From analysts to artists, coders to creatives, the Pacific Dataviz Challenge encourages data minds of all kinds to turn Pacific data into powerful stories—making a difference to our region and competing for a share of $15k in total prizes.
Open to those of all ages, backgrounds and skillsets, the annual Pacific Dataviz Challenge celebrates storytelling, design, innovation and technical skill in visualising Pacific open data—with youth, students and professionals alike entering for a chance to win a share of $15,000 USD in prizes.
This year’s theme ‘Blue Pacific 2050’, shared at yesterday’s launch, references the region’s collective vision for the future, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Entrants are asked to explore the theme using at least one dataset from the provided list, powered by the Pacific Data Hub.
Submissions may be either static (such as posters or infographics) or interactive (like web dashboards, apps or animations), with separate judging categories for each. Participants can enter individually or as a team.
In 2025, more awards than ever will celebrate Pacific participation—with four prizes for Pacific Island winners, including two prizes dedicated to Pacific young people.
Now in its fourth edition, the Pacific Dataviz Challenge has so far inspired hundreds of participants to engage with open data, tell compelling stories and share Pacific perspectives with the world. The Challenge also gives participants the chance to connect as a dataviz community, build capability and make real-world impact.
Looking to 2050
Following previous years’ themes on food and gender equality, this year’s ‘Blue Pacific 2050’ theme references the long-term approach to working together as a region, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. A collective vision, it shaped by and for Pacific peoples, cultures and a shared deep connection to the land and ocean, as well as deepening regionalism.
The Strategy focuses on seven key areas, with supporting indicators and a dashboard on the Pacific Data Hub to track progress across Political Leadership and Regionalism; People-Centred Development; Peace and Security; Resource and Economic Development; Climate Change and Disasters; Oceans and Environment; and Technology and Connectivity.
The success of the 2050 vision depends on enhanced cooperation, strong leadership and the continued participation at all levels of society in its implementation, explains Ms Manaini Rokovunisei, 2050 Team Leader with the Pacific Islands Forum.
“Pacific Islanders are custodians of nearly 20% of the Earth’s surface,” said Ms Rokovunisei.
“Now more than ever, we must act together—guided by science, tradition and solidarity. I’m excited to see data visualisation used through the Pacific Dataviz Challenge to tell stories, raise awareness and inspire change.
“My message to participants: let your work reflect the strength, diversity and hope of our region!”
A growing platform for Pacific data storytelling
The competition is led by the Pacific Community (SPC), the principal scientific and technical assistance organisation supporting sustainable development in the region, together with CROP agencies, and supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“Data visualisation has the power to bridge data and design, statistics and storytelling,” said Mr Peter Ellis, Director of SPC’s Statistics for Development Division. “Through this challenge, we want to make Pacific data more accessible, relatable, engaging and, ultimately, more useful—whether that’s for policy, research, advocacy or education.”
Winners from past years have gone on to present their work on international platforms and even launch new ventures. For example, Ms Fiona Umpa from Papua New Guinea, a 2024 winner, used her experience in the Challenge as a springboard to start her own data consulting business.
Supporting development through data
The competition is powered by the Pacific Data Hub, serving as a regional gateway to thousands of datasets and tools across population, trade, economies, climate change, education, energy, fisheries, health, human rights, youth and more. It supports evidence-based decision-making by providing open, trusted and timely information for, about and by the Pacific.
“Good data, well communicated, can inspire change,” said Mr Malcolm Fraser, Programme Manager for the Pacific Data Hub. “The Pacific Dataviz Challenge is one way we’re helping to unlock the value of data across the region—supporting informed, evidence-led decisions, innovative thinking and a greater understanding of the Pacific context across a wide range of thematic areas.”
From competition to community
The 2025 Pacific Dataviz Challenge officially opened with a livestreamed launch conference yesterday (3 June), with events in Suva, Nouméa and online taking place throughout the campaign period. The programme includes university workshops, dataviz webinars and other opportunities to engage.
To learn more about the Challenge, access the latest updates and view past winners’ work, visit: www.pacificdatavizchallenge.org
Note to media: For more information or resources on the 2025 Pacific Dataviz Challenge, contact Mr Ben Campion, Communications Adviser, Statistics for Development and the Pacific Data Hub, Pacific Community (SPC).
