Prof. Upolu Luma Vaai is the Manu Folau (Vice Chancellor) of the Pasifika Communities University (formerly Pacific Theological College) in Suva, Fiji—the first regional, degree-offering institution in the Pacific, owned by 20 churches across 16 countries. A theologian and educator originally from Samoa, Prof. Vaai holds both a Master’s and PhD in Theology from Australian universities.
He is a pioneering thinker and innovator behind several transformative movements, including the relational renaissance movement, the ‘whole of life’ model of learning, community-based development frameworks, climate justice rooted in indigenous knowledge, and the leadership for justice vision. His interdisciplinary work spans theology and ethics, indigenous epistemologies and philosophies, decolonial thought, climate change and ecological well-being, alternative development paradigms, transformational leadership, regionalism, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue. His scholarship and activism aim to shape a new Pasifika consciousness that is holistic, resilient, and grounded in local wisdom.
Prof. Vaai has collaborated with numerous regional and global organizations, including the Anti-Corruption Academic Initiative (ACAD) of the UNODC, Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (USP), Laudato Si’ Research Institute (Oxford University), Oxford Institute for Methodist Theological Studies, G20 Interfaith Summit, South Pacific Association of Theological Schools (SPATS), TODA Institute, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, Globethics, Pacific Conference of Churches, Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) of the World Council of Churches, Theological Education for Economy of Life (TEEL, CWM), and the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs.
An internationally respected keynote speaker, author, peer reviewer, and PhD examiner, Prof. Vaai continues to influence theological education and development discourses worldwide. He is married and the father of four children.
