Kaitu’u ‘i Pangai Funaki holds an MBA, and a PhD in Asia Pacific Studies from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Japan). His interdisciplinary research covers theoretical approaches from anthropology, economics and psychology in addition to his field as a Political Scientist. His scholarship explores how Oceania’s cultural value of reciprocity and generosity can contribute to sustainable solutions for the global challenges we face today. His research proposed the new vision of Gross National Generosity (GNG), a sustainable development framework designed to articulate what ODA receiving countries could contribute to the SDGs from what they possess, and at the same time preserve these global resources for future generations.
In 2018, Dr. Funaki founded the Dignified Pacific Initiative (DPI) and in 2019, he co-founded The Eden Seminars to further explore this potential, promote research, and encourage adoption of solutions identified for the betterment of society overall. For two decades with experiences in Asia, Dr. Funaki developed a strong network of contacts around the globe, including contacts in academia, business, and government ministries and diplomatic posts.