UNESCO Pacific

Hate speech threatens social cohesion, democratic dialogue, and human rights.

is a key tool for building resilience against harmful online content, strengthening critical thinking, and promoting inclusive and informed societies.

On the occasion of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, discover key messages from UNESCO’s new Issue Brief: “Media and Information Literacy: Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age” at the link below:

https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000398298

🎉International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Join UNESCO on 18 June for the launch of the new Issue Brief “Media and Information Literacy: Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age during the webinar: “Countering Hate Speech in the Digital Age: Promoting Information Integrity and Resilient Societies”

Date: 18 June 2026
Time: 13:30–15:00 CEST
Register: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RmmOuj6OQ1O10SkETpVldw

UN in Samoa UN in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu & Vanuatu UN Multi Country Office in Micronesia United Nations in Papua New Guinea

IGNITING THE FUTURE! The Solomon Islands UNESCO/MEHRD Education STEM Launch!

St Nicholas Anglican College in Honiara, Solomon Islands was buzzing with energy today Tuesday 26 May at the official launch of the “Fostering STEM Education in Africa and SIDS” project! ✨ The atmosphere was vibrant as the next generation of Solomon Islands innovators took center stage. The grounds of St. Nicholas Anglican College came alive with a vibrant display of talent! Student teams—featuring both brilliant girls and boys—wowed the crowd with hands-on STEM activities, proving that the future of science and technology is in very capable hands.

Inspiration was everywhere as leaders shared their vision for a tech-savvy nation:
💡 "STEM education is no longer an optional luxury; it is the very engine of the modern economy." — Dr. Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary, MEHRD.
🤝 "Education is not only connecting the future of your nation, but also connecting the peoples of our two countries." — Gu Wenlong, Head of Political Section, Chinese Embassy.
🌟 "Together, we can inspire the next generation of thinkers, problem-solvers, and leaders." Berris Olitisa, National Project Officer (on behalf of Sardar Umar Alam, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States).

With a focus on breaking stereotypes and empowering every student, the Solomon Islands is officially on the path to becoming a hub of innovation. This launch is a "profound milestone" in our journey to nurture a generation of innovative, tech-savvy Solomon Islanders. The revolution in our classrooms starts NOW!

JOIN OUR TEAM!

UNESCO Office for the Pacific States is inviting applications for a Technical Assistance – Carpentry and Joinery Curriculum Development consultancy under the Education Sector.

The consultancy supports the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) under the System Transformation Grant (STG) Project, a GPE-funded education reform initiative implemented with UNESCO as Grant Agent. The Project focuses on strengthening inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education across early childhood, primary, and secondary levels, with a specific emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways in secondary schooling.

The Technical Expert will work with MEC’s Curriculum, Materials and Development Division to design and upgrade a competency-based TVET curriculum in Carpentry and Joinery (Certificate Level 1). The assignment includes reviewing existing curriculum materials, identifying gaps, and developing an improved programme aligned with national frameworks and labour market needs, including integration of digital and green skills.

▪️ Type of contract: Short-Term Contract
▪️ Duty station: Apia, Samoa
▪️ Duration: 5 months
▪️ Open to: External candidates
▪️ Application deadline: 5 June 2026 (11:59 p.m.)

Consultants or consultancy firms with relevant expertise are invited to apply.

More information and application details: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Apia-Technical-Assistance-Carpentry-and-Joinery-Curriculum-Development/1361700757/

🇼🇸 Samoa is strengthening tsunami preparedness—community by community.

On 21 May 2026, the Government of Samoa, with support from Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the United States Government officially launched the Samoa Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme during National Environment Week 2026.

The initiative will support 37 villages to strengthen tsunami preparedness, while Savaia Villages renews its recognition as a Tsunami Ready community.

The programme helps communities build readiness through risk knowledge, warning systems, evacuation planning, public awareness, drills, signage, and coordinated action. It also strengthens national capacity through technical training for Sāmoa Meteorological Service Office and Disaster Management Office - Samoa, along with support for hazard assessment and preparedness planning.

As Hon. Ale Vena Ale, Samoa’s Minister of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Samoa, noted, this launch is “an important step forward in protecting our people and strengthening disaster preparedness across our communities.”

Mr Sardar Umar Alam, Director of the UNESCO Pacific Office, also underscored that resilience in the Pacific is built community by community.

Together, Samoa and its partners are advancing people-centred early warning systems and building safer, more resilient coastal communities across the Pacific.

See more: https://unes.co/uo264p

🌏 UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States was proud to partner with the Fiji Museum and cultural partners across Fiji to celebrate International Museum Day 2026 under this year’s theme: “Museums Uniting a Divided World.”

At a time of increasing global uncertainty, museums continue to play a vital role as spaces for dialogue, understanding and connection. Across the Pacific, they safeguard living heritage, traditional knowledge, languages and stories that continue to shape communities today.

The celebration also marked an important milestone in the partnership between UNESCO and the Fiji Museum through the unveiling of UNESCO signage, reaffirming our shared commitment to strengthening the safeguarding, preparedness and long-term protection of Fiji’s cultural heritage.

