The University of the South Pacific (USP) has announced the establishment of the Centre for Sustainable Futures, a new central hub dedicated to climate change research and collaboration.
With initial funding support from the Aotearoa New Zealand International Climate Finance Strategy, this regional hub aims to be sustainable, ensuring a lasting impact on Pacific Island nations.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and pooling expertise in climate change research, policy, and leadership. He stated that for Pacific communities, climate change represents not just a severe challenge but also a profound threat to their villages, islands, cultures, identities, and mana.
“The Pacific has always understood that our formidable strength and resilience come from our ability to unite. USP embodies this spirit by serving as a space where we can collectively initiate change,” he remarked.
Professor Ahluwalia highlighted that the Centre will adopt a multidisciplinary, integrated, and strategic approach to addressing climate change and enhancing resilience.
To secure a sustainable future for the Pacific, the Centre will focus on expanding research capacity, conducting thorough impact assessments, implementing capacity-building initiatives, developing academic programs, and creating community-focused policies as well as climate finance strategies that benefit the entire region.
“The Centre will reinforce USP’s fundamental role as a traditional university, dedicated to conducting research and sharing new knowledge through teaching, training, and publications. This initiative will lead to a larger pool of both current and future researchers, policymakers, and lawmakers focused on climate change in the Pacific,” he added.
These emerging leaders will be equipped to guide their communities in tackling the challenges posed by climate change and its effects. The Centre is expected to become operational in the coming months.