The second Pacific Education Ministers’ Conference (CPEM 2025) concluded last week in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, under the theme "Transforming Education for a Better Pacific." This conference was jointly hosted by the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Papua New Guinea through the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), marking a significant collaborative effort.
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03-26, 2025This high-level meeting brought together education ministers, senior government officials, educators, development partners, civil society organizations, and policymakers from across the Pacific region, with the aim of addressing key educational priorities within the Pacific to achieve the goals of PacREF and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The discussions focused on actionable strategies for improving educational outcomes and fostering regional cooperation.
As a co-host, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific, commended the renewed commitment to transforming education in the Pacific that was evident at the conference. He stated, "I am particularly proud of the spirit of collaboration and the concrete steps outlined in the Port Moresby Declaration. I sincerely thank the Ministers of Education from across the Blue Pacific for their profound insights and their unwavering dedication to advancing education in our region."
Professor Ahluwalia further noted, "The focus on teacher support, the protection of indigenous knowledge, and the responsible use of technology while safeguarding Pacific cultures reflects our shared vision for a better future for learners in the region. The University of the South Pacific is fully committed to supporting the implementation of the Declaration's key recommendations and looks forward to continued collaboration with regional stakeholders to achieve these ambitious goals." This commitment underscores the university's dedication to fostering educational advancement throughout the Pacific.
The "Port Moresby Declaration on Transforming Education for a Better Pacific" emphasized key priorities, including enhancing teacher quality and well-being, promoting indigenous knowledge and culture, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into education. Education ministers also discussed inclusive education, support for children with special needs, and the importance of early childhood education. The conference advocated for vocational training models and highlighted the intersection between education and health.
The education ministers also agreed to present the outcomes of CPEM 2025 at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, which will be held in the Solomon Islands in September 2025. This presentation will provide an opportunity to further elevate the importance of education within the broader regional agenda.
