The President of COM-FSM Presents at the 26th Consultation Meeting of the Pacific Heads of Education Systems

Title of Presentation: “The Future of Higher Education: Transforming Higher Education for a Resilient and Empowered Pacific”

The President of the College of Micronesia-FSM (COM-FSM), Dr. Theresa Koroivulaono delivered a compelling presentation at the 26th Consultation Meeting of the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES), on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at the COM-FSM National Campus in Palikir, Pohnpei. Addressing Pacific Island regional education leaders, the President’s presentation, titled “The Future of Higher Education: Transforming Higher Education for a Resilient and Empowered Pacific,” emphasized the need for access, innovation, resilience and adaptability in higher education to meet the evolving challenges of the Pacific region.

The presentation highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in preparing students for a rapidly changing world, with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and community resilience. The President underscored the importance of integrating technology into educational frameworks to enhance accessibility,  successful learning outcomes and work-ready graduates. Additionally, the presentation called for greater and intentional collaboration among Pacific nations to ensure that higher education remains relevant and responsive to the needs of island communities.

A key theme of the presentation was resilience—both in terms of institutional adaptability and preparing students with the skills necessary to thrive in an uncertain future. The President advocated for curriculum innovations that align with national and regional economic priorities, environmental sustainability, and indigenous knowledge systems, ensuring that higher education in the Pacific is both globally competitive and deeply rooted in local cultures and values.

The consultation meeting provided an invaluable platform for Pacific education leaders to exchange ideas and discuss strategies for strengthening education systems across the region. COM-FSM remains committed to fostering academic and student excellence, and contributing to the sustainable development of the Pacific.