Media release

From: Monash University

Monash University will join two international conferences in Fiji to showcase Australia-Pacific partnerships in research innovation and sustainable development.

The RISE program – led by the Monash Sustainable Development Institute (MSDI) – is the university’s flagship research trial which aims to improve the lives of one billion people living in informal settlements (often known as slums) by improving access to critical water and sanitation systems.

RISE is supported by the Australian, New Zealand and Fijian Governments.

Event 1: Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (Mon 4–Wed 6 Sept, Nadi, Fiji)
Australian and Fijian experts in planetary health and infectious disease will speak on how RISE is delivering critical water and sanitation services, while improving climate resilience to transform the health and wellbeing of informal settlement communities, and restoring the productive capacity of lands and waters.

Event 2: Pacific Urban Forum (Tue 5 – Thurs 7 Sept, Suva, Fiji)
RISE Fiji leaders and local stakeholders will present on the challenges and lessons of rolling out novel water and sanitation infrastructure in the Pacific for the first time, and the multi-sectoral collaboration involved – especially in the context of Fiji’s increasing climate vulnerabilities.

Where: The Sixth Pacific Urban Forum is taking place at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Conference Centre, Ratu Sukuna Road, Suva. Live streaming of the plenary sessions will be made available at the PUP website.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES – FROM MON 4 SEPTEMBER

• MSDI Director, Professor Tony Capon, world’s first Professor of Planetary Health RISE Research Director, Professor Karin Leder, Head of the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology at Monash University
• RISE Fiji Country
• Manager, Isoa Vakarewa
• RISE Fiji
• Research Lead Autiko Tela

High-res images of Fiji informal settlements participating in RISE are available.