Inaugural Congress Unites Traditional Knowledge and Global Expertise

Our inaugural Congress on Harnessing the knowledge of the Pacific wrapped up last week, marking a historic milestone for the Pacific Academy of Sciences, established in 2023.

Held in the home of the Secretariat, Apia Samoa, from 16 – 18 February, the event brought together over 250 participants from leading academics and government leaders, to researchers, policymakers, practitioners and aspiring scientists coming from as far as Alaska.

The Congress was officially opened by Hon Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma, whose remarks reminded us of the importance of both western science and indigenous knowledge

Western science and indigenous knowledge have not always walked together. But today, the world increasingly recognises that truly sustainable solutions require both — like the two hulls of an alia, our double-hulled canoe — each strengthened by the presence of the other.

In an era where we all face collective challenges like climate change, we cannot do this alone. Collaboration is vital.  

This Congress itself is evidence of international collaboration in action — with friends from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and across the Pacific coming together to support the elevation of our region’s scientific capacity.

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, Regional Director for the WHO Western Pacific Region delivered a compelling keynote on ethical leadership in science.

In the Pacific — where communities are close, where cultural memory is deep, and where research has not always honoured our realities — science must be ethical, equitable and anchored in Pacific experience.

This is why the Pacific Academy of Sciences is so important: it ensures that science, ethics, governance and data integrity move forward together as the foundation of a strong Pacific scientific community.

On day two, Professor Sir Ashley Bloomfield’s keynote emphasized the need for scientists to embrace openness, transparency and community involvement to foster public trust in science. By blending science and indigenous knowledge we can create new insights, develops trust and, crucially leads to impact that improves the wellbeing of people, communities and the planet. 

The Hon Kinoka Feo, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, and Sport highlighted the importance of capacity building pathways for Pacific young people. Together we need to drive initiatives that will empower the next generation of scientific leaders to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Professor Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse-Va’ai, Pro Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, highlighted how citizen science starts young. “Children notice changes in their environment and express the in their own languages that makes sense to them” she said.  Nurturing this curiosity in Pacific languages from an early age is key to fostering lifelong scientific passion and retaining cultural environmental knowledge and language.  

The Congress was an invitation to action as we launched exciting projects, including the Tupaia Research Grant for emerging Pacific researchers, now open for applications and generously funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

We also launched the Pacific Young Academy, starting with a co-design workshop with postgraduate students through to mid-career researchers to shape its future. More online workshops are planned – stay tuned for the next workshop.

Chair Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, President Professor Teatulohi Matainaho and the Organising Committee extend their sincere thanks to all speakers, attendees and volunteers who contributed to the resounding success of the Congress. Special thanks to our partners who also made this Congress possible: the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources, through the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation and the Royal Society Te Apārangi. We also acknowledge our local sponsors: The New Zealand High Commission, Eveni, Greenology, Exert and FreightPlus.

Recordings of selected sessions and presentation materials will be made available on the Congress website soon.

As we move forward, driven by our growing momentum we look forward to Pacific sciences having a global impact through our work, partnerships and collaborations. We will have updates on our next Congress in the coming months.