In a significant step towards regional integration and academic collaboration, the University of Fiji and the University of Goroka (Papua New Guinea) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at a special ceremony held at the University of Fiji’s Saweni campus.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for joint academic initiatives, research collaborations, staff and student exchanges, and the shared promotion of indigenous knowledge, Pacific culture, and inclusive education.

The partnership is set to span three years, with both institutions committing to long-term cooperation and mutual development.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasized that the partnership went far beyond formalities.

“This is more than a ceremonial signing. It is a mutual pledge to collaborate, share knowledge, foster innovation, and empower the next generation of scholars and leaders across the Pacific,” she said.

“Yumi one people, yumi one solwara, yumi wan Pacific, we are one people, one ocean, and one Pacific family.”

The MoU outlines areas of collaboration including:

• Student and faculty mobility programs
• Joint research, conferences, and symposia
• Development of joint academic programs and curricula
• Shared promotion of indigenous education and Pacific arts, crafts, and music
• Support for underserved and rural student populations

Speaking on behalf of the University of Goroka, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Teng Komhiol Waninga described the occasion as “history in the making” and a long-overdue move to strengthen regional higher education ties.

“This MoU is the start of our long journey together as academics, as Melanesian brothers and sisters, and as people working to improve the lives of our communities,” he said.

“Our dolphins, our whales, our tuna, our birds, they know no borders. Neither should we. This is not just an agreement; it is a marriage of shared vision and enduring commitment.”

Dr. Waninga also highlighted the University of Goroka’s role as Papua New Guinea’s leading teacher training institution and noted areas of synergy in teacher education, curriculum development, and Melanesian studies. He extended an open invitation for further exchanges and visits between the two universities.

Both universities share a strong commitment to educational equity, community upliftment, and the preservation of traditional knowledge systems a commitment that this MoU aims to enhance.

The signing ceremony marks the beginning of a shared academic journey between two Pacific universities rooted in a vision of collaboration, resilience, and unity.

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