The University of Auckland
The University of Auckland
05/23/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/23/2024 15:54
Pacific researchers in UN panel discussion on Pacific health crisis
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Pacific researchers in UN panel discussion on Pacific health crisis
23 May 2024
University of Auckland Pacific academics, in collaboration with Oxfam in the Pacific, are attending the UN International Conference on Small Island Developing States.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Pacific) Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau. Photo: Elise Manahan
Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau and Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, and Ilisapeci Masivesi from Oxfam in the Pacific, will take part in a panel discussion in Antigua & Barbuda from 27-30 May.
It focuses on how Pacific-centred research addresses interconnected health, development and climate change issues.
The panel discussion highlights an emerging partnership. The University is committed to building Pacific-led research capacity in the Pacific, working alongside Pacific communities to elevate and improve outcomes for Pacific peoples.
Oxfam's vision is to empower Pacific communities towards agency, to contribute to positive change amongst its peoples, including through research. The academic trio will consider how these commitments merge to bring about much-needed effective change to the region.
Professor Yvonne Underhill-Sem. Photo: Elise Manahan
Tiatia-Siau and Underhill-Sem are both Professors in Pacific Studies at the University and Masivesi, Director of Programmes, Impact and Partnerships with Oxfam in the Pacific. All have extensive expertise in researching small-island developing states in the Pacific.
Professor Tiatia-Siau's research specialises in the areas of Pacific suicide prevention and postvention, mental health and well-being, youth development, Pacific Studies, health inequities and climate change and mental wellbeing.
She will discuss her research paper: 'The Inextricable Link between Climate Change and Mental Wellbeing for Pacific Peoples.'
Ilisapeci Masivesi from Oxfam. Photo supplied
Professor Underhill-Sem is co-lead of a major study on cimate mobility across the Pacific region utilising a Pacific-led approach and will refer to her research paper: 'Researching health and wellbeing impacts of climate mobility in the Pacific using Pacific co-design.'
Masivesi, a management professional with more than 15 years' experience in international development, and expertise in disaster risk management, climate change, and environmental resource management, will refer to her research paper: 'Making climate finance work for women: Voices from Polynesian and Micronesian communities.'
The panel will contribute to the knowledge exchange on Pacific-centred research to address key issues such as health, and to support the development of recommendations for policy and practice.