AGP Executive Report

Education & Drought Response: The Department of Education issued emergency guidelines for schools as El Niño drought worsens, including water safety, adjusted school hours, and extra protections for national exam students. Gender Justice & Safety: Bel Isi urged leaders to move from commitments to action on family and sexual violence, while UNICEF stressed peace must mean everyday safety for women and children. Culture & Community: The 17th Moni Plus Goroka Bilum Festival crowned Bilum Hauslain and individual weavers, and Simbai beetle attire drew attention at the 70th Goroka Show. Sports Development: PNG weightlifting coach Konio Toua heads to the US for an international coaching program to strengthen athlete pathways. Education Access: India’s High Commissioner backed a Study in India Education Fair for affordable, quality higher education options for PNG students. Humanitarian & Rights: PNG police rescued 39 Indonesian trafficking victims in Port Moresby and arrested four Chinese nationals. Governance & Reform: PNG Rugby Union moved to end its 2024 suspension with new compliance and oversight reforms and a Sept 25 deadline. Security & Peace: Immigration Minister William Bando called for continued illegal firearms surrender efforts, including expanding gun surrender programs in the Highlands.

Human Rights & Safety: PNG police rescued 39 Indonesian trafficking victims in Port Moresby and arrested four Chinese nationals after a social-media lure scheme that held victims captive in a downtown property. Authorities are coordinating with the Indonesian Embassy and international partners to dismantle the wider network. Gender-Based Violence & Peace: Bel Isi urged leaders to move from promises to action on family and sexual violence, while UNICEF stressed that “peace” must mean everyday safety for women, children, and families. Education & Drought Response: The Education Department issued emergency El Niño drought guidelines for schools, including water safety, adjusted hours, and protections for students sitting national exams. Culture Spotlight: The 70th Goroka Show drew major attention for Simbai beetle attire from Madang, with Israeli tourists also visiting cultural performances. Community & Conservation: A legally binding conservation deed was signed by 266 Indigenous clan leaders to protect rainforest and tree kangaroos across 41 villages. Governance & Sports: PNGRU announced reforms and a deadline to lift its 2024 suspension, including new oversight and women’s representation roles. Security & Firearms: Immigration Minister William Bando called for continued illegal weapons action as Hela’s gun surrender program continues.

Goroka Show Spotlight: Simbai beetle attire from Madang turned heads at the 70th Goroka Show, with 100+ cultural groups and 600+ international visitors in the spotlight. Bel Isi Action on Violence: Bel Isi urged leaders to move from promises to practical steps against family and sexual violence, stressing peace in everyday life and safer homes and workplaces. Highlands Humanitarian Support: MSF-linked Highlands work highlights how survivors like Janet Kilea are pushing back against stigma and empowering women facing violence. UNICEF on “Peace at Home”: UNICEF said peace must be felt through safety and dignity for women, children and families, citing high rates of intimate-partner violence and childhood violence. Education Policy Push: The National Department of Education launched a Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) public service policy, aiming for safer, discrimination-free workplaces and stronger alignment with education plans. Drought Guidance for Schools: Education issued emergency guidelines as El Niño drought worsens, including water safety, adjusted school hours, and protections for national exam students. Bilum Culture Wins: Bilum Hauslain dominated awards at the 17th Moni Plus Goroka Bilum Festival, reinforcing bilum as a living cultural heritage. Land & Tree Kangaroo Protection: 266 Indigenous leaders signed a conservation deed protecting 125,000+ hectares of rainforest and safeguarding tree kangaroos. Gun Surrender in Hela: Immigration Minister William Bando backed the “Make Hela Safe Again” gun surrender program and called for more community-led weapons handovers. PNGRU Governance Update: PNG Rugby Union moved to lift its 2024 suspension with governance reforms, a compliance committee, and a Sept 25 deadline for outstanding requirements. Digicel PNG Foundation CEO: Valda Kilangis-Kereu was appointed new CEO, continuing the foundation’s community programs nationwide. Independence Justice Call: A Chimbu doctor’s death sparked renewed calls for swift justice and protection for health workers. Education Leadership for the Next 50 Years: Dame Maria Kopkop challenged students to use education, character and citizenship to build PNG’s future.

