SPC launches the 2026 Pacific Dataviz Challenge, inviting data-driven stories on climate change issues
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 1 June 2026 – The Pacific Community (SPC) has launched the 5th edition of the Pacific Dataviz Challenge, a regional competition that brings together students, creatives, data analysts and professionals to transform Pacific data into compelling visual stories.
Now in its fifth edition, the Pacific Dataviz Challenge continues to grow as a leading platform for data storytelling in the region. Open to participants of all ages and skill levels, the competition encourages the use of open data—particularly from the Pacific Data Hub—to create impactful visualisations that inform, engage and inspire.
The 2026 theme, Climate Change, invites participants to explore one of the most pressing challenges facing the Pacific. Entrants will be encouraged to highlight climate-related issues such as changing land use, greenhouse gas emissions, ocean and temperature anomalies, environmental policies, and natural resource management using data-driven storytelling.
Participants may submit either static entries (infographics, posters) or interactive projects (dashboards, apps, animations) and can compete individually or in teams. The competition offers a share of more than USD $15,000 in prizes, including dedicated awards for Pacific Island participants and youth.
Solomon Islands success inspiring new opportunities
The Solomon Islands has a strong presence in the Pacific Dataviz Challenge through the achievements of past participants and a 2026 judge.
In 2025, Solomon Islander Crispin Laka received a Highly Commended distinction for his project “Visualising Digital Access Across the Blue Pacific”, a data visualisation exploring digital connectivity, internet access and inclusion across 16 Pacific countries and territories. Mr Laka used his success in last year’s competition to start his own business, highlighting the role of the Challenge in fostering capability and innovation.
The Solomon Islands are also represented in the 2026 Challenge jury through Eddie Trevor Osifelo, Deputy Editor and Weekend Editor of the Solomon Star, who joins this year’s panel of judges. His participation reflects the growing importance of journalism, storytelling and public communication in making Pacific data more accessible and meaningful.
Empowering Pacific voices through data
Led by the Pacific Community (SPC) in collaboration with regional partners and supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Challenge aims to strengthen data literacy, support evidence-based decision-making and amplify Pacific perspectives globally.
Through workshops, webinars and community engagement activities held throughout the campaign period, participants will have opportunities to build skills, connect with peers and contribute to meaningful regional conversations.
The Challenge has so far inspired hundreds of participants to engage with data, tell compelling stories and share Pacific perspectives with the world. Winners have gone on to present their work on international platforms and even launch new ventures. As well as cash prizes, the top award this year includes funded participation in an international conference “Visualising Climate” in Italy.
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