AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth Mobility: Jessie Junias, 19, from Rapitok (East New Britain) is set to leave for the US on a STEM scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering, with plans to return and build PNG’s technical capacity. Health & Women’s Rights: UNICEF has delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, kicking off a national rollout to protect girls aged 9–14 from HPV-related cervical cancer, with the first phase due to begin in September 2026. Community & Culture: PNG Ports has become a Silver Sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival, backing Motu-Koitabu heritage and the historic Hiri trade voyages. Local Learning & Skills: Kokopo Technical Secondary School students visited Tokua Airport to watch Air Niugini engineers replace an aircraft engine, getting hands-on exposure to aviation engineering careers. Leadership & Faith in Medicine: Dr. Sr. Marlene Long, a reconstructive and ophthalmic surgeon, is profiled for decades of life-changing work across underserved communities including PNG. Governance & Rights: A National Court judges’ use of constitutional human-rights powers is highlighted in efforts to curb tribal fighting and protect basic freedoms. Regional Spotlight: Fiji officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership alongside PNG, Samoa and Tonga, with a strong focus on schools and girls’ participation.

Education & Youth: More than 200 PNG English teachers are in Port Moresby marking Grade 12 Written Expression papers, with the Department of Education stressing exam integrity and warning against cheating. Public Health: UNICEF has delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials, with 280,000 planned for a September 2026 rollout targeting girls aged 9–14 in two provinces. Culture & Community: The 66th Mt Hagen Show opened with new cultural groups and international visitors, including a first-time Koinambe Waire Brukim Kumul Group appearance. Local Heritage & Festivals: PNG Ports has joined the Hiri Moale Festival as a Silver Sponsor, backing Motu-Koitabu cultural identity and youth continuity. Governance & Service Delivery: NCD education functions are being transferred to NCDC, moving 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students under the commission for stronger Port Moresby delivery. Sports: Fiji has officially joined the Pacific Rugby League Partnership, joining PNG, Samoa and Tonga with a major Australia-backed investment focused on schools and young players. Environment: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life and livelihoods. Energy & Skills: A STEM scholarship story highlights how reliable electricity can shape rural students’ futures, with one Central/Milne Bay student heading to India for electrical engineering.

HPV & Women’s Health: UNICEF delivered PNG’s first 100,000 HPV vaccine vials on Aug 6, with 180,000 more expected, aiming to start vaccinating about 60,000 girls aged 9–14 in September 2026 across two provinces before expanding. Culture & Community: The 66th Mt Hagen Show opened with new cultural groups, including the Koinambe Waire Brukim Kumul Group from Jiwaka, supported by Redfern Ecotourism Lodge to share “hidden culture” with wider audiences. Resource Benefits & Jobs: PANGU Pati pointed to New Porgera Limited’s K2.1b contribution in H1 2026 as proof stronger negotiations can deliver more for PNG and resource owners, urging lessons for other projects like Papua LNG. Festival Support: PNG Ports became a Silver Sponsor for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, backing the Motu-Koitabu trade and cultural heritage that brings communities together in NCD. Education & Service Delivery: NCD Education transfer to NCDC marks a new era for Port Moresby schooling, moving 92 schools and thousands of students and teachers under NCDC management. STEM & Rural Power: A Central/Milne Bay student won a STEM path to electrical engineering in India, driven by the real-life impact of unreliable electricity on study in rural villages. Governance & Rights: A report highlights judges using PNG’s human rights provisions to act against tribal fighting, aiming to stop violence and protect basic freedoms. Climate & Connectivity: Australia-backed undersea cable work now connects all PIF members to the global network, with PNG set to strengthen resilience through a second international connection.

