While explorations for mining nodules of critical minerals on the sea floor have been ongoing for recent years, but the U.S. president's recent moves to authorize exploration and mining outside the International Seabed Authority has brought it into the forefront of discussions again. These discussions, however, are often dominated by Western voices. To highlight Pacific Islander perspectives on these developments, YCAPS is honored to host Mr. Charles Ala'ilima of American Samoa and Ms. Rima Browne of the Cook Islands. Mr. Ala'ilima will speak on the recent U.S. directives for deep-sea mining in American Samoa, a U.S. territory, from legal perspectives. Ms. Browne will speak on the scientific and policy developments for deep-sea mining in the Cook Islands, a sovereign nation in the South Pacific.

You can watch the video recording here.

YCAPS is thrilled to launch its newest series, Pacific Connect!The inaugural webinar will focus on Challenges and Innovations in Pacific Island Education, featuring a panel of three education practitioners from the Kingdom of Tonga, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Papua New Guinea. Mr. Herbert isoa Takeifanga will discuss achieving universal primary education in Tonga's dispursed archipelago of 171 islands, 45 of which are inhabited. Ms. Canita Harollyn Rilometo-Nakamura will present on indigenous learning recovery through incorperating traditional knowledge sharing with elders into education curricula in Pohnpei. Mr. Apolish Gumong will speak on challenges faced with effective education policy implementation and sustainability, targeting different levels of education in Papua New Guinea.

You can watch the video recording here.