Inspiring Dialogue and Learning through the JICA Chair Initiative

　Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the JICA PNG Office and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 2022, this year’s program marks its fifth year of implementation. As part of the 2026 JICA Chair Program, Dr. KAYASHIMA Nobuko, Senior Research Advisor at the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, visited PNG from 6–8 May 2026 as a guest lecturer.

　With her extensive background and expertise in education, Dr. Kayashima’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to contribute to discussions on improving education in PNG. Her lectures focused on Japan’s modernization experience—particularly the modernization of its education system—and explored lessons that may be relevant to the PNG context.

　On 6 May, a courtesy call was paid to the Dean’s Office of the UPNG School of Humanities and Social Sciences, where UPNG and the JICA Chair Team discussed the future development of the program and potential areas for strengthening JICA–UPNG collaboration. On 7 May, a JICA Chair side event was conducted at the Department of Education and attended by departmental representatives keen to learn about approaches to strengthening education systems. On the same day, the JICA Chair side event was held at Bomana Sacred Heart Teachers’ College, where Dr Kayashima delivered a lecture to third-year trainee teachers.

　On 8 May, the JICA Chair was held at UPNG and attended by more than eighty (80) students and faculty members from the Political Science strand, along with other interested participants from across the university. The session was graced by UPNG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Findlay, who acknowledged the strong collaboration between JICA and UPNG through the JICA Chair and encouraged further strengthening of the program in the future.

　Throughout the three days lectures, participants actively engaged in discussions, raising questions on how PNG could learn from Japan’s education system to enhance its own. These exchanges underscored the shared recognition of education as a critical foundation for national development in Papua New Guinea.

　JICA will continue to support efforts to develop and expand quality education in Papua New Guinea.