Contribution to Sports and Research (CSR)

The PICs have contributed tremendously not only to academic research, but also to the richness of several major sports. Rugby and cricket were introduced to the region during the colonial period. Of these two sports, rugby is the most popular and has even become the national sport for some PICs, especially Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga. Due to the strong build of Pacific players, almost all strong rugby teams in the world have a player of Pacific origin. The increase in the presence of Pacific Island players outside of the Pacific has contributed immensely to the world standard of rugby, even for countries who have only recently adopted the game, such as Japan. As a result, the outflow of Pacific players to countries offering yearly multimillion-dollar contracts is a common practice. Although the success of players in obtaining expensive contracts leads to an expected increase in remittances for the region, there is no significant recognition given to the countries of origin or the region for this global level contribution to sports. How can this category transform in to development policies? 

In terms of research, the region has contributed tremendously to knowledge creation since the arrival of Western civilization, Christianity and Western anthropologists. Since the history of the PICs is passed on through lifestyle storytelling and songs, uncountable scholarships and foundations have invested heavily in the region in order to record and interpret this history. Nevertheless, much traditional knowledge is purposely kept from non-Pacific researchers. As a result, the Pacific Island countries could be argued to be the most understudied region in the world. At the same time, some may wonder about the location of past studies conducted on each island, as most of researchers never return and most islands have no local libraries to store research data. The gift-giving theory, for example, was interpreted through observation in the late 19th century and although it has influenced the world through anthropology for decades, its significance has yet to be fully recognized in the PICs. There is much knowledge yet to be discovered in the region and these untold mysteries and cultural riches can be uncovered and shared through collaboration between the PICs and developed nations.

In terms of skills transfer, this CSR category would promote a consistent flow of talented players from the PICs to receiving countries while at the same time allowing the sending country to take pride in their upbringing. Contributions to research would not only recognize past scholarship for further interpretations, but also allow for creativity in the frameworks in order to encourage more researchers, both from outside and within the region, to join forces in knowledge creation. The moral contribution from the CSR category can be expected to make significant contributions towards a future with better teamwork and creativity.

Possible spheres to re-articulate what Oceania can offer that the world needs: 

Collaborations of locals and international (sports and research) for global purposes.

• Sports: skills transfer (Rugby, Sumo Wrestling, American Football ... )
  1. Reputations
  2. Influence ... 
• Research (Local + Global education)
  1. Number of research papers registered and stored in national libraries 
  2. Number of collaborative projects (exploring undiscovered knowledge)
  3. Number of researches converted into policies (local and international)

What spheres in the SDGs that Oceania could contribute from their CSR?

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