Rugby Governance: Papua New Guinea Rugby Union (PNGRU) has moved to end its 2024 suspension, announcing new board reforms and a compliance committee, with remaining requirements due by Sept 25. Public Safety & Arms: Concerns continue over Australia’s planned rifle supply to PNGDF, after PNG defence leadership warned guns could end up in the wrong hands. Health Worker Security: A Chimbu doctor, Dr Robert Waiye, was beaten to death on Independence Day, sparking calls for swift justice and protection for health workers. Displacement Policy: PNG is pushing for a National Internal Displacement Policy and Plan, treating internal displacement as a long-term development and rights issue, not a short emergency. Education in Drought: The Education Department issued emergency El Niño drought guidelines, including water safety steps and adjusted school hours for 2026 exams. Community & Culture: PNGUNRE hosted a West New Britain Lik Lik cultural celebration, while PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened at APEC House, spotlighting fashion as culture and opportunity. Independence Voices: Dame Maria Kopkop urged students to build PNG’s future through education, character and responsible citizenship. HIV in the Pacific: Fiji’s HIV crisis is linked to dangerous “bluetoothing” drug-sharing practices, with stigma and lack of jobs worsening risk.

Cancer Care in Crises: Médecins Sans Frontières will speak at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong, saying cancer treatment—from screening to palliative care—is possible even in low-resource settings, but women face major barriers to prevention and timely care. Education Under El Niño: PNG’s Education Department issued emergency guidelines as drought worsens, with staged rules for water safety, school hours, and extra protections for students sitting national exams. Leadership in Community Work: Digicel PNG Foundation appointed Valda Kilangis-Kereu as its new CEO, promising continuity of programs across Papua New Guinea. Independence Voices: A reflection on “unlikely voices” in PNG’s independence story highlights Nikolai Miklouho-Macklay and Brian Leonard Cooper, linking earlier struggles for rights and self-government to 1975. Faith and Learning: Dame Maria Kopkop urged students to build PNG’s future through education, character, health, and responsible citizenship. Culture & Youth: PNGUNRE hosted a West New Britain Lik Lik cultural celebration, while scouts impressed at Alotau’s Independence Day flag-raising. Public Service Updates: The Teaching Service Commission rejected claims of a premature teachers’ pay rise, warning teachers not to rely on unverified media reports.

Education & Nation-Building: Dame Maria Kopkop urged students to use education, character, health and responsible citizenship to help shape PNG’s next 50 years, warning that the future will bring new science, climate and health challenges. Higher Education Expansion: Sonoma Adventist College is on a pathway to become a university, with Higher Education Minister Kinoka Feo saying a submission is being prepared for government tabling after the Sept 11 opening of a new library and early childhood learning centre. Community & Youth Culture: Koeabule Primary School scouts impressed at Alotau’s 51st Independence Day flag-raising, showing how school-based scouting is building discipline and confidence. Independence, Faith & Identity: A reflective piece questions what “Christian PNG” should mean after a constitutional amendment, while another argues national celebrations can feel like forced performance when law and order, health and education remain under strain. Sports Pathways: PNG Chiefs outlined a national pathway plan to turn community rugby league talent into professionals, linking elite development with education and vocational training. Public Health Alert: Snake bites are described as a “silent crisis” in PNG, with high mortality and costly treatment, though telecommunication-based awareness is helping reach remote communities. Culture on the Runway: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby at APEC House, spotlighting fashion as business, culture and tourism, with designers like Atosh Iyaro returning to the runway. Local Governance: NCDC called for stronger municipal management and service delivery as Port Moresby enters a new growth phase. Education Sector Tension: The Teaching Service Commission rejected claims of a premature teachers’ pay rise, urging teachers to rely only on official TSC updates. Independence in Conflict Areas: In Enga’s Kasi ward, Independence Day celebrations were held despite ongoing fighting and damage, with youth dances and songs bringing people back together.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House in Port Moresby hosted the opening of PNG Fashion Week 2026, with a theme linking fashion to business, culture, tourism, jobs and education, plus runway showcases and a Pacific Fashion Summit/Markets. Independence & local leadership: Milne Bay’s Alotau marked 51 years with calls for Indigenous communities to take ownership of land, resources and local business; in Enga’s Kasi ward, Independence Day celebrations continued despite conflict and funding gaps, with traditional dances and unity messages. Education & culture institutions: The National Cultural Commission marked Independence with new uniforms and highlighted work supporting community cultural centres and local music/creative arts. Community safety: PM Marape praised leaders in Hela and Southern Highlands for removing illegal firearms through surrender efforts, aiming to make communities safer. City management: NCDC urged stronger municipal systems and service delivery as Port Moresby enters its next growth phase. Teacher pay clarification: TSC acting chair Maini Mike Ugaia rejected claims of a premature teachers’ pay rise, saying any changes depend on DPM approval. Sports pathway: PNG Chiefs outlined a national pathway plan to develop young rugby league talent alongside education and vocational training. Health & HIV context (regional): Fiji’s HIV crisis coverage highlighted “bluetoothing”/needle-sharing risks and the role of poverty, education and stigma in driving outbreaks. Water support for schools: Australia-backed water deliveries refilled tanks at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Port Moresby during El Niño rationing. Financial integrity: Bank of PNG issued a formal warning to Bank South Pacific over alleged anti-money laundering/counter-terrorist financing failures.

