s Highland Region, was officially welcomed as the 16th member of the PIURN network.
Looking ahead, it was also announced that the next PIURN Conference will take place in Fiji in 2027, co-hosted by the country’s three PIURN member universities: The University of the South Pacific (USP), Fiji National University (FNU), and University of Fiji (UniFiji).
The 2025 PIURN Conference not only strengthened existing partnerships but also paved the way for new collaborations that will help shape a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative Pacific future.