National Content & Jobs: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina has approved the Pasca A Gas Project’s National Content Plan, aiming to boost training, employment, and PNG-owned business participation in project supply and services. Education in the City: NCD Education functions are being transferred to the National Capital District Commission, bringing 92 schools and about 2,290 teachers under NCDC management to strengthen Port Moresby service delivery. Women’s Leadership: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards spotlight more than 200 nominees, with Stella Ipang taking the overall win for advancing gender equality and inclusion in PNG’s immunisation sector. Community Health & Environment: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for stronger support to tackle rising rubbish and plastic pollution along the shoreline, linking waste to health, livelihoods, and marine damage. STEM & Opportunity: A Central/Milne Bay student is set to study electrical engineering in India through PNG’s STEM scholarship, highlighting how reliable electricity can reshape learning and career paths. Women in Football: A Wewak programme used football to build girls’ confidence, leadership, and life skills, combining teacher/community training with a women’s festival. Catholic Milestone: Bougainville’s Catholic diocese marks 125 years of missionary presence with events running Aug 14–17, including a Jubilee Mass in Hahela. Regional Security Ties: Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles is in PNG for talks on deepening the Pukpuk Treaty partnership and defence cooperation. Visa Bond Debate: The US Embassy in Port Moresby defends Vanuatu’s permanent US$20,000 visa bond, citing overstays and screening gaps—an issue closely watched across the Pacific.

Death Penalty Debate: A Shabbat Shof’tim sermon in Vancouver argues the death penalty is a human rights issue, drawing on the speaker’s experience as a Jewish prison chaplain. Catholic Milestone: Bougainville’s Diocese marks 125 years of Catholic missionary presence with a Jubilee Mass in Hahela and events across parishes and hospitals. Climate & Royal Ties: PNG PM James Marape meets King Charles III in London, discussing climate impacts and the idea of remunerating PNG for rainforest preservation. Local Education Control: NCD Education functions transfer to the National Capital District Commission, shifting management of 92 schools and thousands of teachers and students. STEM & Youth Mobility: PNG expands its STEM overseas scholarship push, while a student from Milne Bay prepares for electrical engineering studies in India. Women’s Empowerment in Sport: PNGFA wraps a Wewak women’s football programme using football for education, leadership, and life-skills. Community Health & Environment: Coastal communities along Motu-Koitabu call for action on rising plastic and rubbish pollution affecting health and livelihoods. Culture & Fashion: PNG Fashion Week spotlights designer William Bray’s international runway journey and cultural fashion links. Child Protection Support: KPHL backs five out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children through its charity golf challenge. Sports Infrastructure: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek funds an upgrade for Port Moresby’s Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini stadium.

Education & Service Delivery: NCD Education Transfer marks a new era as Education Secretary Dr Uke Kombra moves general education operations from the National Department of Education to the NCDC, bringing 92 schools and about 2,290 teachers under Port Moresby management. STEM & Youth Opportunity: The Government’s STEM Overseas Scholarship Programme expands to 360+ students studying in the US, China, India, Fiji and Malaysia, while a Milne Bay student heads to India for electrical engineering—fuelled by the real-life challenge of unreliable rural power. Women, Faith & Community: Bougainville’s Catholic diocese celebrates 125 years of Catholic missionary presence with a Jubilee Mass and parish visits, and a Wewak women’s football programme uses sport for gender empowerment, life skills and safety. Local Economy & Culture: Pasca A Gas Project gets approval for its National Content Plan, aiming to boost training, jobs and PNG-owned suppliers—plus BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek backs an upgrade to the historic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval. Environment & Health: Coastal communities along Motu-Koitabu call for action against rising rubbish and plastic pollution, and Pacific International Hospital warns cataracts are widespread in PNG, with diabetes a growing driver. Biodiversity Story: A black-naped pheasant-pigeon long thought extinct is reportedly rediscovered on Fergusson Island with help from indigenous hunters.

Education & Local Governance: NCD Education Services has officially moved under the National Capital District Commission, with 92 schools and about 2,290 teachers shifting management—an effort to strengthen day-to-day service delivery in Port Moresby. STEM & Youth Pathways: The Government’s STEM Overseas Scholarship Programme is sending more than 360 students abroad, while a Central/Milne Bay student heads to India for electrical engineering, driven by the real-life impact of unreliable rural power. Community Health & Environment: Coastal communities along Motu-Koitabu are calling for help as rubbish and plastic waste pile up from Papa Lealea to Pari, linking pollution to public health, marine life, and livelihoods. Faith & Heritage: Bougainville’s Diocese marks 125 years of Catholic missionary presence, celebrating resilience through war and crisis. Culture & Sport: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek is upgrading Port Moresby’s iconic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval, and PNGFA’s Wewak women’s football programme is using football for gender empowerment and life skills. Business & Jobs: Pasca A Gas Project gets approval for its National Content Plan, aiming to expand training, employment, and PNG-owned business participation. Human Rights Spotlight: A report highlights how witchcraft accusations can lead to torture, banishment, and killings of vulnerable women.

