Re-envisioned Pacific Islands Report Launch | Visions & Voices 1.2 Talk Story – Part 1/3

At the official relaunch of the Pacific Islands Report on May 23, 2024, two talk story sessions featured Former Hawaiʻi Gov. John D. Waiheʻe and authors of works published in the inaugural issue of Visions & Voices, a new quarterly periodical published on the Pacific Islands Report website.

The first talk story on the “Pacific Way,” featuring Former Hawaiʻi Gov. John D. Waiheʻe, expands upon East-West Center President Suzanne Puanani Vares-Lum’s Visions & Voices article, “Navigating the Pacific Way: A Conversation with Governor John D. Waiheʻe III.” In her article, Former Hawai’i Governor John D. Waihe’e III, the first Native Hawaiian to become the governor of any US state, shares his stories and insights of Hawai’i and its role as a connector in the Pacific. He reflects on Hawai’i’s Pacific roots and connections, the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders, and lessons on the Pacific Way.

In the second talk story on “Tides of Change in the Pacific Islands,” Dorell Ben, Nitya Labh, and Lisepa Paeniu discuss their Visions & Voices articles. Lisepa’s Visions & Voices article, “Tuvalu’s 2023 Constitution,” sums up the major reforms in Tuvalu’s brand new constitution. The definition of statehood, charter of duties and responsibilities, and political and judicial reforms are reflected upon.

Ben’s Visions & Voices article, “Blood in the Water,” is part of a series that explores ancestry, legacy, and the ocean, offering varied perspectives, including climate change concerns and the ongoing fight for Indigenous sovereignty in Oceania.

Nitya’s Visions & Voices article, “Connectivity in Crisis: The Problem with Shipping in the Pacific,” highlights that Pacific Islands are the most heavily dependent region for imported fossil fuel in the world.

Moderated by Keoni M. Williams, PIDP.

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect the policies or positions of the Pacific Islands Development Program or the East-West Center.