A New Chapter for Education in PNG: Official Launch of the GPE ‘TOGETHER’ Programme

The TOGETHER Programme, supported through the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) System Transformation Grant and System Capacity Grant, totalling USD 12.18 million, was launched on 25 February 2026 in Port Moresby. The programme is the outcome of an Education Compact, through which JICA, as the Coordinating Agency, contributed to formulation of the Compact. Based on this Compact, UNICEF, as the Grant Agent, developed the programme in collaboration with other development partners. The programme aims to drive key education reforms across Papua New Guinea.

The launch brought together senior government officials, development partners, NGOs and education stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Department of Treasury, National Planning, Australia High Commission, UNICEF, World Bank, ADB, JICA, and civil society organizations.

During the event, the Coordinating Agency—represented by Mr. MATSUOKA Hideaki, Chief Representative of JICA PNG—delivered the opening remarks, noting that the launch marks an important step forward in the country’s continued shift toward a more coordinated, systemwide transformation of the education sector. UNICEF’s Acting Representative for PNG, Mr. Vikas Singh, further highlighted the significance of the programme, stating that “this grant is about building an education system that sustains progress, protects investments, and brings partners together across sectors to deliver lasting results for every child.”

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Hadi Khan from the visiting Global Partnership for Education mission emphasized the importance of collective reform efforts, noting that “by strengthening core systems such as teacher management, curriculum delivery, and sector planning, the country lays the foundation for lasting improvements in learning,” underscoring the vital role of strong partnerships in transforming the education landscape.

The ‘TOGETHER’ Programme focuses on strengthening key education systems—improving teacher workforce quality, supporting the roll-out of the 1-6-6 school restructuring, enhancing curriculum implementation under the National Education Plan 2020–2029, and reinforcing gender-responsive planning and data use across all provinces.

A key feature of the launch was the joint signing of the GPE System Transformation Grant, symbolizing the unified commitment of partners to support sustainable and impactful education reforms. Remarks from the Government of PNG were delivered by the Deputy Secretary for Education, Ms. Sabati Mero, highlighting the significance of the investment in advancing national priorities and improving student outcomes.

The ‘TOGETHER’ Programme aims to ensure that children across PNG not only attend school but also learn effectively, develop foundational skills and thrive in safe and supportive learning environments. The initiative marks a major step forward in strengthening the education system and supporting long-term, system-wide transformation.