AGP Executive Report

Education Funding: Prime Minister James Marape says K877 million has gone into PNG’s tuition fee subsidy, supporting 2.5+ million students, alongside HELP and classroom upgrades. Student Assessments: 92,000+ Grade 10 students sat the national written expression exam, with schools reporting strong preparation and some absenteeism. Water & Health Infrastructure: EIB Global and the EU back a €16.4m grant plus a €25m concessional loan to expand potable water networks, targeting 400,000 more people (including Port Moresby). Marine Conservation: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area to protect about 200,000 km² with a total fishing ban, linked to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor. Culture, Arts & Identity: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with a diverse Pasifika line-up including Papua New Guinea artists. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG’s Office of Censorship orders The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and remove related promotions. Tech & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School sign an MOU for workplace training and staff upskilling; PAS PNG also supports hospitality skills at Loloata Island Resort. Education Reform Debate: Concerns continue over national exams in pilot provinces as PNG education reform reshapes assessment plans.

Marine Conservation: Papua New Guinea is moving to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus by banning fishing under a new Western Manus Marine Protected Area, with legal steps next after talks at the Melanesia Ocean Summit. Water & Health: EIB Global and the EU are backing a €16.4m EU grant plus a €25m concessional loan to expand drinking-water networks, aiming to add potable water for 400,000 more people. Education: More than 92,000 Grade 10 students sat the national written expression exam, with schools reporting strong preparation and results expectations. Culture & Arts: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with a major Pasifika line-up that includes Papua New Guinea artists. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG’s Office of Censorship ordered Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and remove all promotions. Tech & Society: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and protect families and communities online. Sports & Identity: PNG Chiefs’ future is in focus as Connor Watson’s early release and Alex Johnston’s PNG plans fuel more attention on 2028.

Education: More than 92,000 Grade 10 students sat PNG’s written expression exam, with Lae and Port Moresby schools reporting strong preparation—while one Western Highlands school saw 143 students miss the test after dropping out. Marine Conservation: PNG announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Water & Health Infrastructure: EIB Global and the EU backed a €25m loan plus EU support to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people, including in Port Moresby. Culture & Faith Debate: Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita pushed for a separate religion ministry and questioned the National Pledge’s “cultural heritage” clause, sparking wider discussion on identity and the role of government. Rights & Community Life: PNG’s Office of Censorship ordered Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night,” and bar future LGBTQ+ themed events. Tech & Learning: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to curb misinformation, while education reform provinces still await clarity on whether national exams will proceed. Sports & Youth: PNG Chiefs signings continue to shape the 2028 build-up, with players like Connor Watson and Alex Johnston preparing for life in Port Moresby.

Marine Protection: Papua New Guinea announced a Western Manus Marine Protected Area of about 200,000 km² in the Bismarck Sea, with a total fishing ban, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves—aiming to protect Coral Triangle biodiversity while still supporting local food and livelihoods. Education & Youth: Prime Minister James Marape urged parents to reinforce discipline and values at home alongside free education spending, while Paradise Foods’ Smart Start School promotion handed grants to Hagita Primary School (K33,000) and Karea Primary School (K11,000). Water Access: EIB Global approved €25m concessional financing (with EU support) to expand drinking-water networks, targeting an extra 400,000 people, including in Port Moresby. Culture, Faith & Identity: Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita pushed for a standalone religion ministry and raised concerns about unregulated preaching, and parliament debate resurfaced over whether PNG’s National Pledge should name “God” instead of “cultural heritage.” Rights & Community Life: PNG’s Office of Censorship ordered Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and barred future LGBTQ+ themed events. Skills & Jobs: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu signed an MOU to expand workplace training and staff upskilling. Tech & Misinformation: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to curb misinformation risks, noting how easily social media content can spread fear. Sports & Nation-Building: PNG Chiefs recruitment news continued with Connor Watson’s early release and plans for his 2028 move, alongside ongoing attention on the SP Hunters’ struggles.

Education & Youth: Prime Minister James Marape urged parents to back free education with discipline and values at home, while pilot provinces still await clarity on whether national exams will proceed. School Support: Paradise Foods’ Smart Start promotion crowned Hagita Primary School (Milne Bay) with K33,000 and Karea Primary (Gulf) as runner-up, with grants also backing classrooms and facilities nationwide; Kina Bank donated a 5,000-litre water tank to Lakira Primary School. Culture, Identity & Faith: Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita pushed for a standalone religion ministry and even questioned the National Pledge’s “cultural heritage” clause, sparking debate on faith versus shared identity. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG’s Office of Censorship ordered The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and barred future LGBTQ+-themed events. Tech & Society: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to curb misinformation, and a new UPNG partnership with a US university aims to expand postgraduate pathways and research, including indigenous knowledge. Arts & Community: Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with a strong Papua New Guinea presence. Sports & Pathways: PNG Chiefs signed Alex Johnston; Connor Watson’s early release and other Chiefs moves keep the 2028 franchise buzz alive.

