From the village of Nanuku on Malo Island, Vanuatu, to the global arena of diplomacy and international affairs, Lorenzo Moli’s academic and professional journey is a compelling story of service, resilience, and lifelong learning.
Moli began his education at Peterpan Private School in Vanuatu before transitioning to a government school in Port Vila. He later completed his secondary education at Saint Patrick’s College in Ambae, where his early interest in justice, governance, and leadership began to take shape.
That passion led him to The University of the South Pacific (USP), Emalus Campus, where he completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB), graduating in 2015. Determined to translate theory into practice, Moli went on to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Since 2017, Moli has served as an Assistant Solicitor at the Public Solicitor’s Office in Vanuatu, where he spent over seven years working at the frontline of the justice system. In this role, he represented vulnerable and marginalised clients, including individuals facing criminal charges, victims of domestic violence, and those unable to afford private legal representation.
His work extended beyond courtrooms, often involving community outreach, legal awareness sessions, and supporting access to justice in rural and remote communities. Moli was involved in preparing and arguing cases across various levels of the judicial system, strengthening his advocacy, research, and negotiation skills.
One of the most impactful aspects of his role was seeing how law intersected with broader societal challenges, including governance, human rights, regional cooperation, and international obligations. These experiences deepened his awareness that many legal issues faced by Pacific communities are influenced by global political, economic, and diplomatic forces.
Mentorship from senior solicitors and exposure to complex cases with regional and international dimensions played a significant role in shaping his next academic step.
“Working in public service showed me that law does not exist in isolation. Many of the challenges we face locally are connected to regional and global dynamics, and I wanted to better understand that bigger picture,” Moli shared.
Driven by a strong interest in global affairs, current events, and international relations, Moli made the bold decision to return to academia and pursue a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Affairs at USP through a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship.
“I am a news enthusiast, and it has always been my passion to broaden my understanding of diplomacy and international affairs, especially to better understand the events and issues happening around us,” he said.
The Manaaki Scholarship is among the most comprehensive and competitive opportunities available in the Pacific, particularly in Vanuatu, and enabled Moli to specialise in a field beyond his original legal background. Moli saw a strong link between his law training and his postgraduate studies.
“My legal background gave me a solid foundation in critical thinking, analysis, and understanding governance frameworks. Diplomacy and international affairs build on that by looking at how laws, policies, and negotiations operate between states and regions. The two disciplines complement each other, especially for small island nations like ours.”
Now equipped with both legal and diplomatic expertise, Moli aspires to contribute to regional and international policy spaces, particularly in areas such as foreign service, regional cooperation, governance, and development diplomacy. He hopes to play a role in advancing Pacific interests on global platforms while continuing to serve Vanuatu and the wider region.
Moli credits USP for shaping both his personal and professional growth.
“My journey was not an easy one, but it shaped the person I am today. I give all the credit to USP, which helped me better understand and appreciate the Pasifika community, especially through our shared Melanesian heritage. It also taught me resilience, how to adapt to challenges, and to embrace the mindset of learning, unlearning, and relearning.”
As a USP alumnus, he highlights the importance of collaborative learning, cultural diversity, and maintaining a positive mindset. Actively engaging in group discussions and study sessions helped him navigate complex global issues, while viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failure.
Moli’s biggest supporters throughout his education and career journey are his family. He is the eldest of six siblings. His father, Kalvau Moli, is a former Member of Parliament and journalist, while his mother, Hillary Moli, is a full-time housewife.
He also credits his partner, Liah Carlot, and their daughter, Lenora Daisy, for their unwavering encouragement and support during his studies.
For future students considering their next step, USP remains a gateway to knowledge, personal growth, and regional impact.
Apply now for Semester 1, 2026 studies via www.usp.ac.fj/apply