The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, endorsed at the 51st Pacific Islands Forum in 2022, acknowledged that Pacific economies and communities face a range of social, economic and development challenges, in addition to evolving challenges such as COVID-19 and the climate emergency which ‘exacerbate the region’s existing vulnerabilities and dependencies’. These challenges are taking place at a time when the region is increasingly ‘a highly contested sphere of interest.’

This program introduces participants to the Blue Pacific and provides expert commentary on the historical relationships between Australia and its Pacific neighbours, the governance structures that underpin collective decision making in the Pacific, and regional partnerships. Participants will develop an understanding of the challenges facing our Pacific Island neighbours, the Pacific responses to these threats, and the role of Australia and like-minded partners across the globe in supporting the Pacific.

This program will be offered twice in 2023.

No security clearance required.