AGP Executive Report

Pacific Culture: Fiji’s Trade and Tourism Expo has opened in Port Moresby, bringing Fijian food, products and performances to PNG ahead of Fiji’s Independence Day. Air Niugini has also flown PNG artists to Vanuatu’s inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival, where music and culture support a climate-action message. Community Wellbeing: A prolonged drought in Western Province has lowered river levels, disrupting food and fuel deliveries to remote communities, including Indigenous groups. Gender Equality: PNG stakeholders are shaping a national strategy to engage men and boys in tackling inequality and gender-based violence. Education: Wampar Secondary School brings secondary education closer to families in Huon Gulf, where the district had lacked its own school since independence. Sport: PNG’s Junior Kumuls made history with an 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys, a boost for the country’s rugby league pathways. Heritage and Conservation: Nakanai’s district administrator has urged families to pass traditional customs on to young people, while research highlights how valuing local knowledge and community decision-making can help conservation succeed, including on PNG’s reefs.

Gender Equality: PNG is shaping a national strategy to involve men and boys in tackling inequality and gender-based violence, with community, faith and government representatives contributing to consultations in Port Moresby. Pacific Arts: Air Niugini is helping PNG musicians Anslom Nakikus and Sharzy attend Vanuatu’s first Wan Pasifika Festival, celebrating Pacific culture and using music to promote climate awareness. Education & Access: New solar projects are set to bring power to 19 Oro communities and five remote Bougainville schools, supporting household needs and learning. Cultural Heritage: Nakanai District Administrator Jeffrey Osa has urged families to pass traditional customs on to young people, warning that PNG risks losing part of its identity. Sport & Pride: The Junior Kumuls’ 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys marks a breakthrough for PNG rugby league and its next generation.

Pacific Arts: Air Niugini is helping PNG musicians Anslom Nakikus and Sharzy travel to Vanuatu’s inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival, where artists will celebrate Pacific culture and use music to raise awareness of climate change. Gender Equality: Government, community and faith leaders met in Port Moresby to shape a national strategy engaging men and boys in tackling inequality and gender-based violence. Power for Communities: New solar projects are set to bring electricity to more than 66,000 people in Oro and Bougainville, including power for remote schools and training in digital and technical skills. Cultural Heritage: Nakanai District Administrator Jeffrey Osa says young people must learn local customs and traditions to help protect PNG’s identity. Conservation: A global study points to PNG reef communities as examples of how valuing local knowledge and involving residents in decisions can help nature thrive. Sport: The Junior Kumuls’ 18–10 win over the Australian Schoolboys marks a landmark moment for PNG rugby league. Drought Emergency: Falling river levels in Western Province are disrupting food and fuel deliveries, deepening hardship for remote Indigenous communities.

Gender Equality: Regional representatives have gathered in Port Moresby to help shape a national strategy engaging men and boys in gender equality, as violence against women remains a serious concern. Cultural Heritage: Nakanai District Administrator Jeffrey Osa says young people must learn their communities’ customs and values to protect PNG’s cultural identity. Climate and Community: A prolonged drought in Western Province is shrinking rivers and disrupting food and fuel deliveries to remote Indigenous communities; PNG has also declared a national humanitarian emergency amid growing El Niño threats. Pacific Connections: Air Niugini is helping PNG and Solomon Islands artists attend Vanuatu’s inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival, which brings culture and climate action together. Conservation: A long-running tree kangaroo programme is helping protect forest habitat and village livelihoods in Morobe’s YUS Conservation Area.

Climate Emergency: Drought is shrinking rivers in Western Province, disrupting food and fuel deliveries to remote Indigenous communities. PNG has also declared a national humanitarian emergency as El Niño threatens water, food, health and education nationwide. Pacific Culture: Air Niugini is helping PNG and Solomon Islands artists attend Vanuatu’s inaugural Wan Pasifika Festival, which links cultural exchange with climate action. Port Moresby is also hosting a Fiji trade and tourism expo featuring Fijian culture, food and performances. Women in Sport: The PNG Orchids will carry home hopes into the Rugby League World Cup, alongside Fiji and Samoa’s women’s teams; a student also warns that violence against women remains a national crisis. Community Support: Colgate-Palmolive renewed three-year funding for Cheshire disAbility Services, supporting residents and inclusive early childhood education. Education: Wampar Secondary School brings secondary education closer to students in Huon Gulf, where no local secondary school had existed since Independence. Conservation: A long-running tree kangaroo programme is helping protect forest habitat and support communities in Morobe’s YUS Conservation Area.

