STUDENT TALANOA SESSION AT TNU!

STUDENT TALANOA SESSION AT TNU - DIALOGUE ON INDIGENOUS APPROACHES TO LEADERSHIP, GOVERNANCE, EDUCATION, CULTURE, AND IDENTITY!

2nd September, 2026;

CUP POSTGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTS CHRIST’S UNIVERSITY IN PACIFIC AT STUDENT TALANOA SESSION

Christ’s University in Pacific (CUP) was represented today by Ms. Seini Vea, a postgraduate student, at the Student Talanoa Session with Mr. Justin Mohamed, Australia’s First Nations Ambassador, hosted by the Australian High Commission.

The session was held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Tonga National University (TNU) and provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in meaningful dialogue on Indigenous approaches to leadership, governance, education, culture, and identity.

Reflecting on her experience, Seini shared:

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent our university today in a meaningful dialogue with the First Nations Ambassador, Mr Mohammed.

The discussion focused on Indigenous approaches to leadership and governance within universities, particularly how culture, identity, traditional knowledge and community values can strengthen the way we educate and develop future leaders.

As I reflected on the discussions, I was reminded of the unique position we hold as a Christian university. There is something powerful about bringing together our Christian foundations, academic learning, and the wisdom inherited from our ancestors, both those who remain with us and those who have passed on.

Our Tongan cultural values are our koloa faka-Tonga, our cultural treasures. They remind us that education is not simply about gaining qualifications, but about preserving identity, serving others, and preparing the next generation to lead with wisdom, humility and purpose.

I am truly grateful for today’s experience and the connections made.”

CUP is proud of Seini for representing our University with wisdom, humility and purpose. Her reflections beautifully demonstrate the importance of integrating Christian faith, academic excellence, Indigenous knowledge and Tongan cultural values in preparing future leaders for the Pacific.

Thank you, Seini Vea, for representing Christ’s University in Pacific. We are proud of you!