The second Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM 2025) concluded last week in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea under the theme Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific.
The University of the South Pacific (USP) co-hosted the event alongside PNG via the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF).
The high-level conference brought together Education Ministers from the Pacific, senior government officials, educators, development partners, civil society organisations, and policymakers to address key education priorities within the Pacific toward the goals of PacREF and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Co-host and Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Pal Ahluwalia commended the renewed commitment to transforming Pacific education that was highlighted at the meeting.
I am particularly proud of the collaborative spirit and the concrete steps outlined in the Port Moresby Declaration.
I extend my sincere gratitude to the Education Ministers from across our Blue Pacific for their insightful contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing education in our region.
The focus on teacher support, indigenous knowledge preservation, and leveraging technology responsibly, while safeguarding Pacific cultures, demonstrates a shared vision for a brighter future for our region’s learners.
USP is fully committed to supporting the implementation of the Declaration’s key recommendations and looks forward to continued partnership with regional stakeholders to achieve these ambitious goals.
Professor Ahluwalia
The Port Moresby Declaration on Transforming Edukesen for a Better Pacific highlighted key priorities that included enhancing teacher quality and wellbeing, promoting indigenous knowledge and culture, and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ICT in education.
Inclusive education, support for children with special needs, and the importance of early childhood education were focus areas discussed by the Education Ministers.
The conference advocated for vocational training models and stressed 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 to be held in September 2025, in the Solomon Islands.