Vanuatu’s engagement in the Indonesia–Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) 2025 highlights the nation’s commitment to cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, and the expansion of its creative sectors. Sikadra Nellie Tovosia, a Senior Officer at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, emphasized that the forum offered Vanuatu a significant platform to promote its distinct identity and forge strategic alliances.
Tovosia articulated that Vanuatu’s primary goal in participating in IPACS was to elevate cultural diplomacy, strengthen regional ties, and showcase the wealth of the nation’s traditional heritage. She noted that the rich tapestry of Vanuatu’s cultural elements—encompassing languages, crafts, dances, and ancestral knowledge—plays a central role not only in defining its identity but also in shaping its development strategies.
The importance of integrating culture into sustainable development was another key focus. For climate-vulnerable nations like Vanuatu, Tovosia asserted that linking cultural preservation with developmental goals can create pathways that protect their identity while also enabling them to adapt and prosper in the face of environmental changes.
The forum also unveiled promising economic prospects within the creative sectors across the Pacific. Tovosia pointed out that IPACS promotes innovative cultural products with market value, indicating significant potential for enhancing Vanuatu’s creative economy through sectors such as crafts, performance arts, and cultural tourism, all of which can be both genuine and lucrative.
Reflecting on the outcomes from IPACS, Tovosia expressed optimism about returning to Port Vila with strengthened partnerships and enhanced knowledge that could benefit Vanuatu’s cultural and creative industries. She highlighted the shared regional dedication to utilizing culture as a means for fostering resilience and sustainability.
The cooperation intentions set forth by IPACS 2025 also open doors for lasting exchanges between artists in Vanuatu and Indonesia, laying the groundwork for collaborative efforts in co-creation, co-training, and co-marketing cultural products across the Pacific. Future collaborations may include student exchanges, academic partnerships, and training programs within creative industries.
Tovosia praised the spirit of unity displayed at the forum, asserting that culture serves as a powerful driver for economic growth, social cohesion, and innovation. She called for stronger connections among Melanesian nations, including West Papua, advocating for improved mobility and cooperation between the peoples of Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. Tovosia also encouraged Indonesia to extend similar freedoms to West Papua, believing this could enhance trust and understanding among Melanesian communities through shared educational and economic opportunities.
Overall, Vanuatu’s participation in IPACS 2025 signifies a proactive approach to leveraging cultural ties for broader regional benefits, ultimately fostering a more interconnected and prosperous Pacific community.