Coming to the Mat Dr. Mere Tari Sovick

Welcome to 'COMING TO THE MAT,' on Pacific Diaspora in the Spotlight, where we dive deep into the lives and stories of Pacific islanders making waves in the diaspora. In today's episode for 2024, we're honored to explore the fascinating world of psychology with Gabrielle Tor, a compassionate student counselor on her journey to a Masters in Applied Clinical Psychology at Pacific University in the State of Oregon in the US. Join us as we uncover her experiences, her unwavering dedication to supporting survivors of domestic violence, and her mission to ensure psychology care embraces diversity." Clinical psychology is all about helping people deal with mental health challenges. To become a clinical psychologist, you usually need a bachelor's degree, and many also go for a doctoral degree (like a Ph.D. or Psy.D.). This path involves practical training, like internships, and getting licensed to practice. Clinical psychologists work in different places, from hospitals to private practices, where they help individuals facing mental health struggles. They may specialize in areas like child psychology or forensic psychology. Essentially, studying clinical psychology means learning psychological theories, research methods, and practical skills to assist those with mental health concerns. She leaves us with the question to ponder on: How can we ensure that psychology care is inclusive and supportive of diverse communities in the US?

In this episode of "COMING TO THE MAT '' titled "Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Malakai Obed," host Dr. Mere Tari Sovick puts the Pacific diaspora in the spotlight. She shares the incredible story of Malakai Obed, a young man living in Utah, USA, with roots in the island of Paama, Vanuatu. Malakai has made history as the first ni-Vanuatu to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Dr. Sovick delves into Malakai's inspiring journey, highlighting his unique experiences as a Marine and the significant impact of Pacific Islanders in their new homes and places of origin. This episode celebrates the strength, culture, and achievements of Pacific diaspora members, particularly the ni-Vanuatu community in the US, showcasing their unity and progress. It also provides insights into the role of the Marine Corps within the broader context of the United States Armed Forces.
Credit to PBS for the US Marines documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMcKywS-nz4
Thanks for Malakai's mom Jamie Obed Rowley for participating.

Welcome to another captivating episode of "Coming to the Mat" with your host, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick! In this episode, we have the honor of welcoming Ralph Regenvanu, a prominent advocate from Vanuatu, as our special guest. Ralph is a remarkable individual with diverse talents and passions, transcending the realm of politics through his roles as an esteemed artist and anthropologist. His unwavering advocacy for cultural preservation has earned him a global platform, where he actively shapes discussions on diversity.
Ralph's journey has been shaped by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Vanuatu and its neighboring countries. With his expertise in anthropology and development studies, he has dedicated his life to unraveling the intricate connections between culture, tradition, and progress. Being the first Ni-Vanuatu anthropologist, Ralph brings invaluable insights into the diverse dynamics of the region, particularly within Vanuatu.
During his recent visit to Seattle, Washington, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick had the privilege of interviewing Ralph before his return to Vanuatu. The aim was to gain valuable insights from him on pressing issues that not only impact Vanuatu but also the entire Pacific region. These issues include climate change, economic development, and political sovereignty.
In their conversation, Dr. Mere Tari Sovick and Ralph delved into various aspects of Ralph's life. They explored the profound influence of his parents' involvement in Vanuatu's anti-colonial independence movement during his upbringing in the 1970s. They also discussed the significant role played by Melanesian traditional values in shaping Vanuatu's development. Ralph's journey as a renaissance individual was highlighted, covering his work as an anthropologist, Director of the Cultural Centre, lawyer, and his current position as the Minister of Climate Change, Adaptation, Meteorology and Geohazards, Energy, Environment, and Disaster Risk Management for Vanuatu.
The focus of their conversation centered around the urgent challenge of climate change and its impact on Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region. Ralph provided profound insights into the steps needed to address this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource management and inclusive growth for the benefit of all members of society. Furthermore, Ralph shared his views on strategies to assert political sovereignty and autonomy for Vanuatu and other Pacific nations, highlighting the current geopolitical dynamics in the region and the need for political reform.
The conversation also explored the critical role of traditional knowledge and practices in preserving the environment and promoting indigenous sustainable development. Ralph emphasized the integration of traditional resource management approaches with modern methods, finding ways to harmonize them for the benefit of communities in Vanuatu. They also discussed the importance of including women in decision-making processes related to biodiversity and traditional resources, particularly within the four legs of the community, as Ralph referred to it.
Moreover, the significance of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by Vanuatu and the wider Pacific region was highlighted. Ralph shed light on the power of partnerships and collective action in realms such as climate change and economic development. Despite contributing a minuscule amount to global greenhouse gas emissions, small Pacific island nations like Vanuatu are actively working to safeguard their economies and protect future generations from the impacts of climate change. However, challenges exist in receiving promised development assistance from wealthier countries, leading Vanuatu to explore new alliances with countries like China and India.
Additionally, the Government of Vanuatu led a year-long campaign resulting in a historic decision at the UN General Assembly. The Assembly unanimously requested the Internati