Teacher Pay Dispute: The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) acting chairman Maini Mike Ugaia says recent PNG Teachers Association claims about a “premature” pay rise are “untrue and misleading,” warning teachers not to rely on media speculation and to wait for official TSC updates. Independence & Community Spirit: In Enga’s war-affected Kasi ward, councillor Dick Iparu organised an early Independence Day gathering to restore unity through song, dance and youth marches. Culture & Fashion Spotlight: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened in Port Moresby at APEC House, with runway shows and a focus on fashion as business, culture and tourism—featuring designers including Atosh Iyaro. City Growth Watch: NCDC called for stronger municipal management and better service delivery as Port Moresby moves into its next growth phase. National Cultural Commission: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary with staff recognition and new uniforms, highlighting its role in protecting cultural heritage. Education Support: Australia-backed water relief helped refill tanks at a Port Moresby secondary school, keeping students in class during El Niño dry conditions. Sports Inclusion: Special Olympics PNG wrapped up the Moni Plus Unified Football Competition, celebrating participation across male and female teams.

PNG Fashion & Creative Economy: PNG Fashion Week 2026 opened at APEC House in Port Moresby, with the theme “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future,” plus runway shows and fashion markets that link design to tourism and jobs. Spotlight on Local Design: Textile designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the runway after an international debut in Brisbane, bringing Eastern Highlands cultural textiles back to the national stage. Independence, Ownership & Community: In Milne Bay’s 51st Independence celebrations, Alotau MP Ricky Morris urged people to take control of land, resources, and local business—while in Enga’s war-affected Kasi ward, councillor Dick Iparu led early Independence Day events with traditional dance and unity. Culture Institutions: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence with new uniforms and updates on protecting heritage, renovating cultural sites, and supporting rural cultural centres. City Growth & Services: NCDC called for stronger municipal management and better service delivery as Port Moresby enters its next growth phase. Health & Social Protection: UN DESA says social protection coverage in PNG is below 30%, urging stronger systems to reduce poverty and build resilience.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: Port Moresby’s APEC House lit up as PNG Fashion Week opened, with Miss Enga Province Kurie Endopio framing the event around “Fashion, Business, Culture, and Future,” plus runway shows and fashion markets. Textile spotlight: Designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the runway after an international debut in Brisbane, bringing Eastern Highlands cultural textile design back to the national stage. Independence in the highlands: In Enga’s Kasi ward, community leaders held an early Independence Day celebration despite conflict and destroyed homes—youth dances, songs, and unity as a cultural reset. City growth and culture of service: NCDC called for stronger municipal management in Port Moresby—clean, safe, planned services and faster approvals to support businesses and investors. Creative sector recognition: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence with new uniforms and renewed focus on protecting and promoting heritage through community cultural centres and local arts support. Community leadership: A letter raised questions over a minister’s absence from the ELC-PNG National Women’s Conference, linking faith, women’s leadership, and public responsibility. Independence message: Milne Bay MP Ricky Morris urged Indigenous communities to take ownership of land, resources, and local business as PNG looks beyond 51 years. National data and identity: National Statistician Alfred Mokae stressed that statistics—not just flags—are what help PNG plan for education, health, infrastructure, and real living standards.

