Event highlights
15 May 2025
24 representatives from 13 Pacific island countries1 came together in Nadi, Fiji, on 1 May 2025 for a two-and-a-half-day workshop aimed at strengthening research ethics governance in the Pacific island countries (PICs).
The first of its kind in the Region, the workshop was co-organized by the Pacific Academy of Sciences (PAS), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It brought together members of a national ethics committee, officials overseeing research in health ministries, and senior researchers experienced in health research ethics. Experts from WHO collaborating centers on bioethics, the WHO technical advisory group on genomics, and research institutions in the Pacific also participated.
"Health research is not a luxury but a necessity. It is a pathway to effective health systems, better decision-making, and improved health for our people." said Dr Saia Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific in his opening remarks.
He emphasized that "As the Pacific increasingly joins global research efforts, it is essential to strengthen the ethical governance of that research. Too often, studies have been conducted without full consent or community engagement, and many failed to show benefits flowing back to the people whose data and specimens made the research possible. We cannot allow history to repeat itself. Remember, we are not merely participants in research but stewards of our people’s stories, data, and biological materials. We must ensure these are used with respect, transparency and benefit to our communities."
Through case-based interactive discussion, participants explored key challenges and practical solutions to ensure that health research in the Pacific respects local cultures, protects community interests, benefits individuals, limits harm and align with international ethical standards. Participants also shared experiences of past research projects in the Pacific, and reflected on the main challenges in governing international and local health research to ensure ethical conduct of researchers and respect for data sovereignty.
The workshop further introduced the WHO tool for benchmarking ethics oversight of health-related research involving human participants, which helped participants in assessing gaps in national research ethics governance. These included oversight infrastructure, technical expertise, governance frameworks, and legal mandates. The tool also helped set priorities for strengthening institutional ethical oversight.
Recognizing the varying levels of maturity of national research ethics governance across the PICs, participants underscored the value of regional collaboration mechanisms to support PICs in strengthening ethical oversight for health research.
Key outcomes from the workshop included:
- the development of a comprehensive regional mapping and situational analysis of existing Ethics Review Committees (ERCs );
- the establishment of a regional knowledge-sharing and training network;
- country-led self-assessments using WHO tool for benchmarking ethics oversight of health-related research involving human participants; and
- the drafting of regional guidelines for ethical oversight.
Member State participants also committed to socializing these ideas with senior health leaders upon their return, building momentum for national and regional progress.
"A key action which I plan to take following the workshop is to apply the WHO tool for benchmarking ethics oversight of health-related research to strengthen my countries national ethics framework." said a representative from the Cook Islands.
Moving forward, WHO, PAS, and SPC will continue to work hand-in-hand with Pacific countries to ensure that health research advances regional priorities and delivers equitable benefits for Pacific communities.
1 Representatives from Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Organizers gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Health and Social Care United Kingdom, Ministry of Health and Welfare Republic of Korea, the Australian Government and the International Science Council's Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific in making this meeting possible.