Through ongoing cooperation, UNESCO has supported efforts to strengthen the Fiji Museum’s safety, security and digital infrastructure, contributing to the protection of over 3,700 years of irreplaceable cultural artefacts and reinforcing institutional resilience for future generations.

We also acknowledge the continued commitment and cooperation of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, under the leadership of Hon. Charan Jeath Singh and Dr. Vinesh Kumar, together with the Fiji Arts Council and all partners who contributed to this celebration.

Culture connects us — preserving our identity while shaping the future we build together ✨

Kiribati is transforming its education system through ICT innovation with the launch of the US$2.5 million Kiribati ICT Transformation of Education Systems (KITES) Project, supported by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), with UNESCO serving as Grant Agent.

Led by the Ministry of Education, the four-year initiative will expand equitable access to quality learning across Kiribati’s dispersed islands through digital learning, teacher development, resilient ICT infrastructure, and strengthened education data systems.

The project marks an important step towards achieving SDG 4 and ensuring that learners in remote and underserved communities are not left behind.

The initiative reflects a strong partnership for impact between the Government of Kiribati, GPE, UNESCO, DFAT, and development partners to advance quality education for all.

Global Partnership for Education MOE Kiribati Australian High Commission, Kiribati

Samoa commemorated World Press Freedom Day 2026 with a week-long programme led by the Journalists Association of W Samoa - JAWS, bringing together government representatives, development partners, and members of the media to highlight the importance of press freedom for democracy, development, and human rights.

The celebration was particularly significant as JAWS marked its 50th anniversary, recognizing five decades of commitment to ethical journalism, freedom of expression, and media development in Samoa and across the Pacific.

UNESCO Regional Director for the Pacific, Sardar Umar Alam, emphasized in his keynote that “press freedom is essential for peaceful, inclusive, and resilient societies, and that in an era of rapid disinformation driven by social media and AI, journalism remains a vital line of defence against misinformation and social fragmentation”.

UNESCO continues to support Member States in the Pacific in advancing media development, enhancing the safety of journalists, and promoting access to information as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Samoa marks World Press Freedom Day 2026 and celebrates 50 years of Samoa commemorated World Press Freedom Day 2026 with a week-long programme led by the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS), bringing together government representatives, development partners, and

🎷✨ Samoana Jazz Rising – International Jazz Day 2026 ✨🎷

On 30 April 2026, Samoana Jazz Rising brought together over 150 participants in a vibrant celebration of Samoa’s musical talent, marking the 15th anniversary of International Jazz Day — an initiative established by UNESCO and celebrated in over 190 countries worldwide, in partnership with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

Hosted by Tiapapata Art Centre, the event opened with an engaging educational session and jazz jam, which created a dynamic space for exchange between experienced musicians and emerging talent. UNESCO warmly acknowledges the participation of local artists, including Joe Annandale and the Sinalei Strings, alongside young learners, whose interaction fostered creativity, mentorship, and shared learning. This spirit of exchange was further enriched by the participation of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s 4-piece Ensemble, whose collaboration with local musicians contributed to meaningful intercultural dialogue through music.

UNESCO extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Honourable Minister for their valued support, including facilitating the participation of the National Orchestra of Samoa. Their performance during the concert segment was a highlight of the evening, showcasing the talent and commitment of Samoa’s musicians, including its emerging generation, and reflecting the continued vitality of the national music sector.

The jazz concert brought together a diverse group of artists — including the Sinalei Strings, Siutu Meyer, Rosa and Philton Solomona, Michael Tamanikaiyaroi, Benjamin and Tanuvasa Faamanatu Solomona , Stuart Wallace, Harry Laban, and Iosefa and Ben Percival— in a spirit of collaboration and artistic exchange. The event demonstrated the strength of Samoa’s creative community and the value of creating spaces where musicians can connect, perform, and learn from one another.

Beyond the celebration of jazz, the event highlighted the importance of sustained support for Samoa’s cultural and creative sectors, including investment in cultural infrastructure, arts education, and opportunities for artists to engage locally, regionally, and internationally. UNESCO looks forward to continued collaboration with partners to further strengthen these efforts.

Ministry of Education and Culture
The National Orchestra Of Samoa
U.S. Pacific Fleet Band
Tiapapata Art Centre Inc.

In recognition of the International Day of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), observed on 25 April, the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific States marked the Day in Fiji, on the sidelines of the CURUI Pacific Regional Workshop on Life Skills and Climate Smart Education, which brought together participants from across the Pacific.

Through village visits and direct engagement with local communities, participants gained deeper insights into the realities faced by SIDS, from geographic isolation and environmental fragility to the growing impacts of climate change. Tree-planting activities also reflected a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action.

The Day serves as an important platform to raise awareness, strengthen partnerships, and promote solidarity, while recognizing the unique strengths, cultures, and leadership of SIDS in advancing sustainable development. Together, we continue to support island communities and work towards more sustainable and resilient futures.