UNESCO Pacific

26/08/2026

🌊 Pacific Countries Strengthen Geohazard and Tsunami Resilience in Honiara 🇸🇧

Representatives from Pacific Island Countries and Territories, regional organizations, and technical partners gathered in Honiara, Solomon Islands, from 10–14 August 2026 for the Annual ORSNET Meeting, the 11th Meeting of the PTWS Working Group for Pacific Island Countries and Territories (WG-PICT), and the Third Regional Geohazards Meeting. Together, participants reviewed progress and agreed on priority actions to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano, and landslide monitoring, early warning, and preparedness across the Pacific.

Key outcomes included:
✅Strengthened regional seismic data sharing through ORSNET
✅ Endorsement of implementation priorities for WG-PICT, ORSNET, ORVNET and ORLNET (2026–2030)
✅Progress towards formalizing a Pacific Regional Geohazards Network
✅Support for the expansion of the UNESCO-IOC Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme
✅Preparations for PacWave 2026, including volcanic tsunami scenarios to improve regional readiness and coordination.

The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of investing in technical capacity, sustainable monitoring infrastructure, and people-centred early warning systems aligned with the Early Warnings for All Initiative. Participants emphasized that stronger partnerships, science-based decision-making, and regional cooperation remain essential for protecting coastal communities from geohazard risks.

By bringing together tsunami, seismic, volcano, and landslide experts under a common regional framework, Pacific countries are advancing a shared vision of safer, more resilient communities and stronger early warning systems for all.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO

24/08/2026

UNESCO is strengthening its support to Samoa to safeguard its rich living heritage, including through new assistance for the preparation of a nomination of Tatau Samoa (traditional Samoan tattooing) to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Tatau Samoa is a significant expression of Samoan cultural identity, knowledge and social values. Transmitted from generation to generation, the practice encompasses specialised knowledge, skills, customary protocols and cultural meanings that remain deeply embedded in Samoan society.

Support for Tatau Samoa builds upon ongoing cooperation between UNESCO and Samoa under the framework of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. With support from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, Samoa has advanced the development of a proposed National Heritage Board Bill and Protection of Traditional Knowledge Bill through an extensive participatory process.

Read more: https://unes.co/70mflt
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority

23/08/2026

Traditional – or kastom – gardening supports more than harvests. In Vanuatu, it strengthens food security, helps families recover after shocks and preserves knowledge that has long sustained community life.
With the support of the Government of Japan, UNESCO is working with communities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to identify and safeguard practices that build resilience in the face of disasters, while encouraging knowledge-sharing across generations and with local authorities.
Gardens can be a quiet but powerful form of resilience. Explore how is helping communities grow stronger futures: https://unes.co/e2jpxk

23/08/2026

In Fiji, women’s fishing knowledge is more than a cultural practice — it is a source of food, income and continuity for families and communities. It reflects a deep relationship with the sea and a strong tradition of adapting to changing conditions.
Through a Japan-funded UNESCO project, communities across Pacific and Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are working to safeguard as part of disaster risk reduction. The initiative documents local knowledge and cultural practices, connects communities with disaster management actors and helps ensure these skills are passed on to future generations.
The result is more than preservation: it is resilience in action. Discover how living heritage is helping communities build stronger futures: https://unes.co/e2jpxk

12/08/2026

Stronger Together: UNESCO and USP Advance Regional Collaboration

A shared vision and renewed commitment took centre stage as Mr. Sardar Umar Alam, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for the Pacific and UNESCO Representative to the Pacific States, met with Mr. Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the USP Council and the Interim Management Group, in the Chancellery Room at USP’s Laucala Campus.

The high-level meeting opened an exciting new chapter in UNESCO and The University of the South Pacific cooperation, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthen collaboration in support of education, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and sustainable development across the Pacific.

11/08/2026

📢 UNESCO is inviting applications for a Consultant – Programme Support, Intersectoral Coordination and Communications to provide programme, coordination, communication and technical support for the implementation of culture sector activities and related intersectoral initiatives across the Pacific.

The Consultant will support programme coordination, partnership-related and communication activities with UNESCO Member States and stakeholders across the Pacific, including National Commissions for UNESCO, line ministries, development partners, regional organizations, and United Nations Country Teams (UNCTs). The Consultant will also provide cross-sectoral support, particularly at the interface of culture and education, including activities related to heritage education and capacity development. Furthermore, the Consultant will support the Office's communication, visibility and outreach efforts through the preparation of web content, social media posts, communication materials and other digital products to enhance awareness and engagement around UNESCO's work in the Pacific region.

