PM MARAPE OPENS PACIFIC EDUCATION MINISTERS FORUM
By Naomi TAKOMA
The 2025 Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) was officially opened last night at Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby by Prime Minister James Marape, reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s commitment to regional education development.
Welcoming delegates from 19 Pacific nations, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening education systems. He acknowledged the effort and dedication of ministers who traveled to attend the conference, highlighting the last time an equivalent forum was held was in 2010.
“Our strength lies in our diversity, and through education, we can empower our people to contribute meaningfully to our economies,” Marape said.
He stressed the need for Pacific nations to standardize their education qualifications to ensure graduates from PNG and across the region can find employment anywhere in the Pacific.
“Our vision is to make Papua New Guinea’s tertiary education qualifications recognized and competitive, so our graduates can work not just in PNG but across the Pacific,” he stated.
He called on regional partners like Australia and New Zealand to support Pacific institutions, such as the University of the South Pacific and local universities, to achieve world-class education standards.
The conference continues this week, with discussions centered on improving access, quality, and innovation in education to support the region’s future workforce.
