Participation and Representation at the Pacific Education Ministers Conference (CPEM) 2025
By Roger George and Jimaima Julai - PAYA PNG Members
From March 18–20, 2025, we had the honour of representing the Pacific Australia Youth Association (PAYA) at the Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM), held at APEC Haus, Port Moresby. This event brought together education ministers from 18 Pacific nations, student leaders, youth advocates, and key stakeholders to address urgent educational priorities across the region. It was a milestone platform that allowed youth voices to be heard and considered in shaping education policies for the Blue Pacific Continent.
Purpose and Themes of the Conference
The conference aimed to foster regional collaboration to address challenges and drive transformation in the education sector. Discussions were guided by the Pacific Regional Education Framework and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. The central goal was to build inclusive, modern, and effective education systems that reflect the realities and aspirations of Pacific communities.
Key areas included:
Advancing equity across Pacific Island communities
Transforming education through flexible learning pathways
Driving education transformation through advocacy, knowledge sharing, and digitisation
Sustaining education transformation through partnerships and regionalism
Linking education to employment and economic pathways
Our Journey as PAYA Representatives
Roger George
As a delegate from PAYA, I actively participated in roundtable discussions focused on:
Transforming education through flexible learning pathways, and
Sustaining education transformation through partnerships and regionalism.
These sessions provided powerful insights into how Pacific education systems can adapt to diverse learner needs and strengthen regional cooperation.
I also volunteered as a rapporteur during the Youth & Student Forum, where I compiled and shared key discussion points with CPEM youth executives. This input contributed to the youth presentation on Youth-Driven Solutions for Pacific Education, particularly focusing on the theme of Education and Economic Pathways. It was incredibly fulfilling to support a session that echoed the real voices of students and young leaders across our region.
Jimaima Julai
My experience at CPEM was both transformative and empowering. As a PAYA delegate, I participated in preparatory sessions alongside youth leaders from the University of Papua New Guinea and Pacific Adventist University, where we developed our advocacy messages and education priorities.
During Roundtable 1 on Inclusive Education, led by Kiribati’s Minister of Education, I engaged in discussions about the challenges students with disabilities face in both urban and rural areas. Together, we identified barriers such as inadequate resources and a lack of teacher training and proposed inclusive solutions like curriculum adjustments and capacity-building programs for educators.
On March 19, I had the privilege of presenting to education ministers from 18 Pacific nations. My talk addressed critical education challenges, including:
Curriculum relevance
Teacher support
Funding for vocational education
Barriers to inclusivity
I proposed strategic reforms, such as equitable funding allocation, increased access to digital learning, and targeted teacher training.
Networking and Knowledge Sharing
Throughout the conference, we both had opportunities to engage with education ministers, youth leaders, and stakeholders from across the Pacific, including representatives from New Zealand. These exchanges were rich in knowledge-sharing and sparked potential for future collaborations focused on inclusive policy-making and youth engagement in education reforms.
A Celebration of Culture and Unity
The conference culminated in a closing dinner at the Hilton Port Moresby, where participants celebrated Pacific culture, diversity, and solidarity. It was a beautiful reminder that despite our different backgrounds and island nations, we are united by a shared vision: a brighter, stronger future for Pacific youth through education
Our Commitment
Roger George:
Representing PAYA at CPEM was a privilege and a turning point in my journey as a youth leader. I return with renewed motivation to continue advocating for flexible learning pathways and regional collaboration. I believe that empowered youth are key to transforming education systems for the better.
Jimaima Julai:
As a young woman passionate about leaving no one behind, CPEM reinforced my belief that real change starts from within. I am grateful to PAYA for the opportunity to be on the frontline of this movement. My goal is to graduate from UPNG with more than just a degree—I want to make an impact, touch lives, and represent a generation committed to hope and transformation.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Pacific Australia Youth Association Inc. for trusting us with this opportunity. Your support enabled us to grow, lead, and represent Papua New Guinea with pride.
Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and empowered Pacific education system—one that truly reflects the potential of its young people.
