The Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) has been officially confirmed as the host of the 35th Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) in 2026, marking a significant event for the region.
The annual SEOC, a vital policy and planning forum for the Department of Education, rotates between the nation's regions.
Bougainville will take up the hosting duty after the Islands Region stages the conference next year.
The official handover ceremony took place on September 26, where the SEOC 'baton' was symbolically passed to Bougainville during a vibrant cultural display led by representatives from the New Guinea Islands Region.
Ms. Dorethy Kenneth, Secretary for Bougainville Education, accepted the baton on behalf of AROB and conveyed her deep appreciation for the trust placed in her region.
“I thank Northern Province and my sister provinces for their support.”
“I stand here with the full backing of the Autonomous Bougainville Government to ensure we deliver a successful 35th SEOC in 2026.”
The announcement follows the successful staging of the 34th SEOC in Popondetta, Northern Province (Southern Region), which hosted this year's event.
Meanwhile, representing the Northern Governor at the handover, member for Ijivitari David Arore, extended his gratitude to the organizers, teachers, and students who contributed to the 34th SEOC’s success.
He highlighted the broader benefits the conference brought to the host province.
“The conference has brought great benefits to Northern Province, not only in education but also economically, with local businesses, craft markets, and SMEs earning valuable income from visiting participants.”
The Senior Education Officers Conference serves as a key annual event for the Department of Education, bringing together Provincial Education Advisors, planners, and senior officers from across the country.
Moreover, the conference is a critical platform for policy development, strategic planning, and strengthening communication from the national level down to the local level of government.
The 34th SEOC focused on discussing challenges, reviewing progress, and developing pathways aligned with the National Education Plan 2020–2029.
Bougainville’s opportunity to host the 35th SEOC in 2026 is expected to put a national spotlight on the region while providing a significant opportunity to contribute to national education strategy.
