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People over power — Human security in the Pacific
Regional experts came together to unpack the most pressing threats facing the Pacific today, threats too often overshadowed by discussion of great-power competition. For Pacific communities, security starts close to home, with challenges including limited access to education, rising drug use and trafficking, the mounting toll of El Niño-driven drought and extreme weather, and the spread of HIV.
The panel put human security at the centre of its conversation, weighed it against geopolitical rivalry, and asked how Australia should work with its Pacific partners to respond.
The conversation was moderated by Oliver Nobetau, Director of the Pacific Islands Program at the Lowy Institute, and featured Serena Sasingian, the outgoing FDC Pacific Research Fellow; Dr Nick Thomson, a public health and human rights-trained epidemiologist; and Dr Anna Naupa, Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat.
Featuring
Oliver Nobetau
Oliver (Oli) Nobetau is Pacific Islands Program Director at the Lowy Institute.
Serena Sasingian
Serena Sasingian was the 2025 FDC Pacific Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, with more than 15 years of experience in development and public policy across government, private, and non-profit sectors.
Anna Naupa
Dr Anna Naupa is a Research and Engagement Fellow at the Pacific Security College.
