Upcoming seminar to articulate vision for Pacific regionalism

A prominent Pacific leader will lead discussion on the future of Pacific regionalism at a seminar to be held at Victoria University of Wellington this Friday.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor will be the keynote speaker at the second of the ‘Pacific Futures Seminar Series’ hosted by Ambassador for Pacific Economic Development, the Hon Matua Shane Jones.

At the seminar, co-hosted by Victoria University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Dame Meg will speak about the new Framework for Pacific Regionalism launched by Forum Leaders in Palau last year. She will offer insights into implementation of the Framework and the opportunities it presents, including for the private sector and civil society organisations who for the first time will have an official role to play in determining regional priorities.

A panel discussion moderated by Ambassador Jones will bring together a group of experts to support the discussion. Panel members are: Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) Associate Professor Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban; Robin Hapi, who has extensive experience in the fisheries industry and economic development; John Overton, Professor of Development Studies at Victoria University; and Tony Angelo, Professor of Law at Victoria. 

“Victoria University is extremely active in the Pacific region and we also have a large number of international Pasifika students studying at the University who come here to build the capacity to contribute to their home region,” says Hon Luamanuvao Winnie Laban. “It is a pleasure for the University to host this high level discussion and play a role in exploring how New Zealand can contribute to helping our Pacific neighbours work together most effectively.”

Ambassador Jones says the seminar is an opportunity to focus on an issue that is of high importance to the Pacific region. “It is important to talk about where regional interventions can have the greatest effect and how to deliver something that makes a real difference for the entire region.”

What: Pacific Futures seminar—A vision for Pacific regionalism: Dame Meg Taylor
When: 11.30am-1.30pm, 29 May 
Where: Council Chamber, Hunter Building, Kelburn Parade, Victoria University of Wellington