In this presentation, Akka shares her research progress and some initial findings, on the dimensions of mobility in Kiribati and how these interact to motivate broader migration decisions.
The growing knowledge of the impact of climate change on mobility is a prominent debate in international relations and academia today. Despite this, few systematic indigenous studies exist to explain the case mystery of the drivers of mobility in Kiribati, especially environmental mobility which is poorly studied.
This research uses a Kiribati methodology, Te Waa Philosophy, to investigate migration decisions in Kiribati and the impact of labour mobility on socio-economic development, and climate resilience.
This seminar is Akka's mid-term milestone presentation of her research progress to date. As such, the presentation is a closed event for RegNet staff, visitors and students only.
About the speaker
Akka Rimon is an I-Kiribati PhD scholar at RegNet. She is one of four inaugural recipients of the Australia-Pacific Security College PhD Scholarship Awards. Her research adopts an indigenous methodology to explore the complex drivers of human mobility in Kiribati. The project is titled Te Waa of future mobilities: a Kiribati model for social, economic, and climate resilience.
Prior to commencing her candidature at RegNet, Akka served as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration with the Government of Kiribati, and the Head of the World Bank’s Kiribati office.
COVID protocols
The ANU strongly encourages you to keep a mask with you at all times (for use when COVID-19 safe behaviours are not practicable) and to be respectful of colleagues, students and visitors who may wish to continue to wear one. Please continue to practice good hygiene. If you are unwell, please stay home. The ACT government’s COVID Smart behaviours can be accessed here.
This seminar presentation is in-person only. Registration is not required for in-person attendance as neither the ANU nor ACT Health conduct contact tracing any longer.
If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please email regnet.communications@anu.edu.au.
Image credit: Photo of children looking out at the ocean from a sea wall, Kiribati, illustrating the existential threat posed by rising seas in the Anthropocene; supplied by the speaker.