The Pacific Heads of Education Systems Steering Committee (PHES-SC) convened in a meeting at Tokatoka Resort, Nadi, Fiji on August 7-8, 2023, and made significant decisions and resolutions regarding the PacREF programme.
Hosted by the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) Facilitating Unit (PFU) at the University of the South Pacific, the PHES-SC brought together educational leaders from the Pacific nations to deliberate on key issues related to the PacREF implementation.
Highlighting the significance of harmonising national, regional, and global initiatives, the Chair, Dr Tufoua Panapa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of Tuvalu lauded the remarkable progress achieved under Phase 1 of the PacREF programme.
“Our commitment to aligning PacREF with national education sector plans is pivotal in shaping a cohesive educational landscape,” Dr Panapa said.
“This collaborative approach ensures education remains responsive to diverse Pacific needs while fostering a shared regional identity.”
Recognising the need for resilient education policies amidst political changes, the PHES-SC discussions explored strategies to shield education from political influences, ensuring stability and consistency.
Dr Panapa affirmed, “Education’s resilience relies on policies that transcend political shifts, safeguarding a nurturing and consistent learning environment for Pacific people.”
The PHES-SC also welcomed progress updates from the PFU and Implementing Agencies (IAs), shedding light on Phase 1 implementation, monitoring and evaluation efforts, IA activities, and the disbursement status of funding facilitated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Of paramount importance were discussions about the funding of the PacREF Programme by the GPE, including approvals for a no-cost extension of the current GPE ESPIG funds and strategic agreements concerning the Regional Priority Reform and the utilisation of the available regional Systems Capacity Grant (SCG) from GPE.
The PHES-SC also discussed valuable inputs from diverse partners, including PacREF IAs, development partners, and donors.
The closed session concluded with decisions emphasising continuity, adaptation, and innovation in Phase 2 of PacREF, showcasing a resolute commitment to uplifting Pacific education through cultural integration, technological empowerment, and strategic planning.
PFU Coordinator, Mr Filipe Jitoko, commended the PHES-SC for their ambitious vision for education in the Pacific.
“As the Pacific region joins forces to shape a brighter educational future, the PHES- SC’s deliberations resonate with hope and purpose,” he said.
“The outcomes of this meeting propel the PacREF journey forward, promising a stronger foundation for learning, growth, and sustainable development across the Pacific nations as we work towards Phase 2 of the PacREF implementation.”
The PHES-SC representatives from Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, and the Solomon Islands attended the meeting.
