The Mandate
The Royal Oceania Institute (ROI) is a new, independent, Tongan think tank. ROI’s goals are to support and pursue Pacific-centered, ethical, fact-based research and analysis. It will also facilitate open dialogue on topics relevant to community, sustainable development, and regional relations.
ROI grew out of an identifiable need for a non-partisan, permanent, accessible and reputable platform for building confidence and cooperation, and encouraging broad information sharing and understanding. One of the many advantages of this approach is that through better research and open dialogue, investments in development have a better chance of reaching their full potential for the benefit of all involved.
ROI will stringently pursue a policy of independence. Funding will not influence the direction, integrity or quality of its research. We are deeply committed to ROI’s vision for a resilient, prosperous, secure and independent Tonga in a strong, prosperous and secure Pacific.
Patron of the Royal Oceania Institute
The Royal Oceania Institute is deeply honoured to have His Majesty The King assent to His Royal Highness The Crown Prince Tupouto‘a ‘Ulukalala as Patron of the think tank.
His Royal Highness currently sits at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Director of Military Affairs after completing his Master in Military & Defence Studies (2018) and Master in Diplomacy (2021) at Australia National University in Canberra, Australia.
