The 26th Pacific History Association Conference has positioned Samoa as a centre for Pacific-led research and cultural dialogue, bringing together more than 200 scholars, educators and community leaders to redefine how the region's history is studied and taught.

Hosted by the National University of Samoa, the three-day event focused on 'Le Solosoloū: Resilience in the Face of Adversity', highlighting how Pacific peoples use historical knowledge to navigate contemporary issues such as climate change, decolonisation and cultural survival.

The conference marks a major step in strengthening Pacific control over its own narratives by shifting from histories once written through external perspectives to those grounded in Indigenous languages, values and worldviews.

Vice-Chancellor of the National University of Samoa, Professor Tuifuisa'a Patila Amosa, said the gathering shows the strength of regional collaboration in reclaiming Pacific history.

"This gathering reminds us that reflecting on adversity is not an abstract exercise but a chance to make sense of our current work and responsibilities," she said.

Minister for Education and Culture, Aiono Alec Ekeroma, said Pacific history must inform decision making across the region.

"For too long our stories were written from outside, judged by external ideas of progress and modernity," he said.

"When we centre our languages, memories and concepts, we enrich global knowledge and remind the world that Oceania has its own theories of land, leadership, kinship, faith and justice."

Backed by partners such as the Pacific History Association, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), the conference reinforces the importance of Pacific-led research and collaboration.