Co-hosted by the Development Policy Centre and the University of the South Pacific’s School of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Pacific Update is the premier forum for discussion of economic, social, political and environmental issues in the region.
Day Three will focus on migration and labour mobility.
Everyone is welcome to attend the 2025 Pacific Update at the Laucala Campus of the University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji.
Registration is free but we ask you to register online prior to the event for seating and catering purposes.
Secretary-General, The Pacific Islands Forum
Baron Waqa began his tenure in June 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the development and prosperity of the Pacific region.
Born in Boe, Nauru, Baron Waqa has dedicated his life to public service.
Acting Executive Director, Bel isi PNG
Tovi is dedicated to advancing gender equality and supporting women’s empowerment in PNG.
Director, ANU Development Policy Centre
He served in various positions for a decade at the World Bank before becoming AusAID’s first Chief Economist in 2005.
Professor Howes is currently Professor of Economics at the Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU.
Director for Labour Mobility, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Solomon Islands
As Director, her responsibilities include overseeing labour mobility policies and operations in Solomon Islands.
She has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade since 2019.
ANU Development Policy Centre
For more than 15 years Grant has conducted research on governance and corruption in PNG and the Pacific.
He teaches the course Corruption and Anti-Corruption and is the convenor of the Integrity and Anti-Corruption specialisation for the Crawford School’s Master of Public Policy.
First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Integration Division, Office of the Pacific, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Pacific Integration Division leads Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme strategic policy, engagement with participating countries and design of new commitments (including skills development pilots). The Division also covers Pacific education and skills programs and the Pacific Engagement Visa.
Pro-Vice Chancellor Pacific, University of Canterbury
He is Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies. He was awarded the 2020 Metge Medal by the Royal Society of New Zealand - Te Apārangi, a prestigious award in social science research excellence.
Professor Ratuva is author and editor of more than 10 books. He leads international and regional organisations and projects including as Chair of the International Political Science Association Research Committee on Climate Security and Planetary Politics.
The call for papers has now closed.
We invited researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners to submit abstracts and panel proposals on the topics below:
• Migration, trade, and integration
• Economic development and poverty reduction
• Public finance
• Public health and education policy
• Labour markets and social protection
• Environment, natural resources, and climate change
• Gender equality, disability and social inclusion
• Politics and governance
• Data and official statistics
Any enquiries should be directed to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.
