30th May 2018 Pacific Islands Forum Education Ministers have endorsed in principle a new Pacific Regional Education Framework, which will guide regional education policy and strategies until 2030. Meeting in Nauru,
Education Ministers discussed the current state of education and education policy across the region. They looked at how the Pacific can move forward together to address their commitments to the global education agenda.
The Pacific Regional Education Framework identifies four priority policy areas, including: ensuring the quality and relevance of what is taught; continuous development to support the teaching profession; prioritising student outcomes and wellbeing; and learning pathways that empower all Pacific islanders to equally enjoy the benefits of education without barriers.
The President of Nauru, H.E Baron Divavesi Waqa opened the meeting last Thursday, and emphasised the critical role of Education Ministers in shaping the future policies and direction of education at the national and regional levels.
President Waqa also highlighted 2018 being a special year to host the Education Ministers meeting as it coincides with the 50th celebration of Nauru’s independence, and adds to the build up to the 49th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting which Nauru will host in early September.
Nauru’s Minister for Education and Meeting Chair, Hon. Charmaine Scotty said Ministers have an important role to shape policy directions in education in their own countries and outlined that Nauru had embarked on certain education reforms to improve education access at all levels to their students.
Donors and development partners showed their support to the new Framework and committed to focusing and aligning their support to actions and programmes outlined in it.
The Pacific Regional Education Framework will be launched later this year.
