From the establishment of the Colombo Plan in 1951 to the current Australia Awards program, education has been central to Australia's partnerships with the region. Our international scholarships have enabled more than 100,000 leaders to study in Australia or the Pacific and are a foundational feature of our bilateral relationships. Australia Awards will continue to contribute to development outcomes by investing in the education of a new generation of local leaders with strong links to Australia.

Following pandemic disruptions, we are rebuilding the Australia Awards program to ensure it remains competitive to attract future leaders. We will expand the mix of short and long-term study options as well as professional placements and leadership initiatives. Alongside the New Colombo Plan, this will help deepen individual and institution connections with our region.

The Women Leading and Influencing program is a Pacific-led initiative to support Pacific Australia Award's students and alumni build skills and networks to exercise leadership in their communities. We recognise gender equality in leadership matters and the crucial importance of women having a voice and participating in decision making.