AGP Executive Report

WWII Remnants Disposal: The Royal Australian Navy has destroyed about 2,200 potentially live WWII munitions off Papua New Guinea as part of Operation Render Safe, with toxic corrosion risks to marine and coastal ecosystems still a concern. Digital Life & Education: Digicel PNG says its network has passed end-to-end 5G readiness testing, promising faster speeds and lower latency for everyday services, commerce, and learning. Culture & Faith: Kairuku District Development Authority donated K10,000 to support the 141st anniversary Catholic mission commemoration on Yule Island, a major pilgrimage moment for PNG Catholics. Jobs vs Growth: A World Bank update says PNG’s 2025 growth (5.6%) is strong, but formal jobs lag as many new workers stay in subsistence farming and informal work. Youth, Sport & Identity: Prime Minister Marape backs kickboxing as a discipline tool for young people, while preparations for the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry in 2028 continue to frame rugby league as nation-building. Community Learning: The National Museum’s holiday programme is helping students reconnect with cultural knowledge through nature-and-water lessons tied to traditions. Health Volunteers: NVS is exploring a Southern Highlands partnership to deploy health workers, and 14 Morobe volunteers have completed orientation for placements in clinics, aid posts, and schools. Connectivity Access: The U.S. Embassy launched Starlink at the American Corner in Waigani, expanding free internet for education and public engagement. Women’s Safety & Community Action: Madang community leaders and church workers trained to tackle sorcery accusation related violence, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. Land, Resources & the Future: PNG Resources Week 2026 will spotlight customary landownership, youth workforce pathways, and nation-building beyond the first 50 years. Infrastructure for Learning: BSP’s “50for50 Givim bek” project is funding a new multi-purpose hall for Tubusereia Junior High School.

Religious & Cultural Heritage: Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) donated K10,000 to support preparations for the 141st Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Catholic Missionaries on Yule Island, a major pilgrimage marking the 1885 landing and first Holy Mass. Community Health & Education: National Volunteer Service (NVS) is exploring a partnership with Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority to recruit and deploy health workers to rural gaps, while 14 health and education volunteers completed orientation and are heading to Morobe districts. Sports & Youth Culture: Westpac PNG held a Sporting Day and Gala Night in Port Moresby with a “Champions by Day, Icons by Night” theme, and Prime Minister Marape backed kickboxing as a discipline-building pathway for young people. Tourism & Heritage Economy: NCD Governor Powes Parkop renewed calls to revamp the Kokoda Track Authority so the Kokoda Track delivers direct benefits to landowners, committing K200,000 to Kokoda Primary School. Jobs Reality Check: A World Bank update says PNG’s growth is strong, but quality jobs lag, with many new workers stuck in subsistence and informal work. Digital Access: The U.S. Embassy launched Starlink at the American Corner in Waigani to expand free internet for learning and research. Culture in the Classroom: The National Museum and Art Gallery ran a holiday programme helping students reconnect with cultural knowledge through water, totems, and traditions.

Community Safety Training: Leaders in Madang Province finished a three-day course to tackle sorcery accusation related violence, gender-based violence and substance abuse, using a “See, Judge and Act” approach and linking communities with churches and agencies. Sports & Culture Diplomacy: The U.S. Embassy, U.S. Marines and the PNG American Football Federation held a friendly flag football match at Ela Beach for “Freedom 250,” spotlighting people-to-people ties through sport. Conflict in the Region: Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region killed an American pilot and set a plane on fire, calling it a “message” to the U.S. and Indonesia—another reminder of how unrest shapes Pacific lives. Education & Access: Wau-Waria District launched a new community water supply plus a WASH program, while Western Pacific University rolled out an AI-enabled digital learning hub and SmartX tablets to expand higher education access. Women’s Game Boost: Lavagirl and Power Meri released a limited-edition fabric to support grassroots women’s rugby league, education grants and menstrual health initiatives. Skills & Jobs Reality: The World Bank says PNG’s growth is strong, but formal jobs and living conditions lag for most people, urging a clearer jobs agenda and better infrastructure. Local Development Funding: New Ireland unveiled a revised K499.57m budget focused on infrastructure, economic diversification and greater provincial autonomy.