PNG Fashion Week 2026: APEC House lit up as PNG Fashion Week opened, pitching fashion as a bridge to business, culture, tourism and jobs, with runway shows and a Pacific Fashion Markets lineup. Creative spotlight: Textile designer Atosh Iyaro returns to the runway, bringing Eastern Highlands cultural textiles to a wider audience after her international debut in Brisbane. Independence, but with ownership: In Milne Bay’s 51st Independence celebrations, MP Ricky Morris urged communities to take control of land, resources and local business—less foreign influence, more shared responsibility. City growth needs systems: NCDC called for stronger municipal management in Port Moresby, pushing cleaner, safer planning and faster approvals so investors can operate in a predictable environment. Culture institutions: The National Cultural Commission marked 51 years with new uniforms and highlighted ongoing work protecting PNG’s tangible and intangible heritage, including rural cultural centres and support for local music and arts. Community resilience in Enga: A Kasi ward community in a conflict-affected area held Independence Day early, using traditional dance and songs to rebuild unity after destruction. Health and prevention lens: A UN DESA brief flags social protection gaps across Pacific SIDS, noting coverage is below 30% in PNG—leaving people more exposed to shocks like climate disasters and price volatility. Water support for schools: Australia-backed help refilled tanks at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Port Moresby, keeping students in class during dry El Niño conditions. Law and order push: PM Marape praised leaders in Hela and Southern Highlands for surrendering illegal firearms, framing it as community responsibility for safer towns.

Independence in the Highlands: In Enga’s Kompiam-Ambum, a Kasi ward councillor led an early Independence Day celebration despite tribal fighting and a destroyed village, with children marching, traditional dances, and women’s songs bringing people back together. Community Development & Faith: An open letter questions why the Huon Gulf Minister for Community Development, Religion, Women and Youth did not attend the ELC-PNG National Women’s Conference in Port Moresby (Sept 13–18), despite women travelling from across the country. Sports Pathways: PNG Chiefs outlined a national pathway plan to turn grassroots rugby league talent into professionals, linking elite training with education and vocational options. Education Support: Australia delivered 37,000 litres of water relief to St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Port Moresby to keep students learning during El Niño rationing. Culture & Language: The National Cultural Commission marked PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary with staff uniforms and highlighted work protecting heritage through renovations, community cultural centres, and support for local music and creative arts. Governance & Unity: Leaders across provinces urged a “reset” for the next 50 years, stressing unity, discipline, and better services as PNG marks 51 years. Financial Oversight: Bank of PNG issued a formal warning to Bank South Pacific over alleged anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing compliance failures.

Independence & Culture: Papua New Guinea’s National Cultural Commission marked the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary with staff uniforms, cake-cutting, and a renewed push to protect both tangible and intangible heritage, including renovations, community cultural centres, and support for local music and creative arts. Education & Youth: Prime Minister James Marape used Independence celebrations to stress that the next 50 years depend on young people and “quality education,” backed by major investment in schools, teacher training, and student facilities—paired with a call for discipline and personal effort. National Identity: Leaders across provinces urged unity and a reset in how PNG honours its promises and obligations, with West Sepik calling out gaps in roads, water, sanitation, power, health, and education as the country looks forward. Language & Storytelling: NBC journalists in China were taught traditional rubbings to preserve old inscriptions—an echo of PNG’s own work using local-language broadcasting to carry stories forward for future generations. Governance & Accountability: The Bank of Papua New Guinea issued a formal warning to Bank South Pacific over alleged anti-money laundering/counter-terror financing breaches, including concerns about how politically exposed persons were handled in customer payments. Gender & Global Rankings: India’s Global Gender Gap Index 2026 ranking (131st) was widely reported, with Papua New Guinea also listed among the lower-ranked countries—highlighting how far gender parity still has to go.

