RECENT bilateral talks between Papua New Guinean Prime Minister, James Marape and New Zealand Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, centered on education, skills development, labour mobility, aviation and regional development.
The meeting took place on the margins of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau this week.
Prime Minister Marape said his government aims to raise PNG’s education standards to levels comparable to those in Australia and New Zealand.
“We want Papua New Guineans graduating from our schools, colleges and universities to possess qualifications and skills that allow them to compete successfully in the global labour market,” said Prime Minister Marape.
He said Papua New Guinea will be investing more than K11 billion in education interventions over the next 10 years, including improvements in early childhood learning, primary and secondary education, and vocational and technical training.
His government is also working with churches to strengthen early childhood education while maintaining a standard national curriculum.
“We must invest properly in education and skills so that our young people can secure meaningful employment at home and overseas,” said Marape.
In response, the New Zealand Prime Minister outlined New Zealand’s reforms in literacy, mathematics, school attendance, teacher development and vocational education.
PM Luxon offered to facilitate further discussions between the two countries’ education ministers and share New Zealand’s experience in strengthening foundational learning and introducing vocational training at secondary-school level.
The offer was welcomed by Marape, and the PNG Prime Minister proposed a more closer coordination among Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Australia on education standards, technical training and future workforce requirements
Marape further commented on pacific island countries to remain together and emphasized that the pacific region should have a united front against global fragility, geopolitical competition, wars, economic pressures and trade disruptions by standing together.
“We cannot change our geography. Whether we like it or not, we are part of this region forever. That is why the architecture of the Blue Pacific Continent matters. The challenges facing our region compel us to remain united,” said Marape.
The discussions also touched on the Labor Mobility Programs run by the New Zealand government.
Prime Minister Luxon said New Zealand remained open to exploring further labour mobility opportunities while ensuring participating Pacific countries did not lose workers needed in essential domestic sectors.
“New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme also provided agricultural training to participating Pacific workers, enabling them to return home with practical skills and experience, “said Lxon.
Marape thanked the New Zealand Government for the opportunities already being provided to Papua New Guineans and said more Papua New Guineans continue to seek such opportunities abroad.
Marape added that the planned direct flight from Port Moresby to Auckland would further strengthen business, tourism, sporting and people-to-people links between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
“We are building stronger connectivity between our two countries, and the Port Moresby–Auckland service will help open new opportunities. We hope to see more New Zealanders visiting Papua New Guinea for business, tourism and major sporting events.”
The leaders also discussed Papua New Guinea’s entry into Australia’s National Rugby League competition in 2028, and the strong following rugby league enjoys in both countries.
