AGP Executive Report

Remote Culture & Faith: An Israeli adventurer’s near-miss with malaria during a Sepik River trip highlights how PNG’s remote tribes welcome outsiders—and how quickly conditions can turn serious. Education & Youth Pathways: Thirty Grade 6 students from Galomarubu Primary got a firsthand look at university life at UPNG, aiming to stay focused and plan for higher education. ICT for Learning: BSP’s 50for50 GivimBek initiative delivered 20 computer units and a full LAN to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring practical ICT lessons. Governance & Daily Life: Opposition Leader James Nomane renewed calls to end “PNG Time,” arguing delays and weak accountability harm healthcare, services, and public trust. Sports & Community Culture: Former Kumuls star David Mead criticised crowd brawls at rugby league games, warning PNG Chiefs recruitment and player welfare could suffer. Gender & Health Research: A new global study links female infertility burden to chlamydia infections, underscoring the need for better prevention and care. Tourism Promotion: PNG showcased cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s travel expo, backed by Air Niugini’s direct flights. Connectivity in Remote Areas: Remington Group says Starlink could extend internet access beyond mobile coverage, using solar-powered options for low-power regions. Climate & Oceans: Bezos Earth Fund announced $25m for ocean conservation across the Blue Pacific, including PNG’s push for major offshore marine protection.

Education & Inclusion: A new report on dyslexia and dyspraxia highlights how schools can misread communication difficulty as low intelligence, urging better understanding of learning needs. Sports & Culture: New Zealand’s Chiefs franchise is pushing for an amicable fix over the PNG Chiefs rugby league name clash, while former Kumuls winger David Mead warns PNG fans that brawls could intimidate players and hurt recruitment. Youth & Community: Will Genia backs rugby union clubs as platforms for respect, gender equality and family/sexual violence prevention, and the PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup moves into semi-finals. Tech & Learning: BSP restores practical ICT learning at Tabubil Secondary School with 20 computers and a local network, and Remington explores Starlink connectivity for remote PNG communities. Governance & Services: Opposition Leader James Nomane calls to end “PNG Time” and improve accountability, while PM Marape says fuel subsidies may continue into 2027. Environment & Heritage: Bezos Earth Fund pledges $25m for ocean protection including PNG’s first large offshore marine protected area, and PNG promotes cultural tourism at the Hong Kong Travel Expo.

PNG Time Accountability Push: Opposition Leader James Nomane urges Papua New Guinea to drop “PNG Time” and improve government efficiency, citing delays that hit healthcare, electricity, and everyday services. Education Tech Boost: BSP’s 50for50 GivimBek initiative delivers 20 new computers and a full LAN to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring practical ICT learning. Remote Roads Reality Check: Jimi district in Jiwaka struggles to maintain roads and bridges after floods and landslips, relying on costly helicopter support for supplies and evacuations. Rugby & Community Conduct: Former Kumuls winger David Mead criticises supporter brawling after footage from a domestic match, warning it undermines player safety and recruitment. Defence Sports Culture: The PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup reaches semi-finals as teams battle in a 15-a-side tournament. Gender-Based Violence Workplaces: Bel isi PNG is recognised for helping workplaces prevent and respond to family and sexual violence, turning policy into practical action. Fuel Subsidy Outlook: PM Marape says the government will consider extending fuel subsidies into next year as global prices stay high. Tourism Spotlight: PNG promotes cultural and adventure attractions at the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, backed by Air Niugini direct flights. Local Language & AI: A new focus on AI’s language gap highlights how communities are using tools like Vavanagi to document and protect minority languages such as Hula.

Commander’s Cup: PNG Defence Force rugby heads into the semi-finals as Headquarters hosts 10 teams in a 15-a-side tournament, with Igam Crocs leading after five rounds and finals set for Oct 5. Education & identity: The Education Department says Kerevat National School of Excellence in East New Britain keeps its name, after concerns over a plaque for the new James Marape Legacy Campus. Gender-based violence action: Bel isi PNG, backed by Australia, is pushing workplaces to turn family and sexual violence policies into real support systems for survivors. Connectivity for remote PNG: Remington says Starlink could bring internet to areas beyond mobile coverage, with solar-powered options in the works. Tourism spotlight: PNG promotes cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, backed by Air Niugini direct flights. Culture & language tech: A new focus on AI and minority languages highlights how communities like Hula speakers in PNG are using AI to build their own language tools. Climate message: Pacific leaders at UNGA again demand stronger climate action, warning small island states face the worst impacts.