Pacific Culture: Air Niugini is helping PNG and Solomon Islands artists travel to Vanuatu’s first Wan Pasifika Festival, which celebrates culture and climate action. Fiji-PNG Ties: A three-day trade and tourism expo at Port Moresby’s Vision City is showcasing Fijian products, cuisine and performances, highlighting the countries’ shared Pacific identity. Women’s Rugby League: PNG, Fiji and Samoa have named experienced squads for next week’s World Cup, with many players bringing NRLW and state competition experience. Education: Wampar Secondary School is bringing secondary education closer to Huon Gulf families, who previously had no high school in the district. Youth Opportunities: More than 15,000 disengaged young people have registered for PNG’s national youth strategy, which links them with training, jobs and small-business opportunities. Community Conservation: Researchers point to Muluk elders’ practice of periodically closing part of their reef to fishing as a community-led approach helping marine life recover.

Clean Energy: Two Australian-backed solar projects worth PGK12.8 million will bring power to 66,000 people in Oro and Bougainville, including remote schools and homes. Humanitarian Emergency: PNG has declared a national emergency as El Niño-driven drought threatens water, food, health services and education across all four regions. Bougainville’s Future: A new Melanesian Framework aims to guide the next stage of PNG–Bougainville talks, drawing on public concerns, shared culture and kinship ties. Youth Opportunities: More than 15,000 disengaged young people have registered for a national strategy linking them with training, jobs and business opportunities; Western Highlands is the 11th province to join. Education: The government is processing the remaining K226 million in tuition-free funding for schools as national exams begin. Living Heritage: Port Moresby’s former House of Assembly, once a colonial and wartime hospital, served as the territory’s legislature before independence. Community Conservation: Elders in Muluk periodically close part of their reef to fishing, helping it recover and offering a community-led model for conservation.

Humanitarian Crisis: Papua New Guinea has declared a national humanitarian emergency as intensifying El Niño drought threatens water, food, health services, and education. Climate Action & Youth Voices: Ahead of COP31, young people across Australia and the Pacific urged stronger climate leadership, while PNG also backed Tuvalu’s climate mitigation efforts, including land reclamation, coastal protection, water security, renewables, and fisheries. Education Under Pressure: The Education Department says tuition fee-free funding is being processed, while national exams begin with warnings against malpractice and tough penalties for schools, teachers, and students. Youth Pathways: Western Highlands has registered over 15,000 disengaged youth for a new National Youth Engagement Strategy, linking them to training and work routes. Bougainville Governance: A Melanesian Framework and joint consultation report are set to guide the next stage of Bougainville’s political process, aiming for a stable, constitutional pathway. Culture & Heritage: A feature revisits the story of PNG’s Original House of Assembly in Port Moresby, tracing how the building evolved from colonial hospital to early legislature. Conservation “Bright Spots”: New research highlights ecosystems that thrive when local knowledge and community-led decision-making shape conservation.

Pacific Labour & Migration: Japan says its ageing population and worker shortages—especially in agriculture—could create opportunities for skilled Pacific workers, while stressing immigration must be managed carefully. Climate Support for Small Islands: PM James Marape pledges financial help to Tuvalu for climate mitigation and solutions, arguing Tuvaluans should be able to remain in their homeland. Youth & Education Access: Western Highlands has registered 15,000 disengaged youth for a national engagement strategy linking them to training and jobs, while the Education Department warns against exam malpractice as PNG’s national exams begin. Governance & Culture in Politics: Bougainville’s next political steps are set to be guided by the Joint Consultation Report and Melanesian Framework, aiming for a stable pathway rooted in shared kinship and culture. Gender-Based Violence Action: WiRE highlights how PNG’s resources and energy sector is moving GBV/FSV policies “from ink to action.” Community Learning & School Support: BSP restores practical ICT learning at Tabubil Secondary with 20 computers, and a simple textbook tracking tip urges every shared book to be traceable. Police Discipline: Marape commissions 54 new police officers, calling for duty, loyalty, and long-term service.

Education Funding & Exams: PNG’s Education Department says the remaining K226 million of K904 million tuition fee-free funding is being processed for schools as 270,000+ students start national exams, with a new electronic funds transfer system aimed at faster, more transparent payments. Integrity in Schooling: The department also warns of harsh penalties for exam malpractice, including non-certification and bans. Gender & Workplaces: At Bel isi PNG’s Leadership Forum, the WiRE chair pushed for moving GBV/FSV policies “from ink to action,” citing industry programs that support women and challenge harmful behaviour. Police & Public Service: PM Marape commissioned 54 new police officers, stressing duty, discipline, and long-term commitment to serving communities. Culture, Community & Learning: BSP backed practical ICT learning at Tabubil Secondary with 20 new computers, while an Indonesian embassy education expo offered PNG students pathways and scholarships. Sports & Identity: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL expansion is framed as a big cultural challenge, and rugby league voices reflect how jerseys carry family and community meaning.