In the final episode of our three-part podcast series, we discuss the Republic of Vanuatu's pivotal role in leading a coalition of countries seeking an Advisory Opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Our guests, Mr. Malcolm Dalesa and His Excellency Mr. Odo Tevi, both instrumental in the campaign's success, provide valuable insights into the initiative's strategy and execution.
Vanuatu, an island archipelago in the South Pacific, faces the highest disaster risk globally due to climate change, as confirmed by the 2021 UN University World Risk Index and the Institute for Environment and Human Security. Climate change has already caused severe damage to various sectors, including agriculture, water, coastal and marine resources, infrastructure, and tourism. Recent weather events have wiped out a third of Vanuatu's GDP in a single day, destroying homes and villages. If nothing is done, Vanuatu could become uninhabitable by mid-century, endangering its culture, statehood, and sovereignty.
Vanuatu leads the climate justice movement and seeks to amplify the voices of vulnerable populations, including indigenous peoples, women, children, and the poor, through its ICJ Initiative. Its goal is to work with all vulnerable nations, peoples, and supporters to achieve an Advisory Opinion from the ICJ.
As we conclude our podcast series, we express gratitude for the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), whose advocacy for climate justice and sustainable future for all has inspired us. Their journey demonstrates the power of youth-led movements in the fight against climate change and reminds us of the urgent need to address this global crisis and protect the rights of current and future generations.
We hope that the Vanuatu-led coalition's pursuit of an Advisory Opinion from the ICJ will be successful and lead to new international laws integrating legal obligations around environmental treaties and basic human rights. We stand with the PISFCC and all those working towards a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come. Let us all be advocates for climate justice and work together to achieve this vision.

In the second episode, we hear from Solomon Yeo, who is the campaign director of Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change. Yeo is from the Solomon Islands and his concern for the environment and inequality originates from the devastating effects of climate change that he witnessed firsthand in his home country. He recognizes the pressing need to take action and has dedicated himself to advocating for climate justice. Solomon shares how the organization he co-founded, Pacific Island Students Fighting Climate Change, has a youth-centric approach, recognizing the crucial role that young people play in shaping the future. He explains how the organization educates and involves youth in their campaigns and initiatives, empowering them to make meaningful contributions towards tackling the pressing issues of our time.Solomon shares some of the obstacles they have overcome and how young people can help overcome them. He also discusses the organization's collaborations with other groups,  stakeholders, civil society and how young people can be a part of this movement.
Throughout the episode, Solomon emphasizes the impact and effectiveness of young people's involvement and contributions, discussing key metrics and indicators used to track the success of their campaigns and initiatives.
On February 20, 2023, Vanuatu, along with 17 other core group members, uploaded the final draft resolution requesting an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) onto the UN's e-delegate portal. Solomon highlights the significance of this resolution and how widespread co-sponsorship will send a strong and unambiguous signal that nations are united in their commitment to abide by existing climate obligations under international law and to successful international climate cooperation.

The Coming to the Mat podcast series is a three-part collection of episodes that follows the journey of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. The series aims to highlight the inspiring stories of young people who are taking action to combat the devastating effects of climate change on their island communities.
The series explores how these students, who come from 8 different Pacific Island countries, have banded together to fight for their future. Through personal interviews, the podcast delves into the individual experiences of the students and the unique ways in which they, collectively, are fighting climate change.
One of the key focus areas of the series is the role of Vanuatu, a Pacific Island nation, in leading a core group of nations to draft a question to ask the International Court of Justice. This question seeks to clarify what the obligations of states are in protecting the rights of current and future generations from the adverse effects of climate change.
The Pacific Islands are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to their small landmass and low elevation, which make them more susceptible to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and other climate-related disasters. These students have witnessed firsthand the effects of climate change on their homes and communities and have taken it upon themselves to make a difference.
The podcast explores how these students have used their voices and platforms to advocate for climate action, raise awareness, and implement tangible solutions. It showcases their resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of significant challenges, including lack of resources and political will.

Introduction: In the first episode of the Coming to the Mat podcast series, the hosts interview two members of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC) to learn about their mission and how they are using their education to combat the climate crisis affecting Pacific Island nations.
In the first episode of the series, the hosts interview two members of the group to find out how they got started and how they are using their education to help mitigate the climate crisis that is affecting Pacific Island nations today. The episode highlights how the group launched a petition calling upon leaders of Pacific Island nations, as well as Australia and New Zealand, to commence the process of seeking an advisory opinion on human rights and climate change from the International Court of Justice. In 2021, the PISFC  welcomed the announcement by the Vanuatu Government to take on the campaign to seek an International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion on the issue of climate change and human rights as a huge milestone for the campaign. This marks a significant step forward in the fight against climate change and a significant win for the Pacific Island students who have been fighting for their future. The podcast also discusses how this regional youth-led organization has been campaigning for an advisory opinion from the Court since 2019 and now has expanded throughout the Pacific with members from Primary schools, high schools and majority being University students.