Education & Identity: PNG’s Education Department says Kerevat National School of Excellence in East New Britain has not been renamed, after concerns over a plaque for a new 16-classroom James Marape Legacy Campus. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Bel isi PNG is backed by Australia to help workplaces turn family and sexual violence policies into real action, linking survivors to services and strengthening accountability. Connectivity for Remote Communities: Remington Group says Starlink could bring internet access to parts of PNG beyond mobile coverage, with plans for solar-powered setups. Culture & Tourism: PNG promotes cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, with Air Niugini highlighting direct flights and growing visitor interest. Climate & Water Justice: Pacific leaders at UNGA push harder climate action, while research stresses women’s exclusion from decision-making drives wider gender impacts, including water insecurity. Sports & Community Pride: PNG’s Essay Banu is recognised in rugby league awards, and PNG teams are preparing for the Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar. Education Scholarships: Indonesian universities in Port Moresby offer course options and scholarship programmes for PNG students. Fuel Subsidy Outlook: PM Marape signals fuel subsidy may continue into next year as global prices stay high.

Judicial Wellbeing: Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie urged judges and magistrates to balance heavy court duties with personal life, warning that constant exhaustion can hurt judgment while stressing that humanity and responsibility must go together. Gender-Based Violence Action: Bel isi PNG, backed by Australia, highlighted workplace steps to prevent and respond to family and sexual violence, linking survivor safety and dignity to stronger workplace culture. Connectivity for Remote PNG: Remington Group says Starlink could bring internet access to areas beyond mobile coverage, with plans for solar-powered setups to make service practical where electricity is scarce. Fuel Subsidy Watch: PM James Marape said PNG will consider extending the fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high, while urging citizens and public servants to cut spending pressure. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: PNG promoted cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, with Air Niugini and tourism officials using performances and direct visitor engagement to boost interest. Language & AI: A new focus on AI’s language gap highlights how minority languages in PNG can be left out, while community-built tools like a Hula language platform show how AI can also support local knowledge. Education & Skills: Australia-backed support delivered modern construction tools to West New Britain Technical College, strengthening TVET training for jobs in construction and other growing sectors.

GBV Workplace Action: Bel isi PNG was congratulated by Australia for pushing practical family and sexual violence prevention in workplaces, linking survivors to case management, safe accommodation and referrals. Community-Led Prevention via Sport: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia backed using rugby union clubs in Morobe as platforms for respect, healthy relationships and GBV awareness. Rural Connectivity: Remington Group says Starlink satellite service could bring internet to remote PNG, with solar-powered packages planned for areas without reliable electricity. Fuel Subsidy Watch: PM James Marape says the government will consider extending PNG’s fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high. Education Debate: A commentary warns MPs against tablet rollouts without power, library support and child safety, arguing books and stronger school libraries should come first. Climate Pressure at UNGA: Pacific leaders, including PNG’s Marape, urged humanity over war and demanded faster climate action. Culture & Tourism: PNG cultural dancers promoted the country at the Hong Kong Travel Expo, spotlighting traditions and tourism experiences. Bougainville Cocoa Push: The Bougainville Chocolate Festival closed with calls to build a farm-to-bar cocoa industry for local value-adding. Learning in Local Languages: A piece highlights how AI can exclude minority languages, but also how communities like Hula speakers in PNG are using AI help to build their own language tools.

Sports & Social Change: Former Wallabies captain Will Genia says rugby union clubs in Morobe can help build respect and “positive masculinity,” while tackling family and sexual violence through community messages delivered by players, coaches and administrators. Energy Costs & Household Relief: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will consider extending the fuel subsidy into next year as global prices stay high into 2027, while urging citizens and public servants to reduce spending pressure. Climate Diplomacy: Pacific leaders at UNGA pressed for faster climate action, warning that the region—despite doing little to cause the problem—keeps facing the worst impacts. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: PNG cultural ambassadors performed at the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, using kundu drumming and traditional attire to draw visitors to PNG’s languages, tribes and festivals. Women, Water & Power: Pacific research highlights that excluding women from water and climate decision-making drives wider gender harms, with calls for women’s voices in meetings from community level upward. TVET & Skills: Australia-backed equipment for West New Britain Technical College aims to boost practical training and women’s participation in construction and other growing industries. Community Safety: UPNG SRC calls for calm after a campus clash between Western Highlands and Enga students left people severely injured.