🌏 Contract: Consultant, 11 months
📍 Duty station: Apia, Samoa
📅 Deadline: 21 August 2026

For more details and application: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Apia-Consultant-Programme-Support%2C-Intersectoral-Coordination-and-Communications/1368960957/

06/08/2026

🇹🇴 Tonga strengthens its commitment to cultural diversity!

UNESCO congratulates Tonga's ratification of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, marking an important milestone in advancing culture as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion and inclusive economic growth.

By joining the global community of 162 States Parties, Tonga reaffirms its commitment to fostering an enabling environment where artists, cultural professionals and creative enterprises can flourish. The Convention provides the only legally binding international framework dedicated to protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural expressions while strengthening cultural governance, creative industries, international cooperation and the integration of culture into sustainable development.

For Pacific Small Island Developing States, where culture is deeply rooted in identity, traditional knowledge and community life, this milestone represents an important step towards unlocking the social, cultural and economic potential of the cultural and creative sectors. 🎉

Read more: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/tonga-strengthens-its-commitment-cultural-diversity-ratifying-unesco-2005-convention

Tonga has ratified the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, reaffirming its commitment to culture as a driver of sustainable development

06/08/2026

📚 Celebrating literacy, teachers, and a culture of learning in Fiji 🇫🇯

On the occasion of preparations for International Literacy Day and World Teachers’ Day 2026, UNESCO met with the Ministry of Education FIJI’s Acting Deputy Secretary Professional and the Director of Library Services to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The discussion focused on strengthening joint efforts to promote literacy, celebrate the invaluable contributions of teachers, support National Library Week, and foster a stronger culture of reading and lifelong learning across Fiji.

Through continued partnership with national stakeholders, UNESCO remains committed to supporting education initiatives that empower learners, educators, and communities throughout the Pacific. 🌏📖

05/08/2026

UNESCO has supported the successful completion of the Republic of Naoero's first International Assistance project under the World Heritage Convention, marking a significant milestone for the Pacific Small Island Developing State (SIDS) following its accession to the Convention in 2024.

Supported through the World Heritage Fund, the project has strengthened national capacities for implementing the World Heritage Convention by enhancing the understanding of its principles and mechanisms among national stakeholders, fostering dialogue and collaboration across government institutions, and establishing a stronger foundation for the identification, protection and sustainable management of Naoero's cultural and natural heritage.

See more: https://unes.co/oegbt9

UNESCO has supported the successful completion of the Republic of Naoero's first International Assistance project under the World Heritage Convention, marking a significant milestone for the Pacific

02/08/2026

We are hiring!

1) Fostering STEM Education Project:

UNESCO is seeking a National Consultant to undertake key assignments of the Fostering STEM Education Project implemented for Samoa through the Education Sector. The consultancy will help ensure that curriculum reforms are evidence-based, inclusive, and gender-transformative, while aligning with the needs of schools and post-school training institutions.

The consultant will lead a STEM Skills Demand Assessment, support the development of enhanced STEM curricula, facilitate STEM teaching capacities for teachers and school leaders, curriculum officers, assess STEM laboratories and hubs, and contribute to strengthening quality STEM education through advocacy and awareness across communities.

For more information and to apply please click link: https://careers.unesco.org/job/Apia-STEM-National-Consultant-for-Samoa/1368286057/

2) Quality Foundations, Prosperous Future Project – GPE System Transformation Grant:

UNESCO is seeking technical expertise to support the Education Sector, led by the Ministry of Education, to develop an evidence-based and contextually relevant Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) model for Samoa that strengthens early intervention and data-driven decision-making, to address primary and secondary school level literacy and numeracy challenges.

The Technical Assistant will review and adapt international MTSS approaches, analyse national literacy and numeracy data to identify learning gaps, select pilot schools, and develop a costed implementation plan to guide the rollout of targeted interventions aimed at improving foundational learning outcomes and strengthening data-driven decision-making

For more information and to apply please click : https://careers.unesco.org/job/Apia-Technical-Assistance-MTSS-Model-for-Primary-and-Secondary-Education/1368286357/