New Ireland Budget Boost: New Ireland unveiled a record revised K499.57m budget, with K268.3m for infrastructure and a push for stronger provincial autonomy, driven by higher mining royalties and national development grants. Defence Skills & Trades: 35 PNG Defence Force personnel graduated from an eight-week automotive and carpentry training under the PNG–Australia partnership, building pathways to national trade testing. Jobs Gap Despite Growth: The World Bank says PNG’s growth outlook is strong, but formal jobs for most citizens aren’t keeping up, calling for a clearer jobs agenda plus better education and health. Education Tech in the Highlands: Western Pacific University launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub and SmartX tablets, aiming to expand access to learning beyond Port Moresby. WASH for Wau-Waria: A new community water system and WASH program began in Pinetop, with school infrastructure support and a five-year push for healthier learning. Women’s Rugby League Style & Support: Lavagirl and Power Meri released a limited-edition fabric to back grassroots women’s rugby league, education grants, and menstrual health. Sports Development Spotlight: PM Marape praised the PNG Kickboxing Federation for youth discipline and leadership through national tournaments. Community School Infrastructure: BSP’s “50for50 Givim bek” is funding a multipurpose hall for Tubusereia Junior High, as teacher housing remains a major challenge. Remote Health by Air: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services announced expanded support to keep medical evacuations and essential supplies reaching isolated communities. Language & Culture Pressure: A report highlights how endangered languages are, with PNG accounting for a large share of at-risk languages—raising alarms for cultural survival. Conjoined Twins Return: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian returned to Port Moresby after six months of separation surgery care in Australia, marking a major family and healthcare milestone.

WASH & schools: In Wau-Waria, Pinetop residents welcomed a new community water supply plus fencing for Pinetop Primary School, alongside a five-year WASH push to lift health and learning, backed by the PNGAust Partnership and ADRA PNG. Education tech: Western Pacific University in Ialibu launched an AI-enabled digital knowledge hub (“LearnX”) and SmartX tablets, aiming to expand access to learning, libraries, assessments and support for students and staff. Women’s sport & fashion: Lavagirl and Power Meri released a limited-edition fabric collection to support grassroots women’s rugby league, education grants and menstrual health initiatives. Community finance: CEFI and the Salvation Army wrapped a Financial Literacy ToT programme, training 29 community trainers to deliver budgeting and savings education across PNG. Health access by air: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services launched a partnership to keep planes flying for medical evacuations and essential supplies to remote PNG communities. Education pressure: Tubusereia Junior High School says teacher housing remains the biggest hurdle, affecting attendance and learning. Safety & unrest: Kiunga schools stayed closed after violence following a fatal alleged drunk-driving incident, with classes suspended until security improves. Culture & language: A new look at endangered languages highlights how PNG’s linguistic diversity is under threat, with hundreds of endangered languages in Oceania and many in PNG. Maritime response: Pacific Towing coordinated emergency towage after engine failures involving MV Khawaii in PNG waters and MV Wealth near the Solomon Islands.

Conjoined-twin homecoming: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian returned to Port Moresby after six months in Australia for separation surgery, marking a major PNG-Australia medical and aviation effort. Education & access: Western Pacific University launched an AI-Enabled Digital Knowledge Hub (“LearnX”) with SmartX tablets, while Kiunga schools stayed closed after violence following a fatal alleged drunk-driving incident. Teacher support: Tubusereia Junior High School in Central Province says teacher housing is still the biggest barrier to attendance, even as BSP backs new facilities. Women’s sport & culture: Lavagirl and Power Meri released a limited-edition fabric to support grassroots women’s rugby league, education grants, and menstrual health. Community wellbeing: CEFI and the Salvation Army finished a Financial Literacy ToT programme training community trainers, and PNG Cancer Foundation ran a fitness-focused fundraiser to reduce cancer risk through healthier living. Indigenous conservation: Pacific leaders and Indigenous advocates met on traditional governance and Indigenous-led conservation for climate resilience. Health logistics: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services expanded support for remote PNG health evacuations and essential supplies. Sport spotlight: Matty Johns visited Port Moresby to cover the PNG Chiefs’ NRL push.

AI & Higher Education: Western Pacific University launched its AI-enabled LearnX digital knowledge hub with SmartX tablets, aiming to expand learning access and digital skills for students and staff. Teacher Support & Learning Access: Tubusereia Junior High in Central Province says teacher housing is still the biggest barrier, linking accommodation shortages to absenteeism and weaker classroom outcomes. Education Disruption: Kiunga schools in North Fly District closed after violence following a fatal alleged drunk-driving incident, with students told to stay home while security is assessed. Health Logistics for Remote PNG: Australia and Adventist Aviation Services announced a partnership to keep flights running for medical evacuations and essential supplies to isolated communities. Sport & Youth Culture: PNG Kickboxing Federation received K300,000 from the National Gaming Control Board for the Last Man Standing Series, backing discipline, healthy living, and talent pathways. Community & Inclusion: Asian Community Day in Port Moresby promoted social cohesion through performances, food, and exhibitions from multiple Asian communities. Food Systems & Nutrition: A World Bank report highlights how boosting farm productivity and value chains could expand incomes and jobs, while a PNG UOT conference (1–3 July) will focus on transforming food systems for nutrition and resilience. Language & Culture Loss: A new look at endangered languages flags Papua New Guinea’s high share of at-risk tongues, tying language survival to broader cultural and environmental protection.

