Papua New Guinea
This month, academics throughout the Pacific Region gathered for the Sixth Pacific Islands Universities Regional Network (PIURN) Conference at the PNG University of Technology in Lae, demonstrating their commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing the region.
Australia Awards PNG, supported 12 PNG women academics to participate in this conference, which had the theme “Harnessing Technologies for the Safe and Sustainable Development of the Pacific.”
The 12 academics represented the University of Papua New Guinea, Divine Word University, Pacific Adventist University, PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment, and the University of Goroka. They presented their research abstracts, sharing Papua New Guinean perspectives, solutions and innovations, contributing to regional discussions and collaborations.
Their participation in this PIURN Conference carries deep significance; it encourages continuous professional development and knowledge sharing within their institutions, fostering a ripple effect of growth and innovation across the higher education sector.
By engaging in this regional event, these women are helping to elevate the quality of university systems and academic programs in PNG. They return to their institutions with more than just experience – they bring back fresh ideas, new partnerships, and renewed purpose to drive change through research, teaching, and community impact.
This also supports their own professional growth and fosters peer learning by encouraging them to share these experiences with colleagues.
Australia is proud to support PNG women in academia and strengthening PNG’s higher education sector by enhancing pathways for regional collaboration and leadership.