Visa & Mobility: Australia’s Transit Without Visa list for 2026 names 70 eligible nationalities, with strict conditions like an onward flight within eight hours. Cultural Media & Sound Heritage: Radio Is a Foreign Country relaunches as a 24/7 broadcast, spotlighting global archives including Papua New Guinea soundscapes. Language, Tech & Inclusion: A new discussion highlights how AI can sideline minority languages, while community-built tools like the Hula language platform Vavanagi show local communities can use AI to document and preserve their own tongues. Education & Skills: Australia-backed equipment delivered to West New Britain Technical College boosts TVET training for construction and other trades; separately, Nasfund and CEFI run financial literacy sessions in Alotau schools. Women, Climate & Water: Pacific research argues women’s exclusion from decision-making drives wider climate and water harms, including in PNG. Culture & Tourism: PNG cultural ambassadors perform at the Hong Kong Travel Expo, while Bougainville’s cocoa festival closes with a push for “farm-to-bar” value-adding. Community Safety: UPNG SRC calls for calm after a Western Highlands–Enga student clash. Sports & Identity: PNG Chiefs welcome Struddys as kit partner, and Jarome Luai keeps a Pepsi endorsement while Coke sponsors the club.

AI & Language Rights: A new report warns generative AI can widen linguistic inequality by underrepresenting minority languages, but highlights community-led tools like Vavanagi for Hula language documentation in PNG. Mining Finance & Local Control: Commentary argues PNG needs a stronger “exploration finance” ecosystem—clear rules, secure tenure, and market culture—so junior explorers can turn geology into funded projects. TVET Skills Boost: Australia-backed equipment delivered to West New Britain Technical College aims to upgrade construction and other job-ready training, with TVET framed as a pathway to employment. Women, Water & Climate Voice: Pacific research ahead of COP31 says women are often excluded from water decisions, including in customary structures—an issue raised by PNG advocates. Culture & Tourism Spotlight: PNG cultural performers took centre stage at the Hong Kong Travel Expo, promoting the country’s languages and traditions to visitors. Bougainville Cocoa Festival: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival closed with calls for a “farm-to-bar” industry so farmers and SMEs capture more value locally. Religious Freedom at UN: PM Marape urged protection of religious minorities, stressing “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a campaign to expand access to birth registration services in Port Moresby.

Labour Mobility & Community Impact: PNG’s PALM scheme keeps growing, with 2,700+ workers in Australia by July and an estimated K236m remitted to families and communities (housing, education, healthcare, small business). Tourism & Culture on the Move: PNG cultural ambassadors performed at the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, boosting international interest in PNG’s languages, tribes and festivals. Women, Water & Climate Voice: Pacific research highlights that women are often excluded from water decision-making, driving wider gender harms as climate and water insecurity worsen. Sports & Sponsorship Culture: Jarome Luai will stay the face of Pepsi while the PNG Chiefs add Coca-Cola as a sleeve sponsor—an unusual brand crossover. Education & Opportunity Abroad: Hayley from East Sepik secures a China clinical medicine scholarship, leaving for Jilin University. Campus Safety: UPNG SRC calls for calm after a Western Highlands–Enga student clash left students severely injured. Infrastructure With Inclusion: Madang Northern Coastal Highway repairs create jobs and push women into construction roles. Religious Freedom at the UN: PM Marape urges protection of religious minorities, warning majorities must not suppress others’ rights. Birth Registration Push: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launch a birth registration awareness campaign at 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby.

Campus Safety: UPNG SRC urges calm after a weekend clash between Western Highlands and Enga students spilled into residential areas, leaving severe injuries and disrupting exams. Bougainville Cocoa & Jobs: The 10th Bougainville Chocolate Festival ends with a push for a “farm-to-bar” industry so farmers, youth and SMEs can earn more locally. Religious Freedom at UN: PM James Marape calls for equal protection of religious minorities, warning majorities must not use power to silence others—“faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Pressure: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale demand real climate action at the UN, calling out “empty promises” over sea-level rise. Women in Construction: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs create local jobs and lift women’s participation to over 20% of the workforce. GBV Prevention Messaging: Australia backs a PNG GBV prevention guide, tested with civil society across provinces to keep messages survivor-centred and practical. Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launch a campaign to boost awareness and access to birth registration services in Port Moresby. Tourism & Culture Show: PNG UNRE opens World Tourism Day and Cultural Show 2026, spotlighting AI and digital innovation. Maritime & Ocean Stewardship: PNG deposits ratification for the BBNJ ocean biodiversity treaty and is urged to turn maritime policy into real safety and skills on the ground.

