The University of Goroka (UoG) in the Eastern Highlands province is set to host the inaugural Pacific Teacher Challenge Conference from July 5th to 7th, 2025. This landmark event, the first of its kind for UoG and a significant gathering for the Pacific, aims to address the critical challenges faced by educators across the region, particularly those in rural and remote areas. "This important event brings together teachers, educators, university leaders, policymakers, and researchers from across the Pacific," stated Dr. Jane Awi, Executive Director for Somare Research Institute and the Chairlady for the inaugural Pacific Teacher Education Conference. "Our focus is on the real challenges that teachers face, especially working in rural and remote areas, in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. The goal of this conference is to improve how teachers are trained and supported across PNG rural communities and our region." The Pacific Teacher Education Conference is a key initiative aligned with the University’s Corporate and Strategic Plan 2023-2027. A primary objective of this plan is to strengthen UoG's teacher training programs and enhance the quality of education provided to future educators. Hosting this conference is seen as a crucial step towards achieving this vision. A major outcome of the conference will be the development of a specific declaration on teacher education. This declaration will outline essential actions needed to improve teacher education programs in PNG and other Pacific Island nations. The findings will be shared with key policymakers and stakeholders, including the Teaching Service Commission, the Department of Education, university leaders, deans of education, and other regional education partners. Dr. Awi said, the conference boasts significant international backing, notably from UNESCO, the global agency dedicated to improving education systems worldwide. A keynote speaker from UNESCO headquarters in Paris is expected to attend. “Strong partnerships with Beijing Normal University and the UNESCO International Research Center for Rural Education (INRULED) are also highlighted. UoG has an ongoing collaboration with Beijing Normal University and several other Chinese universities, aiming to integrate best practices and innovative teaching methods into PNG’s education system. The Chinese government has provided both financial and technical support for this partnership, marking a first for UoG and signifying a shared vision between Papua New Guinea and China to collaborate through education.” A significant outcome planned for the conference is the launch of a Pacific network of deans of education. This network aims to foster ongoing connections, idea sharing, and mutual support among universities across the Pacific, with the intention of making it a regular feature of future conferences. This year’s theme is “Pacific Teacher Challenges”, focusing on the tough realities teachers face in remote areas. Future conferences will look at other key education topics, and follow-up research will be carried out based on this year’s findings. Many universities from the Pacific region will attend, including those from Samoa, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. For the first time, eight rural PNG teachers—two from each region—will also take part. Their stories will help guide future teacher training strategies. “These teachers represent all levels of education, from primary to secondary, and schools of excellence.”