The 54th Conference of the Oceania Comparative and International Education Society (OCIES) will be hosted by Solomon Islands National University (SINU) from 24-26 November, with NERO day on 23 November and will centre on the theme:
Reimagining Education in Oceania: Indigenous Knowledge, Equity, and Sustainable Futures
Conference Theme Overview
The conference provides a regional and international forum for critical dialogue on the future of education in Oceania, with a strong emphasis on Pacific and Indigenous perspectives. It responds to ongoing social, cultural, environmental, and technological change across the region and invites scholars, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to rethink education in ways that are culturally grounded, equitable, and future‑focused.
Key Focus Areas
The theme is structured around three interconnected priorities:
- Indigenous Knowledge and Epistemologies
Exploring Pacific ways of knowing, including relational and dialogic approaches such as tok stori, and examining how Indigenous knowledge systems can be meaningfully integrated into formal education contexts. - Equity and Inclusion
Addressing persistent inequalities in access, participation, and educational outcomes across Oceania, particularly for learners in rural and remote communities, marginalised groups, and diverse linguistic contexts. - Sustainable Futures
Examining the role of education in responding to regional challenges such as climate change, sustainable livelihoods, and social resilience, while preparing learners for uncertain and rapidly changing futures.
Objectives of the Conference
The conference aims to:
- Showcase Pacific and Indigenous scholarship in education
- Promote culturally responsive and contextually relevant pedagogies
- Foster dialogue on equity, access, and inclusion
- Explore education’s role in advancing sustainable development
- Strengthen collaboration across research, policy, and practice in Oceania and internationally.
Conference Sub‑Themes
Contributions are invited across the following sub‑themes:
- Indigenous Knowledge and Pacific Epistemologies
- Equity, Access, and Inclusion in Education
- Teacher Development and Professional Learning
- Education for Sustainable Development in Oceania
- Digital Futures and Innovation in Education
- Policy, Leadership, and Governance in Education.
For further detail on the conference rationale and thematic framing, please download the Conference Theme and Concept Note below.
