France has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing academic and scientific partnerships in the Pacific through a new funding initiative. The French government has allocated €130,000 (approximately FJD 340,000) under the Campus Mobile Pacifique program, which will support 70 students and researchers across the region in 2025.
This initiative, funded by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, aims to foster deeper academic connections and strengthen collaborations between French territories and Pacific Island nations. The program was launched following President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the Pacific in 2023, highlighting France’s aim to broaden educational and research ties throughout Oceania.
The funding for 2025 will back cooperation projects involving universities and research institutions in a variety of Pacific nations, including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia. Specific allocations include €50,000 for the Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN), €44,000 for the Vanuatu–New Caledonia Research Exchange, €17,000 for the University of Goroka (PNG) French Language Immersion program, €4,000 for a Language Education Conference in French Polynesia, and €10,000 for Fiji National University Research Partnerships.
Matilda Souchon, the PIURN Coordinator based at the University of the South Pacific (USP), noted the launch of their first PIURN Summer Institute, which focuses on training PhD students on climate change themes relevant to the Pacific. Students from the region gathered at USP’s newly established Centre for Sustainable Futures to learn about Pacific research methodologies and climate negotiations, among other vital topics.
Souchon expressed gratitude for the support received from the Pacific Fund, which is funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Francophone University Agency, the Australian National University, and Auckland University of Technology. These partners contributed academics to facilitate sessions and enhance the learning experience.
This initiative embodies a commitment to building a resilient academic community engaged in pressing global issues such as climate change, ultimately paving the way for a stronger collaboration across the Pacific region.
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