The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) have renewed their landmark partnership, reaffirming a shared commitment to strengthening economics and public policy education in PNG.
Backed by the Australian Government, the new 4-year agreement builds on a collaboration established in 2015 that has become one of the most successful higher education partnerships between PNG and Australia.
In the decade of partnership, ANU scholars have taught at UPNG and high-achieving UPNG students have received scholarships and other support to study at ANU. During this time, the number of students enrolled at UPNG’s School of Business and Public Policy has climbed from less than 200 to around 1200, and the number of courses on offer has grown from 5 to 25.
“Too often we celebrate announcements and new initiatives, but today we can celebrate a decade of achievements, as well as looking forward to another 4 years of the same,” said Professor Stephen Howes, Director of the ANU Development Policy Centre.
Among the beneficiaries is Joanne Cecil, a former dux from Milne Bay who never imagined her studies would take her to Port Moresby, let alone to Canberra. Yet, earlier this year, Joanne was one of 10 UPNG students selected to attend ANU’s Crawford School of Public Policy Summer School.
“My time at the summer school challenged me to see Papua New Guinea as part of a much larger global community. It encouraged me to think out of the box and broaden my perspective,” said Joanne who plans to pursue further studies and a career in public policy.
The partnership has improved teaching quality, expanded research capacity, and produced graduates now serving in key national institutions.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commission, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Ewen McDonald, highlighted the importance of the partnership in building academic excellence and strengthening ties between the two countries.
“The launch is another step forward in the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia,” Mr McDonald said. “It reflects the values we share - excellence in education, mutual respect, equality of opportunity, and the genuine belief in the power of knowledge to transforms lives and countries.”
“As we launch the next phase, let us recommit to walking side by side, step by step, so that more students, more researchers, and more institutions can benefit from this collaboration for years ahead.”
By linking PNG students to international best practice and supporting local teaching, the ANU-UPNG partnership is equipping graduates with the skills to drive evidence-based decision-making and contribute to long-term national development.
ENDS
Ten UPNG School of Business and Public Policy students were welcomed at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby Following their successful completion of the ANU-UPNG Summer School Program in Canberra earlier this year.
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