Infrastructure & Women’s Work: Madang’s Northern Coastal Highway repairs (41.2 km) are creating local jobs and boosting women’s participation, with women making up over 20% of the construction workforce under the PNG–Australia Partnership. Religious Freedom at the UN: Prime Minister James Marape told the UN that religious majorities must protect minorities, pointing to PNG’s Constitution and warning that “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Tourism & Culture Showcase: PNG UNRE opened World Tourism Day and Cultural Show 2026, spotlighting culture alongside tourism. NRL Culture Moment: The PNG Chiefs announced Struddys as their first-ever apparel and kit partner, aiming to create inaugural PNG-made jerseys and merchandise from 2028. Climate Pressure: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale demanded real climate action at the UN over sea-level rise, calling out “empty promises.” Digital Learning Debate: A critical look at PNG’s AI-in-education push raises concerns about what AI means for how children actually learn. Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness campaign in Port Moresby to help families secure identity documents. GBV Prevention Messaging: Australia-backed work is developing a locally tested GBV prevention messaging guide for civil society and community leaders. Maritime Safety Call: World Maritime Day messages urged PNG to turn maritime policy into practical safety and skills on the ground. Indigenous Knowledge & Resilience: A USP seminar highlighted that adaptation in PNG and the Pacific depends on history, governance, livelihoods and everyday knowledge—not just technical fixes. Land, Identity & Displacement: PNG research points to internal displacement drivers like tribal conflict, land disputes and drought, and calls for better early warning and community readiness.

Religious Freedom at UN: PNG Prime Minister James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must protect minorities, pointing to Section 45 of PNG’s Constitution and warning that “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Action Push: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged industrial nations to stop “empty promises” and cut carbon emissions as sea-level rise threatens Pacific communities. Tourism & Culture Showcase: PNG UNRE opened World Tourism Day and Cultural Show 2026, spotlighting culture alongside AI and digital innovation. NRL Culture & Identity: The PNG Chiefs announced Struddys as inaugural official apparel and kit partner for 2028–2031, aiming to put PNG-made identity on the field. Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness campaign at Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby to help children access rights and services. GBV Prevention Messaging: Australia-backed work is producing a PNG Gender-Based Violence prevention messaging guide, tested with civil society across provinces. Indigenous Knowledge & Resilience: A USP seminar stressed that adaptation is shaped by history, livelihoods and governance—not just technology.

Religious Freedom at UN: PNG Prime Minister James Marape told the UN General Assembly that religious majorities must protect minority faiths, pointing to PNG’s Constitution and warning that “faith that is forced is no longer faith.” Climate Action Push: Marape and Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale also demanded real carbon cuts over “empty promises,” as sea-level rise threatens Pacific communities. Tourism & Culture Showcase: PNG UNRE opened World Tourism Day and Cultural Show 2026, with a cultural programme spotlighting AI and digital innovation. NRL Chiefs Partnership: Struddys was named PNG Chiefs’ inaugural apparel and kit partner, set to design the first jerseys and merchandise from 2028. Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness campaign at 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby. GBV Prevention Messaging: Australia-backed work is producing a PNG GBV prevention messaging guide, aiming to help communities deliver clear, survivor-centred messages. Hiri Moale Story Expanded: Gulf Province’s stronger role is highlighted in “Completing the Story” for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival. Education & AI Debate: A new push for AI in classrooms via EduNEX is raising concerns about what it means for how children actually learn.

Climate Action at UN: PNG and Solomon Islands leaders told industrial nations to stop “empty promises” and cut carbon emissions as sea-level rise threatens the Pacific, with Marape urging “enough of talking.” Digital Education Debate: A new critique questions PNG’s push for AI in classrooms, arguing EduNEX and the AI data centre need more public discussion about real learning impacts. Hiri Moale History: Coverage highlights how Gulf Province communities are deepening the festival’s story, reflecting the two-way Hiri trade across the Gulf of Papua. Literacy for Livelihoods: The PNG eBook Campaign is expanding digital literacy into community enterprise, helping Manus women and others learn, earn, and keep cultural identity strong online. Maritime Safety Push: World Maritime Day calls for PNG’s maritime sector to move from policy to practice on safety, skills, and standards. Ocean Protection Moves Forward: PNG formally ratified the BBNJ High Seas biodiversity agreement, linking ocean stewardship to culture and food security. GBV Prevention Messaging: Australia-backed work is validating a PNG GBV prevention messaging guide for civil society and community leaders. Birth Registration Drive: PNGCIR, UNICEF and Australia launched a birth registration awareness campaign at 3-mile Susu Mama clinic in Port Moresby. Sports & Nationhood: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL branding is framed as both cultural identity and geopolitical influence, with debate over the real social and economic payoff.