From data to impact: the Pacific Dataviz Challenge empowers creatives, analysts, developers and designers to transform open data into visual insights that inform, inspire and drive change.

With just two weeks left to enter, the 2025 Pacific Dataviz Challenge is calling on participants across the region and beyond to transform open data into compelling visual insights. For everyone,student, data pro or creative, the Challenge is a chance to showcase skills and Pacific perspectives while competing for a share of $15,000 USD in prizes.

Now in its fourth year, the Challenge celebrates storytelling, design, innovation and technical skill in visualising Pacific open data. Open to all ages, backgrounds and skill levels, entries are accepted from individuals or teams. Submissions can be either static (such as posters or infographics) or interactive (like dashboards, apps or animations), with separate judging categories for each.

This year’s theme, ‘Blue Pacific 2050’, invites participants to explore the region’s shared vision for the future, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Entrants must use at least one dataset from the official list, hosted by the Pacific Data Hub, the region’s foremost open data platform.

“Pacific Islanders are custodians of nearly 20% of the Earth’s surface,” said Ms Manaini Rokovunisei, 2050 Team Leader with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, at the Challenge’s launch conference in June.

“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.”

The 2050 Strategy focuses on seven key areas, spanning themes including climate change, oceans, technology and people-centred development. A dedicated Blue Pacific 2050 Dashboard on the Pacific Data Hub helps data users navigate progress on these themes.

In 2025, more awards than ever will celebrate Pacific participation, including four prizes for Pacific participants with two set aside for Pacific youth.

“Data visualisation has the power to bridge data and design, statistics and storytelling,” said Mr Peter Ellis, Director of the Pacific Community (SPC)’s Statistics for Development Division.

“Through this challenge, we want to make Pacific data more accessible, relatable and useful—whether that’s for policy, research, advocacy or education.”

The Challenge is led by SPC and the Pacific Data Hub in partnership with regional CROP agencies and supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Past winners have gone on to present their work internationally and even launch new ventures—like 2024 Pacific winner Ms Fiona Umpa from Papua New Guinea, who used her experience to start a data consulting business.

“Good data, well communicated, can inspire change,” commented 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 decisions, innovative thinking and a deeper understanding of the Pacific context.”

Entries for the Pacific Dataviz Challenge close 30 July 2025. Learn more,and submit your entry at, www.pacificdatavizchallenge.org.

For more information on this story, contact Mr Ben Campion, Communications Adviser, Statistics for Development Division, Pacific Community (SPC).