While the recently launched Pacific- Australia Skills program is primarily focused on three key areas to build a stronger skills system and developing skills for employment and collaboration of regional partnerships and learning, it also focuses on inclusion and resilience.

According to Ms. Lagaaia Lealilifano Easter Manila-Silipa, who is the Director Skills, Pacific Australia Skills, supporting inclusive skills development for women, youth and people with disabilities is one of the current and emerging areas of collaboration.

She told PNG HAUSBUNG that inclusive skills development is about creating a system that promotes inclusion, with training facilities that are easily accessible, adaptable, and responsive to meet specific needs.

An example Ms. Manila-Silipa referred to, is accessibility to the training tools, training facilities and training systems especially for people with disabilities.

She added that Pacific Australia Skills is not only about inclusion, but it also supports skills systems and training linked to sustainability and industries, especially with countries in the region that are affected by climate change and environmental challenges.

She said that it is a regional collaborative effort. That is why Pacific Australia Skills works closely with governments, training providers, industry and communities to respond to PNG's skills priorities, support labor market needs, and improve access to training.