This foundational credential focuses on some of the contemporary debates in the Pacific region in three key areas - climate change, gender, conflict and security - in order to shed light on decision-making processes in the region and the complex dynamics within which these issues and these processes are embedded. The credential then turns to three four key actors in the region – China, Australia, Papua New Guinea and churches to examine the crowded geo-politics and partners in the Pacific and the policy-making structures of these key actors as they seek to shape and influence the region.

Topics

Climate change in the Pacific

Gender in the Pacific

Conflict/Security in the Pacific

China, an emerging new partner in the Pacific

Australia and the Pacific “Step-Up”

Papua New Guinea, why it matters

What role do churches play as key actors in the Pacific?

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will have the knowledge and skills to:

Understand the range and diversity of social, governance and development challenges facing the Pacific

Gain insight into the pressures and incentives that bear on decision-making in Pacific Islands governments

Understand the complexity of policymaking in the Pacific, including styles of decision-making in Pacific governments.

Who should enrol?

This credential is designed for policymakers, program designers, researchers and analysts working on and in the Pacific region, to provide an introduction to foundational knowledge and concepts.