𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡

Speaking as Chief Guest at the University’s Nasese Campus, the Speaker marked the launch of the Pasifika Communities University (PCU) Act 2026, the PCU Strategic Plan 2026-2035 and the Research, Evaluation, Learning and Monitoring (RELM) Framework, under the theme “Our Home, Our Identities, Our Futures”.

He stated that the Act provided a legal foundation for the University’s educational and ecumenical mission, whilst bringing responsibilities for governance, accountability, and service.

“But a promise made in law must be kept in practice. The Act opens the door. It is the work of this University, in the years ahead, to fill the halls beyond it with learning, with integrity and with service,” he said.

The Speaker said the Strategic Plan set a direction for values-based leadership rooted in Christian heritage and Pacific traditions. The RELM Framework would support continuous learning, accountability and improvement as the University pursued its long-term goals.

He urged the University to uphold transparent decision-making, sound financial management and academic freedom, and to widen opportunities for young people in outer islands, settlements, and communities far from major centres.

“May this University be a place where a young person’s circumstances do not decide the limits of their learning,” he said.

He also encouraged the University to develop ties with Parliament through visits, research, internships and public lectures, helping students understand lawmaking and democratic participation.

The Speaker acknowledged the churches, scholars, teachers, administrators, and supporters who had sustained the University’s development, and thanked the Manu Folau, the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Professor Dr Vaai, and the University community for their vision and leadership.

He also called on the students to study diligently, ask questions, and serve generously, recognising the sacrifices made by their families and churches.