UNESCO World Education Blog, titled Technology and Education in the Pacific: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities, has just been published. OCIES executives and members are honoured to contribute to this important discussion.
27 August 2025
By: Philip Wing Keung Chan, Monash University, Grace Xuecong Ji, Monash University and Alexandra McCormick, The University of Sydney
The Pacific region, spanning 17 culturally diverse and geographically dispersed nations, offers a unique context for integrating technology into education. From the mountainous terrains of Papua New Guinea to the coral atolls of Kiribati, education systems across the region are harnessing technology to improve access, equity, and quality. However, as the 2024 GEM Regional Report for the Pacific highlights, these efforts must address significant challenges, including infrastructure limitations, cultural diversity, and sustainability.
Guided by the Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF), Pacific nations emphasise four key pillars for technology in education: quality and relevance; learning pathways; student outcomes and well-being; and the teaching profession. This article explores how these pillars shape the region’s approach, framed by an oceanic perspective that values collaboration, adaptability and cultural preservation.
