Author: Arjun Pillay

Nov 11

UniFiji Hosts Landmark Regional Surgical Conference, First-Ever Collaboration Between PISA, RACS and G4 Alliance

The University of Fiji proudly hosted a historic international conference at its Samabula Campus, bringing together the Pacific Islands Surgeons Association (PISA), the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), and the G4 Alliance for the first time ever to advance collaborative surgical development across the Pacific region.

The three-day event marked a major milestone for the Pacific’s health sector, attracting leading surgeons, medical specialists, policymakers, and students from Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, East Timor, New Zealand, and Australia.

The conference focused on strengthening regional surgical training, improving public health integration, fostering research, and enhancing access to safe surgery, particularly for remote island communities. It also provided a global platform for budding Pacific surgeons to present clinical audits and research projects while encouraging multidisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.

UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem emphasised that hosting this groundbreaking collaboration reinforces the University’s role in shaping the future of healthcare in the Pacific.

“This conference provided an opportunity for the University of Fiji to showcase its expertise alongside colleagues from the region. ‘The papers presented illustrated the complex topics regarding healthcare in the region. While the challenges are myriad in nature and scope, we see that collaboration with other medical personnel at senior level and the Ministry of Health in Fiji, we can find solutions that are appropriate for both Fiji and the wider Pacific’ she said. Professor Shameem said that the University was in the process of determining how to add value to medical research in the region through MOUs and partnerships between the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine and Health Science and other universities and medical research institutes in the region.”

President of PISA and Professor of Surgery at The University of Fiji, Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete acknowledged the significance of this partnership and highlighted that this conference is truly a landmark achievement for the Pacific.

“It is the first time that the Pacific Islands Surgeons Association, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the G4 Alliance have collaborated to deliver a unified platform for advancing regional surgical practice. By hosting this historic gathering, the University of Fiji has demonstrated its growing capacity to contribute to surgical training, leadership development and improved access to care across our Pacific Island nations.”

“We are proud that this forum has enabled our surgeons to share innovations, discuss solutions to our shared challenges, and invest in the next generation of Pacific clinicians. The commitment shown here reflects our collective responsibility to ensure safer surgery, stronger systems and a healthier future for all Pacific peoples.”

Dr. Abhijit Gogoi, Associate Professor at the Umanand Prasad School of Medicine & Health Sciences (UPSM & HS), also emphasized on the importance of the event.

“Hosting the PISA–RACS–G4 Alliance was a landmark event for UPSM & HS. It provided our staff and students an exceptional opportunity to engage with eminent regional and international surgical leaders, including the Fijian Minister for Health, Hon. Dr. Antonio Lalabalavu, and WHO WPRO Regional Director, Dr. Saia Piukala. We were especially proud to have Professor Ifereimi Waqainabete Professor of Surgery at UPSM & HS, University of Fiji, and a pioneer of this conference deliver one of the keynote addresses, setting the tone for collaborative regional surgical advancement.

“Exposure to such a high-level forum on global surgery, innovation, and regional collaboration has been invaluable. For our students, it was an inspiring platform to witness academic excellence in action, network with leading surgeons, and understand the broader context of surgery within global health. For our faculty, it reaffirmed our commitment to advancing surgical education, research, and capacity-building in the Pacific. This collaboration exemplifies how UniFiji continues to bridge education, research, and community service in pursuit of better health outcomes for our region.”

This landmark collaboration has set a new benchmark for regional medical cooperation. The University of Fiji looks forward to continuing its role as a hub for global–Pacific partnerships that enhance clinical expertise, strengthen health systems, and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

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Nov 11

University of Fiji Signs MOU with University of Canterbury to Strengthen Academic and Research Collaboration in Oceania

The University of Fiji and the University of Canterbury (NZ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.

The agreement, signed on 8 October 2025 by UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem and UC Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey, establishes a framework for collaboration that recognises the shared commitment of both universities to advancing higher education, innovation, and cross-cultural academic exchange.

The ceremony was attended by the Executive Deans of the University of Canterbury, including Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva who is the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. The event also saw the presence of Professor Shameem’s UC Alumni Sociology Masters Class of 1983, Professor Rosemary Du Plessis, Ms Jenny Lee and Ms Joanne Neilson.

Addressing the University of Canterbury Vice Chancellor and Executive Deans, UniFiji Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that not only was she a proud Alumni of the University of Canterbury, having graduated with a Master of Arts in 1983, but she also found it significant that, more than 40 years later, she had returned to sign a MOU between her old university and her current one, UniFiji. ‘Having my friends from the Sociology Class of ’83 witness the event was special and served to consolidate the deep-seated connections between the University of Fiji and the University of Canterbury with its historical credentials and top ranking’, she said.