Independence Reset & Governance: As PNG marks 51 years, leaders are calling for a “reset” that goes beyond speeches—PM Marape urges a culture of performance, discipline and accountability, while a PNGTUC-linked concern highlights the State’s long list of unpaid obligations, including superannuation and contracts. Data, Culture & Identity: National Statistician Alfred Mokae says statistics are more than numbers—they’re stories behind people’s access to services—while educators and researchers stress that culture, language and traditional arts must be passed to young people to guide the next 50 years. Education for the Next 50 Years: Marape and other voices tie PNG’s future to quality education and youth responsibility, with calls for investment in schools and discipline in classrooms. Community Safety in the Highlands: In Hela and Southern Highlands, leaders and communities are praised for surrendering illegal firearms, with the amnesty campaign reducing illicit arms and aiming for reconciliation. Sport & Inclusion: Special Olympics PNG celebrates the Moni Plus Unified Football Competition’s close, highlighting participation across male and female teams and inclusive learning through sport. Regional Context: Australia’s reduced specialist-skills visa fees include PNG, and PNG’s gender gap sits among the lowest in global rankings, underscoring the push for stronger equality and opportunity.

Independence & Youth Education: PM James Marape urged young Papua New Guineans to grab education and skills as the “next 50 years” depend on them, while also calling for discipline and a culture of performance, accountability and honest work. National Unity & Identity: PNG’s 51st Independence celebrations also carried a strong message to stay united in diversity—tribes, languages and cultures are framed as strength, not a barrier. Culture Preservation: Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies researchers and educators stressed that traditional songs, dance, music and language must be passed to children, with local-language broadcasting highlighted as a modern way to keep stories alive. Local Challenges & Reset: West Sepik was told to “reset” for the future, with leaders pointing to gaps in roads, water, sanitation, power, health and education. Independence Funding Cuts: In Madang, Sumkar and Usino-Bundi MPs said district-funded public celebrations won’t go ahead, with money redirected to El Niño drought relief and water resilience. Peace & Community Action: Hela’s illegal firearms surrender drive continues, with more weapons handed over as part of a push away from tribal violence. Rights & Land: The UN CERD urged urgent action to protect Indigenous land rights and address unlawful land leases and controversial logging. Visa & Mobility (Regional): Australia announced lower specialist-skills visa fees for citizens of PNG and other Pacific nations, starting July 2026.

Independence Culture Watch: Dr Naomi Simet says PNG’s songs, dances, music and costumes carry knowledge that must be handed to young people as the country heads into its next 50 years. Education as Future: Dame Maria Kopkop and others at Kopkop College’s 51st pre-Independence celebrations argue education is the “highway to life” for tomorrow’s leaders. Jobs, Tourism, and Planning: University of Papua New Guinea ICT academic Russel Deka Harada urges PNG to use its youth, culture and resources to build jobs and a safer, happier nation over the next half-century. Integrity and Anti-Corruption: PM Marape calls for a culture of performance, discipline and accountability, while ICAC Acting Commissioner Don Sawong urges citizens to reject bribery and uphold integrity. Data for Development: National Statistician Alfred Mokae stresses that statistics are people’s stories and are essential for planning services and improving living standards. Peace and Community Action: Hela’s illegal firearms surrender amnesty continues, with more weapons handed over ahead of Independence Day. Faith and Youth: Vanimo Catholic youths hold an inland denary rally mixing prayer, discussion on drugs and violence, and cultural performances. Sports and Inclusion: PNGDF Commander Polewara orders a permanent women’s rugby squad as the Commander’s Cup launches. UN on Land Rights: UN CERD slams PNG over failures to protect Indigenous land rights and unlawful leases.