For two years now, in the heart of the Pacific, the University of French Polynesia (UPF) has been undertaking a profound transformation of its academic offer, aiming to strengthen both its local foundations and its international outlook.
Through the Nārua project — supported by the French Government through the France 2030 programme — the UPF is developing a new dynamic of cooperation with its academic and institutional partners across the Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, Hawai‘i), focused on the common challenges as island territories.
In this spirit, the UPF is launching and hosting the first Pacific Universities Biennial, to be held from 17 to 19 November 2025, in Tahiti.
This event will bring together delegations from UPF’s partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, and Hawai‘i, as well as from Pacific Island states — including representatives from the universities of Samoa, Vanuatu, and Fiji.
Guided by Matari‘i i ni‘a — the season of renewal in Polynesian cultures — this Biennial aims to be a founding moment of academic, scientific, and cultural cooperation across the region.
For three days, participants will work together to strengthen regional collaboration through major academic initiatives, foster student mobility and scientific interdisciplinary studies, and collectively outline a shared roadmap for the future in response to key regional challenges. Rooted in the multilateral framework agreement signed by the founding members of the Nārua project, this collaborative process invites all partners and delegations to contribute to a collective and enduring vision for a Pacific academic community.
A collective event for dialogue between Pacific universities — to explore together new forms of cooperation that will be more inclusive, sustainable, and more deeply rooted in the values and realities of Oceania.
Three days to:
- Strengthen bonds and mutual understanding between our institutions
- Share inspiring initiatives in teaching, research, student life and governance
- Co-design academic and scientific projects with long-term impact
- Deliver concrete outputs: joint modules, mobility opportunities, shared roadmaps, research synergies
Programme Highlights
- A special opening dinner on Sunday evening (Nov 16) – Reserved for partner delegations from the Pacific
- An inaugural session – What might a Pacific Community look like in 2035? followed by thematic workshops (Nov 17)
- A collaborative Hackathon on Blue Economy, COP31, and socio-ecological transitions (Nov 18)
- Immersive experiences (Nov 19)
- A networking research session (Nov 19)
- Cultural experiences, film screenings, storytelling nights, and much more…
- A closing day for shared deliverables and next steps (Nov 19)
Register now
Academic community members, profesors, researchers, PhD candidates, and anyone engaged in these regional issues, take part in this unique gathering.
For students
Join us as we shape together the future the future of Pacific academic cooperation.
Full schedule
To discover all activities, schedules, and highlights in detail, download the full day-by-day programme below.
Gallery
Please, note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the Pacific Universities Biennial. By attending this event, you agree that you may be photographed or filmed, and that these images may be used in the communication materials of the University of French Polynesia (UPF) and the Nārua project (website, social media, reports, etc.).
If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the Nārua team: narua@upf.pf
Practical info
Transfers
A shuttle service will be organized, please find below the bus shuttle schedule.
Access Maps to the UPF
-
Google Maps Location
Physical Address
Outumaoro Campus – Punaauia - Parking available on site
- Campus map
Contact
For any inquiries regarding Nārua :
narua@upf.pf
Campus d’Outumaoro – Punaauia – B.P. 6570 – 98702 Faa’a – Tahiti – Polynésie française
Tel. : (+689) 40 803 803
Consent for image use
Photos and videos will be taken throughout the Pacific Universities Biennial. By attending this event, you agree that you may be photographed or filmed, and that these images may be used in the communication materials of the University of French Polynesia (UPF) and the Nārua project (website, social media, reports, etc.).
If you do not wish to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the Nārua team: narua@upf.pf
