Launched in June 2025, the Initiative is expected to deliver intensive-mode courses and mentoring of early and mid-career academics, as well as undertaking partnered research projects, and engaging with our growing numbers of government, community, business and third sector partners on advocacy and advancement.
This work will focus on supporting and building resilient communities across the South Pacific, including the development of energy sovereignty, renewables, social cohesion, climate change impact governance, sustainable water, and climate resilient practices and infrastructures.
The Initiative has an initial focus on Melanesia, Tonga, Fiji and Papua and will co-design and facilitate capabilities, interventions and strategies across the region.
Based in the Social Equity Research Centre, Professor Hunt’s multidisciplinary research in global/regional security, diplomacy, multilateral governance, and sustainable development, is situated at the intersection of political science, critical security, peacebuilding and development studies.
Professor Hunt is also Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research in New York/Geneva working closely with a range of countries on their security and development policy in conflict-affected societies.
With almost two decades of experience working with local, national and regional partners in the South Pacific, including work on access to security and justice in the Solomon Islands and hybrid political orders in Vanuatu and Bougainville, Charles’ work combines significant advances to knowledge with ‘real-world’ relevance and impact.
RMIT is delighted to announce that leading environmentalist, former Australian of the Year (2007) and Chief Councillor of the Climate Council, Professor Tim Flannery has joined the College of Design & Social Context and will play an instrumental role in shaping the future of the RMIT South Pacific Initiative.
Interested in receiving updates about the Initiative? Register and we’ll keep you informed.
Contact us to discuss research collaborations, studying a research degree, or to find a research expert.
Find out more about studying a research degree at RMIT and our current graduate scholarships
RMIT builds partnerships to have a positive impact in the world. We form multi-disciplinary teams with government, community, industry and researchers to deliver innovative solutions.
Learn more about how the Research Ethics and Integrity team facilitate ethical and excellent research at RMIT
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
More information