Politics & Citizenship: Immigration Minister William Bando presided over a Port Moresby citizenship ceremony welcoming 20 new citizens and processing renunciations for 7 applicants. Education & Service Delivery: NCD Education Services has formally transferred from the National Department of Education to the National Capital District Commission, bringing 92 schools, 2,290 teachers and about 107,000 students under NCDC management. STEM & Youth Pathways: The Government’s STEM Overseas Scholarship Programme has expanded to 360+ students studying abroad, while a Central/Milne Bay student is set to study electrical engineering in India—fuelled by the reality of unreliable rural electricity. Culture, Faith & Community: Bougainville’s Catholic diocese marks 125 years of missionary presence with a Jubilee Mass and events across 14–17 August, and PNG’s Catholic milestone is framed as a story of local resilience through war and crisis. Environment & Coastal Life: Motu-Koitabu communities are calling for stronger support to tackle rising coastline rubbish and plastic pollution. Energy & Jobs: Pasca A Gas Project’s National Content Plan was approved, aiming to expand training, employment and opportunities for PNG-owned businesses. Sports & Women’s Football: A Wewak women’s football programme used training and festivals to build confidence, leadership and life skills for girls aged 13–18. Health Watch: Cataracts remain a major preventable eye condition in PNG, with diabetes flagged as a growing driver.

Commonwealth & Climate Diplomacy: PM James Marape met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, passing PNG’s condolences and discussing climate action, rainforests, and the push for carbon-remuneration for tree preservation. Energy & Jobs: The Pasca A Gas Project won approval for its National Content Plan, aiming to expand PNG training, employment, and local business supply opportunities. Education in the Capital: NCD education functions are being transferred to the National Capital District Commission, bringing 92 schools, 2,290 teachers, and about 107,000 students under NCDC management. STEM Pathways: A Central/Milne Bay student secured a Government STEM scholarship to study electrical engineering in India, highlighting how reliable power shapes learning. Community Health & Environment: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities are calling for stronger action against rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life, and livelihoods. Women & Youth Through Sport: A Wewak women’s football programme used football plus education and life skills to empower girls aged 13–18 and tackle safety and gender-based violence prevention. Local Care Support: KPHL backed five out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children with funding raised through its charity golf challenge. Visa Reciprocity Debate: Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US introduced a refundable K88,000 bond for PNG travellers. Health Watch: PNG is seeing a rise in eye diseases like cataracts, with diabetes flagged as a growing risk.

Livestock Reform: PM James Marape’s appointment of Agena Gamai as Minister for Livestock is framed as an urgent reset after four years of stagnation and PNG’s continued heavy meat imports. Citizenship & Immigration: ICSA is holding a Citizenship Ceremony in Port Moresby for 27 long-waiting recipients, while Marape floats visa reciprocity after the US introduced a refundable K88,000 bond for PNG travellers. Women & Youth Through Sport: PNGFA wrapped a four-day women’s football programme in Wewak, using football for education, leadership, life skills and gender-based violence prevention. Culture & Fashion: Designer William Bray is highlighted for taking PNG fashion onto regional runways, including Fiji, and returning home for local cultural showcases. Education Milestones: NCD takes control of education services in Port Moresby, and Divine Word University marks 30 years with campus-wide celebrations and a new strategic plan launch. Community Care: KPHL invests K500,000 in five out-of-home care centres supporting vulnerable children. Health Watch: PNG sees rising cataracts, with diabetes flagged as a growing driver. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is forcing shortened school hours in parts of PNG, with water and heat-safety measures. Science Curiosity: PNG’s links to the “tiny people” mushroom story continue as researchers identify the fungus behind repeat hallucinations.

