For an inspiring two hours on Thursday 8 July, 190 participants from 14 countries gathered virtually across the region for a journey on the Vaka Moana - voyaging towards an inspiring and engaging Pacific Ocean.
With 6 amazing panelists from diverse backgrounds in the region including theology, academia, science and research, including indigenous knowledge, and perspectives from Pacific young people, scientists, navigators and policy advisers - together we reflected on Pacific-led solutions for the ocean we want, the connection between our traditional knowledge and identity with the ocean, and our young people and early career ocean professionals as the leaders of today and tomorrow.
With these reflections and creative contributions from Pacific poets and composers, the audience engaged in the Futures Triangle, answering questions and adding their voices about the weights of the past, the push of the present and the pull of the future as we journey together towards an inspiring and engaging Pacific Ocean.
Their voices were captured and reported back live, with the rich insights to inform the forward actions and advocacy of the Pacific Community. Taking participants’ voices into action for an inspiring and engaging ocean.
It was a pleasure to work with the Pacific Community and its Centre for Ocean Science led by Dr Katy Soapi, in curating the program, confirming speakers and performers, and moderating the two-hour virtual program.
