A project of the East-West Center and the Center for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Andrew Taylor Awa from Honiara, studying for a Master of Laws at the University of Hawaiʻi, addresses systemic healthcare inequities in the Solomon Islands linked to institutionalized racism. He highlights challenges in accessing medical services, especially in rural areas, while emphasizing the need for improved governance and decentralization to ensure equitable healthcare access.
Gabriel Otis, a master’s candidate at George Washington University, emphasizes the weakening U.S. focus on the Pacific under President Trump, highlighted by reduced soft power and climate change neglect. This disengagement risks regional instability, opening opportunities for China, while urging a return to collaborative engagement to enhance security and partnerships in the Blue Pacific.
Lloyd Loji highlights the evolving role of Pacific media amid climate change and geopolitical tensions. Serving as watchdogs, they ensure accountability and transparency while tackling challenges like limited resources and governmental censorship. Investigative journalism is vital for exposing corruption and fostering public engagement, ultimately promoting a safer and more informed Blue Pacific.
Elizabeth Yen Tzu Liew explores China’s sports diplomacy in the Pacific Island Countries, particularly using Papua New Guinea as a case study. This strategy enhances bilateral relationships through infrastructure and sports exchanges, deepening cultural ties while positioning China as a viable partner amidst a multipolar world, ultimately reinforcing its foreign policy goals.
Axel Defngin, from Yap in Micronesia, reflects on his experience with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) during a political internship amid the rise of Trump. He critiques the dismantling of DEI initiatives, emphasizing the need for balance and resilience in the face of historical and contemporary challenges facing marginalized communities and their identities.
David Spring is an engineer with over 20 years of experience, focusing on equitable access and sustainable practices in the Pacific Islands. The region is exploring a circular economy to replace traditional waste management, leveraging recycling initiatives and partnerships to address environmental challenges and foster economic growth while promoting sustainability.
Nicholas M. Burk, managing director of Blue Ocean Analytics and an adjunct professor, proposes “Regional Disaster Libraries” to document community narratives and resilience against “Interlocking Disasters” in the Pacific Islands. These libraries aim to capture valuable grey literature, aiding cultural preservation and disaster response efforts amid rising global challenges and media complexities.
Kamalani Johnson, a PhD candidate in Indigenous politics at the University of Hawaiʻi, emphasizes the significance of Hawaiian language revitalization and the concept of moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy). He highlights its role in connecting the past and present for Pasifika peoples, stressing the necessity of nurturing cultural practices to combat colonial forces and ensure resilience.
Jasmine Koria, co-chair of the Samoa Youth Advisory Board, participated in the 2024 Commonwealth Youth Forum, emphasizing youth engagement in governance, environmental resilience, economic equity, and mental health support. The 13th Commonwealth Youth Declaration launched during this forum aims to influence policies for the 1.2 billion youth in the Commonwealth.
Jasmine Stole Weiss highlights a special event in Guam where esteemed navigators shared their expertise on traditional wayfinding and the impacts of climate change. Grand masters Ali Haleyalur, Sesario Sewralur, and Larry Raigetal emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and inter-island connections while teaching about navigation and its significance for future generations.