Speaker: Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago

Leituala Kuiniselani Toelupe Tago’s doctoral research seeks to reconceptualise security in the Pacific region towards shaping a regional security framework that is not only fit for purpose but one that is embedded in Pacific philosophies and epistemologies. To do this, Leituala’s research will explore the responsiveness of the Boe Declaration on Regional Security as it is applied to addressing one of the biggest security threats that the world and the region has ever experienced, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It will employ an indigenous methodology to analyse security at different levels using case studies from Sāmoa, Fiji and Kiribati. Furthermore, the research will engage an inclusive, people-centred, and gender-responsive approach, to mobilize diverse perspectives from various population groups ensuring deeper engagement with Pacific people on the topic. The subsequent results will include a sharing of lessons and applying learning across countries and cultures in the Pacific, to advance security as a collective and as sovereign nations, towards framing a decolonized regional security framework that is relevant, responsive and one which resonates with our Pacific people.