Taking into consideration its core role as the premier institution of higher education in the South Pacific region producing and disseminating new knowledge via research and innovation,  the needs of its member countries, and its current and potential capacity,  The University of the South Pacific has identified four strategic research themes that are derived from the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (2015 – 2030) and underpinned by Innovation, Empowerment & Sustainability:

Theme 1:  Economic Growth, and Public & Private Sector

This theme focuses on Goals 1, 8, 9, and 11. Goal 1 is to end poverty in all its forms everywhere. Social protection systems need to be expanded and risks need to be mitigated for disaster-prone Pacific Island Countries. Goal 8 is to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.  Goal 9 is to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Goal 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The scope can be widened to include ICT & Knowledge Economy;  Engineering for Fostering Innovation; Tourism; and Sport Development.

Theme 2: Oceans, Land & Climate

This theme focuses on Goals 6, 13, 14 and 15.  Goal 6 is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.  Goal 13 is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by regulating emissions and promoting developments in renewable energy.  Goal 14 is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. Goal 15 is to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss. The scope can be widened to include related areas such as Renewable Energy; Sustainable Transport; Food Security; Disaster Resilience and Intangible Values.

Theme 3: Education, Culture & Health

This theme focuses on Goals 2, 3 and 4. Goal 2 is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Goal 3 is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages in the Pacific Island Countries, some of which with the highest burden of non-communicable diseases. Goal 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The scope can be widened to include Pacific Societies; Food Security, and Sport Development.

Theme 4: Governance, Justice and Equality

This theme focuses on Goals 5, 10, 16 and 17. Goal 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will require more vigorous efforts, including legal frameworks, to counter deeply rooted gender-based discrimination that often results from patriarchal attitudes and related social norms. Goal 10 is to reduce income inequality within and among member countries. Goal 16 is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Goal 17 is to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development. The scope can be widened to include Safe Communities; and Sport Development.