Child Protection: Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) has invested over K500,000 to support five licensed out-of-home care centres for vulnerable children, funded through its Port Moresby Charity Golf Challenge. Women’s Football: PNG Football Association wrapped a four-day women’s development programme in Wewak, using football to build leadership, life skills, and gender safety for girls aged 13–18. Health & Lifestyle: A cataracts warning is in the spotlight, with an estimated 1.2 million Papua New Guineans living with preventable eye disease, and diabetes flagged as a growing driver. Fashion & Art: Designer William Bray is leading PNG Fashion Week efforts to push local fashion onto regional and international runways while staying rooted in culture. Visa & Mobility: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US made a refundable visa bond permanent, with talks planned with Washington. Education & Community: NCD takes control of education services in Port Moresby as part of a 10-year decentralisation process. Sports Infrastructure: BSP’s 50for50 Givim Bek will upgrade the historic Kira-Kira Cricket Oval into a mini cricket stadium. Digital Governance: PNG seeks feedback on proposed digital ID and data protection laws, including expansion of SevisWallet credentials. El Niño Impact: Some schools have shortened class times and reduced outdoor activities as heat and water shortages bite. Culture on Screen: Chinese animated feature All Wishes Come True! opens in Australia and is set to screen in Papua New Guinea on August 13.

El Niño & school life: Several provinces in Papua New Guinea have cut school hours as El Niño brings extreme heat and water shortages, with early finishes ranging from 10am for ECE to 12pm for primary and reduced secondary periods; schools are also told to monitor dehydration risks, clear dry grass, and scale back outdoor activities. NRL & PNG culture: The PNG Chiefs moved fast to lock in Samoan star Brian To’o for their 2028 entry, with club leaders stressing family values and community fit as much as on-field talent. Visa reciprocity push: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG will consider visa reciprocity with countries that charge PNG travellers or require pre-application, after the US introduced a refundable visa bond for some business and tourism visitors. World Bank lifeline: PNG’s Treasury says it has secured up to K300 million in disaster financing from the World Bank to respond to El Niño impacts, including frost-damaged crops and drying water supplies. Digital identity feedback: PNG is seeking public input on proposed laws to overhaul its digital ID and digital wallet system, including new regulators and rules for digital government services. Bougainville film return: Bougainville communities celebrated the restored return of the classic narrative feature “Tukana- Husat I Asua,” bringing back a key piece of cultural storytelling after more than 40 years. Indigenous rights spotlight: The MSG Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Indigenous rights, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge across Melanesia. Climate protest tensions: Climate activists allege insurance companies hired “corporate spies” to photograph protesters opposing LNG underwriting in the Coral Triangle. Human rights & women’s leadership: NCDPHA marked National Women’s Day with Miss PNG Iampela Popena, focusing on justice and stronger protections for women and girls. Education abroad: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme says it has supported 470 students overseas since 2023, with another group preparing to depart. Security crackdown: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says illegal firearm possession will face life imprisonment after the amnesty ends, with tougher penalties also proposed for sellers and suppliers.

NRL & Identity: The PNG Chiefs keep stacking star power for their 2028 debut, signing Samoan winger Brian To’o on a multi-year deal, with club leaders stressing his family values and Pacific cultural fit as much as his on-field record. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger Pacific climate push ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and louder Pacific leadership through Pre-COP31 meetings. El Niño Support: PNG is set to access up to K300 million in World Bank disaster financing to respond to worsening El Niño impacts, including crop loss, low rivers and water shortages. Digital Governance: PNG is seeking public feedback on proposed digital ID and data protection laws, while also expanding SevisWallet credentials and rolling out a Digital Arrival Card for border processing. Indigenous Rights: The MSG Secretariat reaffirmed support for Indigenous rights, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge across Melanesia, highlighting living kastom and community-led conservation. Culture on Screen: Bougainville communities celebrated the restored return of the historic film Tukana- Husat I Asua after more than 40 years, with screenings supported by partners including Australia’s film archive. Women & Health: NCDPHA marked National Women’s Day with Miss PNG Iampela Popena, focusing on justice, action and stronger protections for women and girls in health and beyond. Sports Funding Debate: Former PNG footballer Alex Davani says FIFA’s development funding system is flawed, arguing smaller federations may stay quiet because the money can be their entire operating budget. STEM Education: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now supported about 470 students overseas since 2023, with another 137 scholars preparing to depart. Protest & Fossil Fuels: Climate protesters accused insurers of using “corporate spies” during a Coral Triangle-themed action opposing LNG underwriting in the world’s most biodiverse marine region.

