Originally published by Solomon Islands National University.

Last week Pūhoro Manahautū Kemp Reweti and Pou Mātauranga Ani Ruwhiu participated in a two-day International Education Conference with the theme, “Rethinking Solomon Islands Education for a Sustainable Future,” at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Panatina Campus. The conference is organized by SINU in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) with the support of DFAT Australia.

This event marks a historic first for SINU and MEHRD, as they host an international education conference that has attracted speakers and participants both nationally and internationally.

The conference aimed to analyze the current education system, explore global best practices, highlight education’s role in sustainable development, propose strategies for equity and access, foster collaborations among stakeholders, and present studies on sustainable education.

The Minister for Education Tozen Leokana officially opened the conference urging participants to fully engage in the historical and timely conference moving forward.

Minister Leokana thanked SINU and MEHRD for their collaborative efforts, which resulted in the successful staging of the event, attracting over 400 participants. He also expressed gratitude to DFAT Australia and New Zealand for supporting this significant educational initiative, noting the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) always backs such efforts.

SINU Vice Chancellor (VC) Professor Transform Aqorau delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the critical need to rethink and reshape the education system. He stated, “Today, we stand at a pivotal crossroads in the history of the Solomon Islands, where the need to rethink and reshape our education system has never been more critical.”

“Our current educational framework, though built on solid foundations, requires a transformative vision to meet the demands of an ever-evolving world.”

“We must reimagine an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and resilience in our students.”

“This vision demands that we incorporate modern pedagogical approaches, integrate indigenous knowledge, and embrace innovative technologies to create a holistic and inclusive learning environment that prepares our young people for the complexities of the future.”

“The urgency of this transformation cannot be overstated. Our nation faces unprecedented challenges that threaten our way of life and the well-being of future generations.”

Kemp and Ani presented on the methods Pūhoro uses to address the underrepresentation of Māori in STEM, and the importance of indigenous knowledge in these fields.