Education & Integrity: PNG’s National Examinations begin today for Grades 8, 10 and 12, with the Education Department warning of serious penalties for malpractice, including non-certification and bans for schools. Public Service & Discipline: Prime Minister James Marape commissioned 54 new police officers, stressing duty, loyalty and discipline as they enter long-term roles. Gender-Based Violence Action: WiRE chair Karo Maha used Bel isi PNG’s Leadership Forum to push for moving GBV/FSV policies “from commitment to action,” citing industry initiatives that support women and challenge harmful behaviour. Community Learning: BSP donated 20 computers to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring practical ICT training with a fully set-up lab. Culture & Place: Paererewā’s “Blenheim Pae” will be an interactive public artwork—Pacific-style seating inspired by patapata/vatavata/nakamal forms—built to last 1,000 years. Tourism & Culture Abroad: PNG promoted cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, backed by Air Niugini’s direct flights. Governance & “PNG Time”: Opposition Leader James Nomane called to dismantle “PNG Time,” arguing delays and poor service can’t be treated as culture.

Education Integrity: PNG’s National Examinations begin today for Grades 8, 10 and 12, with the Education Department warning schools and students about malpractice and threatening non-certification, teacher termination and school bans. Policing & Service: PM James Marape commissioned 54 new police officers, stressing duty, discipline and long-term commitment to communities. Youth & Learning: Galomarubu Primary School students toured UPNG to see university pathways firsthand, while BSP’s 50for50 GivimBek initiative delivered 20 computers and a working ICT lab to Tabubil Secondary School. Governance & Culture: Opposition Leader James Nomane called to end “PNG Time,” pushing for accountability and faster public service. Community & Arts: Paererewā’s “Blenheim Pae” will be honoured with a 1,000-year interactive public artwork inspired by Pacific patapata/vatavata/nakamal conversation platforms. Tourism & Connections: PNG promoted cultural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, highlighting Air Niugini’s direct flights. Connectivity in Remote PNG: Remington Group says Starlink could bring internet to areas beyond mobile coverage, using solar-powered setups.

PNG Tourism & Culture Export: Papua New Guinea is showcasing its cultural, natural and adventure attractions at the Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo, with Air Niugini and the Tourism Promotion Authority highlighting direct flights and drawing strong visitor interest. Education & Community Tech: BSP’s 50for50 GivimBek initiative delivered 20 computer workstations and a full LAN to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring practical ICT learning. School Identity Clarity: The Education Department says Kerevat National School of Excellence in East New Britain has not been renamed; a new campus block is named the James Marape Legacy Campus. Sports & Youth Culture: The PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup is in the semi-finals stage, reflecting how sport is woven into PNGDF culture. Gender-Based Violence Prevention: Bel isi PNG is backed for workplace action against family and sexual violence, translating policy into survivor-focused support. Remote Service Reality: A call to move beyond “PNG Time” targets delays in public services, linking culture of lateness to accountability and corruption concerns. Connectivity for Remote PNG: Remington Group says Starlink could extend internet access to areas beyond mobile coverage, using solar-powered options for places with limited electricity.

Education & Youth: Thirty Grade 6 students from Galomarubu Primary School visited the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) to see university life up close and get motivated to aim for higher education. School Tech: BSP’s 50for50 GivimBek initiative delivered 20 new computers and a working ICT lab network to Tabubil Secondary School, restoring hands-on learning. Governance & Culture: Opposition Leader James Nomane called for an end to “PNG Time,” urging accountability and faster service delivery across government. Community & Safety: Bel isi PNG backed workplace action against family and sexual violence, while rugby union leaders (including Will Genia) pushed clubs as platforms for respect and violence prevention. Sports & Identity: PNG’s Essay Banu was recognised for Tackle of the Year, and the PNG Defence Force Commander’s Cup moved into semi-finals. Tourism Spotlight: PNG promoted its cultural, natural and adventure attractions at Hong Kong’s Holiday & Travel Expo, supported by Air Niugini direct flights. Remote Realities: A report highlights how Jimi’s damaged roads and reliance on helicopter supply runs keep basic services out of reach.

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.