Film & Identity: Indonesia’s investigative documentary “Pesta Babi” (“Pig Feast”) has sparked fierce debate over how state-backed food-security projects are reshaping South Papua’s indigenous lands and livelihoods, with screenings reportedly disrupted by security forces. Arts & Community: The Pacific Dance Festival 2026 opens in Māngere with its biggest line-up yet, featuring Papua New Guinea artists alongside other Pacific communities. Education & Values at Home: Prime Minister James Marape urged parents to back government education support with discipline and values, while Paradise Foods’ Smart Start School promotion handed out grants—Hagita Primary School taking K33,000. Faith & Governance: Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita called for a standalone ministry of religion and a board to screen church workers’ qualifications. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG’s Office of Censorship ordered The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night,” banning future LGBTQ+ themed events. Tech & Misinformation: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and protect society. Sports & Culture: PNG Chiefs recruitment continues with Alex Johnston and Matty Lees signing ahead of the 2028 NRL season. Health & Care: Baby Sawong returned home after six months in Australia for life-saving treatment. Environment & Resilience: Coral Triangle and IUCN-linked work highlights community-led marine stewardship and Green List progress across the region.

Subsea Lifelines: New research warns that subsea telecom cables serving small island nations are most vulnerable within 300 km of shore, putting internet, banking, healthcare and emergency links at risk. Gender-Based Violence Push: A fresh call to “make love work” urges stronger action against gender-based violence, arguing PNG’s laws and campaigns haven’t been enough to stop it. Oral Cancer Prevention: A public health message highlights oral cavity cancer risks tied to betel nut, smoking, alcohol and poor hygiene, urging people to seek care for sores or lesions that don’t heal within two weeks. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG’s Office of Censorship orders Port Moresby’s Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and bans future LGBTQ-themed events. Education & Skills: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School sign a 2026 MOU for job training and staff upskilling; an aspiring teacher in Southern Highlands plans to use digital tools and e-library access to improve remote learning. Transport Access: PNG Air relaunches its Post PNG ticketing partnership, expanding where people can buy flights nationwide. Rugby League Culture: Connor Watson is confirmed as PNG Chiefs player #003 for 2028–29, while the Chiefs also sign England forward Matty Lees as player #004. Community Learning: World Biscuit Day celebrations bring fun, oral hygiene lessons and reading activities to BbP Library Learning Centres.

Youth Skills & Training: Remington Technology and Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) Gabutu signed a 2026 MOU to expand workplace training for students and tailored upskilling for staff. Education Access: An aspiring teacher from Southern Highlands says digital learning tools and e-library support will help remote communities after his University of Goroka studies. Hospitality Upskilling: Loloata Island Resort took part in the Pacific Australia Skills PNG launch, with chefs training through the PAS PNG program. LGBTQ+ Rights & Censorship: PNG Office of Censorship issued a Stop Notice ordering The Cosmopolitan Night Club to cancel “Pride Night” and banning future LGBTQ+-themed events at the venue. Transport & Services: PNG Air relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, expanding ticketing access via Post PNG branches nationwide. Digital Literacy & Misinformation: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation risks, with a focus on safeguards and media verification. School Exams: Over 92,000 Grade 10 students will sit the Written Expression National Exam today, with materials dispatched and security measures in place. Community Learning: World Biscuit Day brought fun, oral-hygiene lessons and biscuit-themed activities to Buk bilong Pikinini library centres. Gender & Public Service: PNG’s DPLGA appointed its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as part of a wider leadership gender shift. Sports & Culture: PNG Chiefs recruitment continues with Connor Watson (Signing 003) and Matty Lees (Player 004) as the club builds its 2028 NRL foundation.

Rugby League & Identity: Cook Islands coach Karmichael Hunt has welcomed Valentine Holmes into the squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with Holmes set to honour his mother’s heritage after a rotator cuff injury kept him out of key qualifiers. Education & Daily Life: Kina Bank donated a 5,000-litre water tank to Lakira Primary School in Southern Highlands, easing daily water shortages for students and teachers. Childhood Learning: World Biscuit Day celebrations at Buk bilong Pikinini library learning centres brought biscuit-themed games, storytelling, and oral-hygiene lessons across Port Moresby and Lae. Transport Access: PNG Air relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting people buy airline tickets at selected Post PNG branches nationwide. Digital Culture & Trust: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and protect social cohesion as AI-generated content spreads fast online. School Exams Uncertainty: In pilot education reform provinces, MPs and parents are still waiting on clear guidance on whether national exams will proceed this year. Women in Leadership: DPLGA appointed its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as senior women move into top roles. Sports Media Skills: A week-long training for sports media participants focused on gender equity reporting and professional commentary standards. Highlands Conservation Spotlight: A new GBFF project backs customary forest stewardship in PNG’s Highlands, aiming to strengthen Indigenous-led conservation long term.