Digital Rights & Identity: Papua New Guinea is asking for feedback on new digital ID and data protection laws, including a national ID and digital wallet plus new regulators and rules for digital government services, social media age limits, and expanded credential access through SevisWallet. Women’s Leadership: NCD Provincial Health Authority marked National Women’s Day with Miss PNG Iampela Popena, spotlighting justice, action, and stronger legal protections for women and girls in health and beyond. STEM & Youth Mobility: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now supported 470 students overseas since 2023, with another 137 scholars preparing to leave—part of a push to build future skills in medicine, engineering, and more. Climate & Community Resilience: The World Bank has agreed in principle to unlock up to K300 million in disaster financing for El Niño impacts, targeting crop loss, water shortages, and transport disruption. Culture on Screen: Bougainville communities celebrated the restored return of the historic film Tukana- Husat I Asua after more than 40 years, with screenings and restoration support. Immigration & Travel Rules: PNG is tightening entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card, while the government continues talks with the US over a visa bond policy affecting PNG travellers. Sports & Identity: The PNG Chiefs’ historic NRL push continues with Samoan star Brian To’o signing on a three-year deal, framed as more than talent—about family, culture, and a Pacific identity. Science & Folklore: Researchers say a rare bolete mushroom, Lanmaoa asiatica, may explain “tiny people” hallucinations reported across PNG and other regions, linking modern science to long-held local knowledge.

El Niño Relief: PNG Treasury has secured access to up to K300 million in World Bank disaster financing after talks in Singapore, including a US$50m Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown option, as frost, low rivers and water shortages bite. Public Safety: Police Minister Sir John Pundari says illegal firearm possession will carry life imprisonment after the amnesty ends Sept 16, with tougher penalties also targeted at sellers and cross-border suppliers. Culture & Heritage: Bougainville’s historic film “Tukana—Husat I Asua” returns after more than 40 years, with community screenings supported by the Bougainville Arts, Culture and Tourism Authority and Australia’s film restoration partners. Indigenous Rights: The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) reaffirms protection of Indigenous rights, languages, cultures and traditional knowledge for International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. STEM & Education: PNG’s STEM scholarship programme has now supported 470 students overseas since 2023, with another 137 scholars farewelled for study abroad. NRL & Identity: The PNG Chiefs lock in Samoan star Brian To’o on a three-year deal for their 2028 debut, pitching the signing as more than sport—family, culture and Pacific identity included. Digital Border Change: PNG tightens entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card for all incoming travellers before boarding passes are issued.

NRL & Pacific Identity: The PNG Chiefs have landed Samoan winger Brian To’o on a three-year deal from 2028, joining Jarome Luai and positioning the club as “built in PNG” with a strong Pacific identity—family, culture and community front and centre. Sports Spotlight: Mt Hagen boxer Sheilla Yama defended her IBF Super Lightweight title in Auckland with an undefeated 8-0 record, with PM James Marape praising her discipline and self-reliance as a youth model. Education & Skills: PNG sent 137 STEM scholars overseas under the national scholarship programme, bringing the total supported since 2023 to about 470, while graduates are also being urged to face labour-market realities and gender gaps. Digital Life & Housing: Nasfund reintroduced free virtual Housing Advance sessions, using member feedback to push for modernised superannuation legislation. Border & Religion: PNG tightened entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card, and a government statement reaffirmed constitutional freedom of religion while warning against extremist recruitment and hate. Culture & Fashion: Miss Bird of Paradise’s MBOP Sarong category winner George Kurokuro used a sarong design to stitch together PNG’s regions—turning cultural identity into runway fashion.