Non-School Leavers Online Selection for PNG Universities and Colleges (Start 2024 for 2025 Inake)

In a move to improve fairness and accessibility in higher education, Papua New Guinea's universities and colleges will be transitioning to an online selection system for non-school leavers starting in 2025. This reform aims to address past concerns about a selection process that lacked transparency and consistency. 

Previously, universities and colleges held individual responsibility for selecting non-school leavers, which created a system prone to irregularities. This included a lack of centralized quotas and the potential for non-registered institutions to make arbitrary selections. 

Benefits of the Online System

The new online system, integrated with the National Online Selection System (NOSS) and National Online Application System (NOAS), offers several advantages:

• Transparency: Clear and consistent criteria will be established for selecting non-school leavers, ensuring a fairer and more objective process.

• Accessibility: Defined quotas for non-school leavers will guarantee a designated number of spots in universities and colleges.

• Streamlined Process: The online platform will simplify application procedures for both institutions and students.

How it Works (Online Selection for Non-School Leavers)

Here's a breakdown of the anticipated selection process for non-school leavers in 2025: 

• 1. Nomination by Centres of Distance Education (CDES): These centres will play a crucial role in identifying eligible non-school leavers. This includes students who completed Grade 12 outside the traditional school system such as FODE and matriculation centres. (While details for overseas students are pending, this system streamlines domestic applications.)

•  2. Application and Selection: Nominated students will receive invitation letters to apply online. They can apply to up to five programs with designated quotas for non-school leavers, along with submitting back-up choices. 

•  3. National Admission Pool: Following selection, non-school leavers will be placed in a national pool for admission consideration by universities and colleges. 

The online selection system streamlines the process for DHERST and the government, providing a clearer picture of non-school leavers (and Grade 12 school leavers) entering PNG universities and colleges.

A Better Way: NSL Online Selection 2025!

The online selection system for non-school leavers is a significant step towards a more equitable and transparent higher education landscape in Papua New Guinea. 

This reform, similar to the successful implementation for school leavers in 2020, is expected to create a level playing field and provide deserving non-school leavers with better access to quality education.

ACTIONS: Climate Change in 2025, Climate Change Projections for 2050 and Beyond

As the world grapples with the increasingly evident effects of climate change, the focus in 2025 is expected to be on "Adapting and Advancing: Nature and Technology in Harmony". This potential theme for Climate Change Progress 2025 reflects the dual need for resilience and innovation in the face of the challenges projected for 2050 and beyond. 

Between 2030 and 2050, WHO estimates that climate-sensitive diseases, including malaria, will cause 250,000 more deaths each year. THE GLOBAL FUND

Building Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions

The projections for 2050 paint a stark picture: rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems. However, the theme of "Adapting and Advancing" emphasizes the importance of nature-based solutions. 

Preserving and restoring forests, mangroves, and wetlands can play a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts. Forests sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Mangroves and wetlands act as natural barriers, protecting against coastal erosion and storm surges. Restoring these ecosystems not only promotes biodiversity but also builds resilience for communities facing the brunt of climate change. 

Bridging the Gap with Technological Advancements

The theme also acknowledges the potential of technological advancements in addressing climate change. 

The rapid development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is crucial for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies could help offset remaining emissions, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. 

Embracing these innovations alongside nature-based solutions offers a path towards a more sustainable future. 

Climate Change Projections 2050

Climate change projections for 2050 paint a concerning picture if we don't take significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a breakdown of some of the key projections:

• Temperature Increase: Global average temperature is projected to rise by 1.5°C to 4°C (2.7°F to 7.2°F) by 2050 compared to pre-industrial levels. This increase will have a domino effect on weather patterns and ecosystems.

• Sea Level Rise Sea levels are projected to rise by 0.3 to 0.8 meters (1 to 2.6 feet) by 2050. This rise will threaten coastal communities, inundate low-lying areas, and disrupt ecosystems.

• Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and storms are expected. These events will cause widespread damage to infrastructure, displace populations, and disrupt food production.

Unusual floods in Dubai / April 2024

• Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans will make them more acidic. This will harm marine life and disrupt the ocean's role in regulating climate.

• Mass Extinctions: Climate change could accelerate the rate of extinction of plant and animal species, disrupting ecosystems and impacting biodiversity.

These projections are not set in stone. The actual outcomes will depend on the choices and actions taken in the coming years. By focusing on reducing emissions, investing in renewable energy, and implementing adaptation strategies, we can mitigate the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future.

The Road Ahead: Adapting While Aiming High

While the projections for 2050 raise serious concerns, they also serve as a call to action. The progress made by 2025 in terms of emission reductions and adaptation strategies will significantly influence the severity of climate change impacts in the decades to come. 

By focusing on adapting and advancing, we can build a more resilient future, protecting both our planet and its inhabitants. This requires international cooperation, strong policies, and continued investment in clean technologies and natural resource conservation.

By working together, we can navigate the challenges of climate change and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.