A new report on the Pacific Labour Mobility Survey Wave Two will be highlighted during the 2025 Pacific Update, taking place in Suva from November 11 to November 14. This biennial event, hosted at the University of the South Pacific, is the largest assembly of policy experts in the Pacific region, expecting to attract more than 1,000 attendees including researchers, policymakers, business leaders, and representatives from civil society.
Dr. Ryan Edwards from the Australian National University, co-convenor of the Pacific Update, emphasized the significance of this gathering by stating, “The Pacific Update 2025 is more than a conference — it’s a meeting of minds and a launchpad for regional progress.” The event aims to translate research into actionable insights on a range of urgent matters, including migration, inequality, governance, corruption, and economic resilience.
The presentations at this year’s update will feature works primarily authored by Pacific Islanders and tailored to address Pacific priorities. By fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish, the event is aimed at improving the region’s capacity to handle complex challenges.
Keynote speakers will include Baron Waqa, Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, alongside Stephen Howes and Rubayat Chowdhury from the ANU. In total, more than 60 presentations will cover various timely subjects, from gender-based violence to the role of artificial intelligence in policymaking.
This event builds upon the discussions from the 2024 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting (PLMAM), where over 400 participants gathered in Brisbane. Focused on enhancing labor mobility frameworks, the PLMAM emphasized the essence of collective resilience in addressing evolving challenges influenced by socio-economic shifts and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both the Pacific Update and PLMAM share a common goal: to cultivate dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to drive positive change across the Pacific Islands. This collective approach signifies hope for a better future, addressing pressing issues in a changing global context and strengthening the region’s socio-economic fabric.
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