NDSU partners with Papua New Guinea for STEM education
The collaboration reflects NDSU’s land-grant mission of extending knowledge globally while giving international students the tools and support they need to succeed.
A delegation from Papua New Guinea, led by the country’s minister of education, recently visited NDSU to explore opportunities for collaboration in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
The group included Lucas Dekena, education minister, Dr. Uke Kombra, secretary for education and STEM curriculum officer, Dr. Clement Waine, along with senior advisors and staff. During their visit, the delegation toured campus, met with faculty and administrators, and signed a memorandum of understanding with NDSU to strengthen academic ties.
“NDSU is honored to welcome the Papua New Guinea delegation and the minister of education to our campus, along with the first cohort of 15 students,” said NDSU Provost David Bertolini. “We are committed to building a strong, long-term partnership with PNG that prepares students for high-demand careers in STEM, agriculture and business. Looking ahead, we envision expanding student participation, creating opportunities for mutual faculty exchanges and developing impactful research collaborations.
“Together, NDSU and PNG can foster a partnership that advances education, innovation, and opportunity for both our communities.”
The agreement is part of Papua New Guinea’s new national initiative to send top students abroad for advanced training in STEM fields. Fifteen students from Papua New Guinea are enrolled at NDSU this fall as first-year students, marking the beginning of a potential long-term partnership.
The MOU was formally signed by Dekena during the visit. NDSU President David Cook, who was traveling at the time, is expected to soon add his signature.
Bertolini said the partnership also reflects NDSU’s land-grant mission of extending knowledge globally while giving international students the tools and support they need to succeed. The International Student and Study Abroad Services office has coordinated efforts to welcome and support the first cohort of Papua New Guinean students.
Delegates emphasized their commitment to sending additional groups of students in the years ahead, citing NDSU’s strong reputation in agriculture, engineering and applied sciences.