Motherhood & Health Confidence: A new reflection argues many PNG mothers aren’t short on knowledge, but on self-trust—overwhelmed by conflicting advice and fear-based stories. Education & Safety: Kiunga schools close after violence following a fatal alleged drunk-driving incident, with students urged to stay home while security is assessed. Community Learning Support: Project Skul (Project Yumi) keeps tackling the “no desks, no books” reality by repurposing surplus classroom resources for rural schools. Digital Learning Push: Western Pacific University launches its AI-enabled LearnX hub and SmartX tablets, while the government backs digital learning access for all university students by 2035. Financial Inclusion: Wau Waria reopens formal banking via a Mama Bank Access Point and a three-year partnership focused on financial education. Sports & Youth Pathways: NGCB funds the PNG Kickboxing Federation with K300,000 for the Last Man Standing series, building discipline and talent routes. Health Volunteers: NVS inducts 14 volunteers and supervisors in Morobe after a pre-service orientation for health and education roles. Agriculture & Food Security: A World Bank report urges PNG to lift farm productivity and value chains to expand incomes and investment, while ACIAR backs new research to strengthen food systems and nutrition. Women’s Safety Spotlight: A global roundup flags Papua New Guinea among the worst for violence against women, underscoring urgent action on prevention and support.

Digital Education & AI: Western Pacific University launched its AI-Enabled Digital Knowledge Hub, LearnX, with SmartX tablets to expand access to online learning, libraries and student services across PNG. Health & Prevention: The PNG Cancer Foundation held a fitness-focused fundraiser to tackle cancer risk through active living and healthier diets, while military wives were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and check-ups. Community Learning Support: Project Skul, via Project Yumi, delivered desks, books and classroom learning tools to under-resourced PNG schools to boost engagement and literacy. Youth Sport Development: The NGCB backed the PNG Kickboxing Federation with K300,000 for its Last Man Standing Series, aiming to build discipline and pathways for young athletes. Culture & Belonging: Asian Community Day launched in Port Moresby to celebrate Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Bangladeshi cultures and strengthen social cohesion. Food Security & Nutrition: PNG UoT announced a July conference on transforming food systems for nutrition and climate resilience. Regional Leadership: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Pacific challenges, including security, climate resilience and Pacific unity.

Health & Fitness Fundraising: PNG Cancer Foundation’s “fit and fun” challenge brought corporate teams together to back cancer education and operations, with doctors stressing weight control, movement, and cutting processed foods to lower risk. Education Access: Project Skul (Project Yumi) is sending repurposed desks, books, whiteboards and learning materials to rural PNG schools to boost attendance and literacy. Digital Learning Push: Western Pacific University is rolling out an AI-powered digital knowledge hub and tablets, as the government targets digital learning access for all university students by 2035. Women’s Health: Military wives and other women’s groups are being urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and regular check-ups, with HPV highlighted as the main cause. Community Service: National Volunteer Service inducted 14 volunteers in Morobe after a week-long orientation for health and education deployments. Sport & Youth: NGCB backed the PNG Kickboxing Federation with K300,000 for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” series focused on discipline and healthy lifestyles. Culture & Identity: Yongom dancers from North Fly kept traditions alive at the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, performing ceremonial and storytelling dances. Regional Links: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged PNG to keep leading on Melanesian cooperation as mining governance and regional unity stay on the agenda.

Food Security & Nutrition: PNG University of Technology will host a three-day conference in Lae (1–3 July) on transforming food systems for nutrition and climate resilience, with support from DAL, FPDA, NARI, ACIAR, FAO and IFPRI, aiming to bring 300–400 participants together. Clean Water Reality Check: A new global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the infrastructure gap that leaves millions relying on unsafe sources. Language Loss as Environment: A commentary links extinction of Indigenous languages to environmental decline, arguing the two crises can’t be separated. Inclusion in Port Moresby: Asian Community Day was launched to strengthen social cohesion, celebrating Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Bangladeshi communities through performances, food and exhibitions. Women’s Safety: A global roundup places Papua New Guinea among the worst for violence against women, with intimate partner abuse rates highlighted. Health & Prevention: Military wives were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and wellbeing, while leprosy prevention training wrapped up in Gulf for village health volunteers. Education Support: Theodist delivered school bags to families in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to help students stay engaged mid-year. Culture & Youth: Yongom dancers brought tradition to the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, and Jiwaka signed a pathway agreement with Miss Bird of Paradise to boost young women’s representation.

