NE North Dakota News

The University of North Dakota (UND) has formalized a partnership with the Papua New Guinea STEM Program, aiming to expand educational opportunities for students from Papua New Guinea in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. The agreement was marked by a signing ceremony on August 25 at UND, attended by Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Education, Lucas Dawa Dekena, and Uke Kombra, permanent secretary for Education.

“It was an honor to welcome the education delegation from Papua New Guinea to UND for this important signing ceremony,” said Eric Link, UND provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “This partnership serves as a bridge between our communities and cultures and reflects our shared commitment to advancing STEM education. UND is proud to join Papua New Guinea’s vision of preparing the next generation of innovators, scientists and leaders.”

Papua New Guinea’s STEM program is supported by its Department of Education and offers scholarships that enable top students to study abroad in areas crucial for national development. Students participating in the program are placed at universities across several countries including the United States, Australia, India, and China.

UND began hosting students from Papua New Guinea last fall with an initial group of 16. This year, seven more students have joined the university community. With these additions, UND now enrolls students from 98 different countries.

“This formal partnership with the Papua New Guinea STEM program reinforces UND’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and supporting the educational aspirations of students worldwide,” said Manuela Gabriel, director of the UND International Center.

“We are excited to provide Papua New Guinea students with comprehensive resources and opportunities to excel in STEM fields, ensuring they return home equipped to drive innovation and become the next leaders in their communities. This collaboration is one of the examples of how UND creates lasting global impact and strengthens the bonds between our institution and nations around the globe.”

The initiative supports long-term goals set by Papua New Guinea for economic diversification and workforce development while contributing to a diverse learning environment at UND. As North Dakota’s flagship university recognized for its leadership in STEM education and research, UND offers access to faculty expertise, research experiences, and advanced facilities.

According to UND’s Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, this partnership highlights both UND's role as a destination for global STEM education and its commitment to preparing students—locally and internationally—for future roles in engineering, science, and innovation.