UQ to strengthen leadership capabilities of Pacific fisheries leaders

The University of Queensland’s (UQ) International Development has designed a customised leadership and management training program for fisheries leaders in the Pacific, together with Pacific Community (SPC) and two other partner organisations: Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Centre for Adaptive Leadership (CLA).

UQ will deliver two courses: Leading People and Teams and Inclusive Strategic Leadership as part of the three-week residential ‘Leadership for Effectiveness’ workshop of the Pacific Fisheries Leadership Program (PFLP) funded by the New Zealand government.

International Development, Deputy Director Ms Dallas Dowsett said that UQ is pleased to be contributing to the leadership training component of this program.

“It is an outstanding collaboration between UQ Business School and International Development, ensuring high-quality education is applied to the Pacific leadership context,” she said.

International Development is recognised for its excellence in development through technical leadership, training and capacity building and program management.

International Development Manager for the Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, Dr Michelle Dunn said the PFLP program will strengthen UQ’s links to the Pacific.

“The PFLP will provide participants in the Pacific with expertise from world-class leadership and educational organisations over the next five years,” she said.

The aim of PFLP is to enable Pacific fisheries leaders to empower themselves to become leaders of change, address critical priorities, and become better managers.

Fisheries remain the most important ocean resource for livelihoods, employment and economic growth as well as a critical source of protein in the Pacific.

It is expected that well-managed and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture will result in increased economic and food security.

A key part of the program is the ability for participants to earn credit toward a UQ program — Graduate Certificate in Business Leadership.  The participants will have the ability to decide on whether they would like to do both courses for professional development only or choose to do one of the courses for credit.

To receive officially recognised credit and open a study pathway to possible future study with UQ, you are required to complete and successfully pass all of the associated assessment, including the post-course assessment. Upon successful completion of all the required assessment, you will receive a globally recognised micro-certification that you can use within three years of completion as a credit (equivalent to a single course) into a range of degree programs at UQ.

Students can then choose to complete the remaining courses required to complete the Graduate Certificate on their own, with their employer or through sponsorship.

UQ Business School is ranked as one of the top business schools in Australia and among the leading institutions worldwide. For other study pathway options see Business School. 

SPC Team Leader for PFLP, Cameron Bowles said it is deeply inspiring to be part of such a terrific consortium delivering PFLP.

“Working with UQ brings significant benefits for participants including the opportunity for accreditation through courses from UQ’s highly respected business school”.

PFLP will recruit participants from current senior manager or upcoming middle-level manager within SPC Member States national fisheries administration/authority or a Pacific fisheries regional agency or NGO, with cohorts of 20 – 25 participants for each workshop conducted in Fiji. The next workshop will commence in January 2020.

International Development has expertise in designing and delivering training activities that target skills development and leadership in developing contexts. They include gender and social inclusion in Pacific Island countries.

International Development currently manages the Precinct Leadership Program delivered as part of the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct (a partnership between the Papua New Guinea and Australian governments).

The PFLP is a key program for UQ to enhance Pacific relationships and to build UQ's profile as an expert in leadership.


Duration: November 2018–November 2022
Funding source: New Zealand Government
Media:  Dr Michelle Dunn, Manager, International Development, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, +61 3346 7909, m.dunn4@uq.edu.au

Last updated:
15 October 2020