Training partnership with Tuvalu builds climate resilience in the Pacific region
The University of Melbourne recently hosted The Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo OBE, Prime Minister of Tuvalu for a visit focused on education initiatives to address climate change risks in the Pacific region.
The Tuvaluan Government is participating in a training program – funded by the Green Climate Fund Readiness Program and delivered in partnership with the Faculty of Science – to enhance the Pacific Island nation’s climate risk management capabilities and access to international climate finance.
Between 27 April to 1 May, 22 members of Tuvalu’s public service and non-government organisations completed the second part of the training program, led by Lau Dr Vili Iese, a Tuvalu citizen and Senior Lecturer (Drought and Climate Studies) in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. The first part of the training was delivered in September 2025, and the third will occur during May 2026 – both in Tuvalu.
At the University’s Parkville campus on 30 April, the Tuvaluan Prime Minister and delegation met with University leaders including Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement Professor Frank Vetere, Dean of Science Professor Moira O’Bryan, and Co-Director of the Oceania Institute Professor Jon Barnett.
Left to right: His Excellency Mr Samuelu Laloniu, High Commissioner for Tuvalu to Australia, Madame Tausaga Teo, spouse of the Prime Minister, The Honourable Feleti Penitala Teo OBE, Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement Professor Frank Vetere, Dean of Science Professor Moira O’Bryan, Dr Tufoua Panapa, Secretary to the Government of Tuvalu, and Te'o Lau Dr Viliamu Iese.
The Prime Minister addressed the gathering before presenting the trainees with certificates. The meeting ended with a traditional song and presentation of gifts (alofa). The Tuvaluan delegation also engaged with University students from the Pacific Islands Student Association to discuss the growing educational linkages between Tuvalu and the University.
Dr Iese explained that the training forms part of a broader, year-long initiative supporting Tuvalu’s whole-of-government approach to climate resilience.
“As Australia's leading university, the University of Melbourne recognises our responsibility to support Pacific-led initiatives in climate resilience, food systems and health security, ocean governance, and sustainable development,” Dr Iese said.
“This training supports Tuvalu’s national priorities in capacity-building, provides a model for collaboration with other small island developing states, and reinforces the University’s role in the Pacific region.
“We are exploring formal accreditation of the climate risk management training program as a micro-credential with the University’s Professional Education unit,” he said.
“Our goal is long-term capacity development and sustained partnership with Tuvalu – and potentially with other Pacific nations in future.”
In October 2026, Tuvalu, Australia and Fiji will co-host the Pre-COP 31 meeting in Fiji and Tuvalu.
Learn more about the serious threats of climate change to the Pacific region.