The long journey – political acceptance of women
2 March, 2016

The long journey – political acceptance of women

The Pacific is still struggling to get women into parliaments across the region. Mary Jack Kaviamu recently contested the 2016 Vanuatu national snap election in the Tanna open constituency. Although she failed to secure a seat, she clearly hasn't given up. For Mary and her supporters, the journey has just begun. Here she relays her experience, particularly the challenges encountered on the way.
Dare to dream, but in PNG it’s not enough
17 February, 2016

Dare to dream, but in PNG it’s not enough

Many people are commenting online on the impacts of decisions taken by the current Papua New Guinea government, with many expressing their feelings about a looming fiscal crisis. Dulciana Somare-Brash provides a raw assessment of the situation, saying the country will need more than a new crop of freshly elected leaders in 2017.
Must Melanesia globalise to succeed?
7 December, 2015

Must Melanesia globalise to succeed?

This is a transcript of Jonathan Guyant's statement at the grand final of the Melanesian School Debate competition, staged last week in Port Vila. Jonathan was the first speaker of the Vanuatu team arguing against the motion that Melanesia must globalise to succeed. He was awarded Best Speaker for the debate final.
Debating for success
13 August, 2015

Debating for success

Frida Bani-Sam considers the case for promoting debate in secondary schools in the Pacific region, arguing that in the long run, debating can lead to consensus decision-making which is at the heart of Pacific culture.