Gangland Finance Exposed: Leaks tied to Mick Gatto allege Big Build subcontractors kept paying the gangland-linked “mediator,” raising fresh questions about how union power and public works money intersect. Violence Against Women: A global roundup flags Papua New Guinea as among the worst places for intimate partner sexual and domestic violence, noting how normalization of abuse makes change harder. Inclusion in Port Moresby: Asian Community Day was launched to celebrate Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Bangladeshi cultures and strengthen belonging in the capital. Sport Funding Debate: PNG’s plan to sustain the Chiefs beyond 2035 faces scrutiny over long-term costs, reliance on external support, and whether elite sport crowds out grassroots needs. Education Support: Theodist delivered school bags to children in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to keep learning on track mid-year. Health & Rights: Military wives were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and wellbeing, while volunteers in Urban Kerema trained to fight leprosy and improve community care. Learning Tech Boost: Western Pacific University opened an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub to expand access for rural students. Culture on Stage: Yongom dancers from North Fly kept traditions alive at the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum.

Violence Against Women: A new global roundup puts Papua New Guinea among the worst places for gender-based violence, citing very high rates of intimate partner sexual and domestic violence and the way abuse can become normalized. Inclusion in Port Moresby: Asian Community Day launched in Port Moresby, with NCD Governor Powes Parkop framing it as culture celebration and social cohesion—bringing together Filipino, Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Bangladeshi communities through performances, food and exhibitions. Sport & Youth Development: The PNG Kickboxing Federation received a K300,000 grant from the National Gaming Control Board to run a nationwide “Last Man Standing” tournament aimed at youth participation, discipline and talent spotting. Health & Women’s Wellbeing: Military wives at the 9th convention were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and regular check-ups, with speakers linking risk to HPV and stressing early detection. Education Support: Theodist delivered school packs to children in Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to help families through the second half of the school year. Culture & Identity: Yongom dancers from North Fly kept traditions alive at the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, performing ceremonial and storytelling dances in full traditional attire. Learning for the Future: Western Pacific University opened an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub to expand access to international learning resources for students, including those from rural areas.

Sports & youth development: The PNG Kickboxing Federation received a K300,000 grant from the National Gaming Control Board to run its Last Man Standing nationwide series, aiming to boost youth participation, discipline, and talent spotting. Education & learning access: Western Pacific University launched an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub in Ialibu to expand learning for rural students, while Theodist delivered school packs to Port Moresby’s Tete settlement to keep children engaged mid-year. Health & women’s wellbeing: Military wives at the 9th convention were urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and stress management, as PNGDF also pushes gender equality and family welfare through its Gender, Peace and Security directorate. Culture & community: Yongom dancers kept traditions alive at the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, and Jiwaka signed a pathway agreement with Miss Bird of Paradise PNG to strengthen local youth representation. Science & nature: A new study adds another walking shark species from eastern PNG, highlighting how diverse reef life still holds surprises. Regional ties: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale urged stronger Melanesian leadership and cooperation, pointing to PNG’s regional influence.

Bird Flu Watch: Australia’s H5N1 bird flu has reached mainland wild birds, raising fresh biosecurity worries across the Asia-Pacific—PNG, a major poultry export destination, has already tightened import rules. Sport & Youth: The National Gaming Control Board backs PNG Kickboxing with K300,000 for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” tournament aimed at youth, discipline, and talent spotting. Education Tech: Western Pacific University launches an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub to expand learning for rural and Pacific students. Early Learning in Central: Iobuna Kouba Primary School teachers are praised for strong Grade 1–2 literacy and numeracy results under the 1-6-6 reform, using Bilum Books and a classroom library. Women’s Health: Military wives are urged to prioritise cervical cancer screening and wellbeing, with stress and lifestyle disease risks highlighted. Culture & Identity: Yongom dancers from North Fly keep traditions alive at the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, performing multiple ceremonial dances. Higher Education Access: University of Goroka holds its first graduation in New Ireland via its distance and flexible learning campus, “bringing the gown to town.”

Sports & Youth: The National Gaming Control Board has granted K300,000 to the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation for its Last Man Standing Series, aiming to boost youth participation, discipline, healthy lifestyles, and talent spotting across provinces. Health & Community: Village health volunteers in Urban Kerema (Gulf) completed leprosy-focused training through the Leprosy Mission PNG, building skills in prevention, detection, and gender and child rights for upcoming fieldwork. Culture & Identity: Yongom dancers from the Atmin Cultural Dance Group travelled to the 5th Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum, performing traditional dances and stressing that culture is “life” and must be taught to young people. Women’s Wellbeing & Family Welfare: During the 9th Military Wives Convention in Port Moresby, military wives were urged to prioritise stress management and health, while PNGDF’s gender and peace security work continues to push safer, more inclusive family support. Education Access: University of Goroka held its first graduation in New Ireland Province via its Kavieng campus, bringing higher education closer to teachers and students without long travel. Science & Nature: Researchers in eastern Papua New Guinea identified a new walking shark species, adding to the growing picture of the region’s unique marine life.