Community-led conservation: A new GBFF project in PNG’s Highlands (CEPA + FAO) is set to strengthen Indigenous customary forest stewardship for long-term protection of cloud-forest species like tree kangaroos and birds-of-paradise. Education support: Ororo Primary School in Port Moresby received 30 desks from Rotary, easing overcrowding as student numbers and inclusive education pressures grow. Local planning for resilience: In Morobe’s Umbaku Ward, residents launched a self-made five-year disaster risk plan after a 2024 landslide, setting 23 priority projects with support from IOM PNG and the Morobe Disaster Centre. Student sport: University of Goroka’s SRC rugby league tournament kicks off after UOG’s affiliation with the PNG Rugby Football League, aiming to build youth pathways. NRL culture-building: PNG Chiefs keep signing—Matty Lees (Player 004) and Connor Watson (Player 003)—as the club frames the 2028 debut as a nation-building project with strong standards and professionalism. Women in leadership: DPLGA appoints its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as senior leadership shifts toward gender equity. Media and training: Pacific media leaders meet in Port Moresby for the 2026 partnership conference, while PNG sports journalists complete gender-equity-focused commentary training. Education milestones: Over 92,000 Grade 10 students sit the WEX National Exam on June 4, with strict distribution and security measures in place.

Education & Youth: Over 92,000 Grade 10 students will sit for the Written Expression (WEX) National Exam on June 4, with strict security and exam materials dispatched across provinces. Women in Public Service: PNG’s DPLGA has appointed its first permanent female Deputy Secretary, Robyn Ata, as part of a wider push to boost gender equity and social inclusion in senior leadership. Media & Culture: Pacific media leaders gathered in Port Moresby for the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilient voices, sustainability, and stronger regional collaboration. Learning Links: UPNG signed a historic three-year partnership with the Universities of Wisconsin to expand academic and cultural exchanges. Sports & Identity: The PNG Chiefs kept building their 2028 NRL roster, signing Connor Watson (Signing 003) and Matty Lees (Player 004), framing the project as culture-led nation-building. Community Sports & Safety: PNGRFL’s Santos Cup Football Conference rolled out upgrades for women’s football, including longer preseason, improved welfare standards, and clearer contract structures. Culture Preservation: Enga Province and the National Cultural Commission signed an MOU to support cultural development, including funding for the Enga Cultural Show and cultural centre.

NRL & Nation-Building: PNG Chiefs keep stacking their 2028 debut roster, confirming Connor Watson (Signing 003) on a two-year deal and adding English forward Matty Lees, with the club pitching the franchise as a major jobs-and-tourism engine for PNG. Sports Media & Gender Equity: A five-day training for sports media participants, backed by ABC International Development and the PNG-Australia partnership, focused on inclusive reporting and giving female reporters tools for fair, professional coverage. Digital Access for Rural PNG: The US plans to fund US$30 million for satellite internet across PNG, targeting remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres. Education & Women’s Empowerment: Marianville Secondary School marks 60 years of educating and empowering young women, while Sister Adolfa Kanga graduates from early childhood education training tied to MSC community care. Culture Preservation in Enga: A new MOU between the National Cultural Commission and Enga Province backs cultural research, heritage documentation and the Enga Cultural Show/Centre. Community Sport Funding: Play for Unity funds recipients are set to support community sport, alongside a broader push for women’s rugby league development.

Australia–PNG Business Forum: Prime Minister James Marape reassured investors in Brisbane that PNG is focused on business, reform and long-term growth—urging companies to look beyond mining and petroleum, while promising government support so profits can also translate into better health, education and infrastructure. Women’s education milestone: Marianville Secondary School marked 60 years of empowering young women, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee and decades of producing nurses, teachers, leaders and professionals. Culture & heritage in Enga: The National Cultural Commission and Enga Province signed an MOU to preserve Enga culture, with K750,000 pledged for the annual Enga Cultural Show and cultural centre maintenance. Sports as opportunity: PNGRFL’s Santos Cup women’s football conference set up a stronger 2026 pathway with longer preseason, improved welfare and medical standards, and more professional structures. Rural connectivity push: The US announced US$30m for satellite internet in PNG to connect remote schools, health facilities and disaster centres. Community livelihoods: In West Sepik’s Lido village, a coastal fishing group boosted catches and reduced losses after receiving boats, gear and training through the EU-STREIT PNG fisheries programme. LGBTQ+ rights spotlight: Sir Ian McKellen joined a London “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” protesting anti-LGBTQ+ laws still in force across Commonwealth countries, including PNG.

