IEA PNG HOST WEEK-LONG 50TH ANNIVERSARY WHOLE AGENCY CONFERENCE

CAPTION: Some of the IEA International school teachers at Koroboro International School

BY SHARON AGAVI

THE International Education Agency (IEA) of Papua New Guinea is proudly celebrating 50 years of education, growth, service, and transformation.

As part of this historic milestone, more than 300 IEA teachers from schools across PNG gathered in Port Moresby for the 50th Anniversary Whole Agency Conference, running from 8–12 June 2026.

Under the theme “Forward Focused Education: Inspire. Innovate. Lead.”, the conference focuses on celebrating IEA’s shared journey, strengthening professional learning, and inspiring the future of education across all IEA schools. Together, educators are honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to the next 50 years of learning and leadership.

The conference officially opened on Monday at Koroboro International School’s Koro Campus, bringing together teachers and staff from all 17 IEA International Schools and the IEA College of TAFE.

Mrs. Florence Sormern, Deputy Principal of Gordon International School, noted that the conference kicked off with great energy.

Guests on the opening ceremony were the IEA Director of Education, Dr. Cherie Litwiller and the IEA CEO Neal Mather who delivered an inspiring address on “IEA at 50,” reflecting on the organization’s rich journey and its future trajectory.

According to Mrs. Sormern, Monday’s professional learning sessions began with Australian-based educators from Using Technology Better (UTB), focusing on Microsoft 365, digital tools, communication, and collaboration.

Today, on day two of the event, participants are engaging in specialized breakout sessions run by various appointed facilitators, including curriculum advisors, UTB representatives, and other overseas guests.

The week-long conference workshops are being hosted across three venues, Koroboro International School, Port Moresby International School (POMIS) and Ela Murray International School.

Mrs. Sormern emphasized that this event is also an exciting time for the educators, marking the first time all IEA teachers and TAFE staff have come together nationally to reunite with former colleagues and network with new ones.

“What we are truly valuing is the collaboration, which is why it is called a whole agency conference,” Mrs. Sormern said.

The teachers are looking forward to a week of robust learning, equipping themselves with the enhanced tools and strategies needed to best support their learners.

Meantime the week-long celebrations will conclude with an official closing ceremony on Friday at the Ela Murray International School.