The Vice Chancellor of Canterbury University, Professor Cheryl de la Rey said that under the MOU, the two universities will establish a framework for collaboration in several key areas, including:

  • Exchange of academic materials and resources, Faculty in all areas of knowledge and disciplines, staff, and students;
  • Development of joint research programmes and academic projects of mutual interest;
  • Co-sponsorship of symposia, seminars, and conferences;
  • Cooperation in the development of education and training programmes, with potential for joint degree offerings.

She said that with the shared vision for promoting academic excellence and collaborative learning between the two universities, the academic advancement in the region will be consolidated and enhanced.

The new partnership underscores UniFiji’s ongoing efforts to build international academic linkages that enhance the quality of higher education and research across the Pacific. It also aligns with the University’s Strategic Plan focus on ‘Research and Innovation and Community Engagement’, reinforcing its commitment to developing future-ready graduates equipped for global citizenship.

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Jun 11

University of Fiji and University of Goroka Sign MoU to Strengthen Pacific Academic Cooperation

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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Jun 05

University of Fiji Calls for Stronger Corporate Environmental Leadership on World Environment Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

In celebration of World Environment Day 2025, the University of Fiji joined Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) this morning to support the global call to action under this year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution.”

Mrs. Sainiana Radrodro, Senior Lecturer at the Justice Devendra Pathik School of Law at UniFiji, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing the shared responsibility of corporations, communities, and institutions in promoting sustainable practices.

Mrs. Radrodro commended AFL’s proactive steps toward achieving Fiji’s national target of Net Zero emissions by 2050.

“It is heartwarming to see AFL’s environmental targets promoting green spaces and carbon reduction across its operations,” she stated, applauding AFL’s Carbon Management Policy and environmental initiatives at Fiji’s airports.

Drawing from her experience in law, infrastructure, and international development, Mrs. Radrodro emphasized that legal compliance should be seen as the floor, not the ceiling for environmental responsibility.

“True corporate responsibility demands more,” she stated, urging AFL and other public entities to go beyond legal obligations and lead with bold, moral commitment to sustainability.

She encouraged AFL to consider practical actions such as phasing out single-use plastics in food and retail concessions, adopting eco-friendly procurement policies and using airport signage and digital media for environmental education.

“Airports are not just transport hubs; they are powerful environmental actors,” Mrs. Radrodro said, emphasizing the potential for influence through partnerships with academia, NGOs, and government.

Highlighting the University of Fiji’s own commitment to environmental advocacy, she noted its partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation and the launch of the Ecological and Climate Crises Legal Institute (ECCLI), a multidisciplinary hub driving science-law collaboration on sustainability.

“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue, it is a threat to ecosystems, marine life, and public health,” she warned, referencing microplastic contamination and the urgent need for global cooperation, including the ongoing UN negotiations for a Global Plastic Pollution Treaty supported by over 200 countries.

She concluded by challenging all sectors to act collectively and be committed to the idea of environmental responsibility.

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Jun 05

University of Fiji Marks World Environment Day with Renewed Commitment to Beating Plastic Pollution

The University of Fiji has joined the global community in commemorating World Environment Day today, June 5, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” echoes strongly with the University’s ongoing initiatives to address the rising environmental threat posed by plastic waste.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Professor Shaista Shameem stated that as a higher education institution deeply rooted in the Pacific, the University recognizes the environmental vulnerability of island nations like Fiji.

She emphasized that plastic waste continues to increase across land and sea, degrading ecosystems and threatening biodiversity, and in line with UniFiji’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026), the University is committed to advancing environmental consciousness through education, partnerships, and policy advocacy.

Professor Shameem urged the University Community to think about their plastic use in keeping with the theme for World Environment Day 2025.

“It is impossible for us to think about life without plastic, but we have to, if we want the world to address plastic waste seriously” she said.

“Otherwise there are vast islands of plastic waste floating in the ocean, trapping marine life, poisoning our seas and causing havoc to our food sources”.

She further highlighted that the University has established the Ecological and Climate Crises Legal Institute (ECCLI), a pioneering interdisciplinary body that brings together scientific knowledge and legal tools to advocate for long-term environmental resilience.

ECCLI represents UniFiji’s vision of a future-ready academic platform that educates and equips the next generation of Pacific leaders.

Another key initiative implemented by the University is its partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation, which supports the collection of recyclables from both Saweni and Samabula Campuses.

The collaboration is an important step towards cultivating a cleaner and healthier learning environment while encouraging responsible behavior among students and staff.

She stated that this partnership with the Pacific Recycling Foundation helps contribute meaningfully to the economy and reduce our environmental footprint.

Professor Shameem said that while many companies undertook to recycle plastic waste, the reality was that there was very little proof that recycling was happening to the extent needed.

She urged staff and students of the University to avoid buying water in plastic bottles unless they could see the evidence of recycling.

The University was looking into ways to eliminate plastics from its campuses if it could, she said.

On and international level, support is growing for the proposed Global Plastic Pollution Treaty, currently being negotiated by the United Nations and backed by more than 200 countries.

The University of Fiji stands in support of such international efforts and pledges to align its local actions with global sustainability goals.

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