Education & Women’s Empowerment: NCD Governor Powes Parkop marked Marianville Secondary School’s 60th Diamond Jubilee, praising six decades of shaping PNG girls into nurses, teachers, lawyers, engineers and community leaders. Sustainable Livelihoods: In West Sepik’s Lido village, the Haii Entrepreneurship Coastal Fishing Group boosted catches and reduced waste after receiving boats, motors, fish aggregating devices and training through the EU-STREIT PNG fisheries programme. Citizenship & Sport: Female boxer Mili “Mayhem” Saul says a citizenship renewal delay has sidelined her from the Commonwealth Games, pushing her toward professional boxing for now. Early Childhood Training: Sister Adolfa Kanga graduated with a Certificate Two in Early Childhood Education and Care, aiming to strengthen MSC early childhood support in Gerehu. Culture Preservation: Enga and the National Government signed an MOU to fund cultural research and the Enga Cultural Show/Centre, backing heritage documentation and promotion. Regional Forest Protection: IUCN and FAO-backed efforts gathered officials and Indigenous leaders to protect primary forests across Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including PNG. Connectivity for Rural PNG: The US announced US$30m for satellite internet to reach remote schools, health facilities and disaster centres. Justice Access: National Court circuits returned to Namatanai after seven years, with New Ireland leaders urging more young people to study law. Community Sport for Women: PNGRFL wrapped up the 2026 Santos Cup Football Conference with new structures focused on player welfare, medical standards and professional pathways.

Courts & Access to Justice: Namatanai in New Ireland welcomes the return of National Court circuit hearings after seven years, with local leaders urging more young people to study law and bring services closer to communities. Women’s Education & Leadership: Marianville Secondary School marks 60 years since breaking barriers as PNG’s oldest all-girls school, celebrating generations of female leaders. Provincial Culture & Unity: East New Britain’s 49th Provincial Day spotlights choral singing as a force for unity and healing, with celebrations anchored at Malaguna United Church Grounds. Cultural Heritage Funding: Enga and the National Government sign an MOU to preserve Enga culture, including K750,000 support for the Enga Cultural Show and the cultural centre. Sport for Women: PNGRFL wraps up the 2026 Santos Cup conference to strengthen women’s football pathways, with upgraded welfare, safety, and professional standards. LGBTQIA+ Rights: Sir Ian McKellen joins London’s “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” protesting anti-LGBTQIA+ criminal laws, including calls that explicitly name Papua New Guinea among affected countries. Connectivity for Rural Life: The US announces US$30m for satellite internet in PNG, aiming to connect remote schools, health facilities, and disaster centres. Betel Nut Health Warning: A medical team leader urges action on betel nut chewing, citing its link to oral cancer and calling it a public health priority.

LGBTQ+ Rights Protest: Sir Ian McKellen led London’s “Commonwealth Walk of Shame” against colonial-era laws criminalising same-sex relationships across 29 Commonwealth countries, including places where life imprisonment or the death penalty can apply. Connectivity for Rural PNG: The US announced US$30m for satellite internet to reach remote schools, rural health facilities and disaster centres, aiming to close the digital gap. Women in Sport: PNGRFL wrapped a 2026 women’s football conference in Port Moresby, extending the season to a 10-week structure and boosting welfare, medical training and performance standards. Cricket Meets Classroom Learning: Cricket PNG launched “Cricket Numeracy in PNG,” using cricket-based activities to build students’ maths skills, with workshops for teachers and game development staff. Financial Literacy for Kids: Over 1,000 Madang students completed the Young Mind Savings Campaign, learning saving habits and money management through school-based sessions. Digital Identity Push: PNG moved toward a legal framework for national digital ID and verifiable credentials, supporting SevisPass and SevisWallet rollout by July 2026. Betel Nut Health Warning: A medical team warned that betel nut chewing is linked to oral cancers, urging people to quit to protect lives. Community Support: The Salvation Army received K50,000 from MAPNG for House of Hope shelters supporting survivors of gender-based violence and child abuse. Sports Leadership at Home: PNG Chiefs appointed Kumuls star Rhyse Martin as Football Operations Manager from 2027, bringing leadership and a professional culture focus.