AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games & sport: Nauru added a second Glasgow medal as 17-year-old weightlifter Femily-Crystie Notte won bronze in the women’s 63kg, with Papua New Guinea also taking a bronze—keeping Pacific medals coming from weightlifting. Education & youth: PNG’s Department of Education says 41,149 Grade 12 students will sit the 2026 Written Expression Examination on Monday, Aug 3, after papers and resource booklets were delivered nationwide. Culture on screen: Bougainville is set for free community screenings of the restored PNG classic Tukana – Husat I Asua, starting July 30 in Tinputz and moving through Buka, Arawa and Buin. Environment & learning: Bautama in Central Province officially opened a new mangrove educational boardwalk, built to boost conservation education and community engagement. Women & leadership: Westpac PNG recognized seven women at the 2026 Outstanding Women Awards, with Stella Ipang taking overall winner honours for work advancing GEDSI in immunisation. Justice & access: PNG’s Supreme Court officially opened circuit sittings in Vanimo for the first time in nearly 50 years, bringing top-level services closer to West Sepik communities.

China–PNG ties: China says it will deepen alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and PNG’s Connect PNG Programme, and welcomes PNG to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, with assistance described as coming “without political conditions.” Human rights: The UN praised PNG’s soft launch of a National Human Rights Policy, urging real implementation at provincial, district, ward and village levels. Justice access: PNG’s Supreme Court officially opened circuit sittings in Vanimo for the first time in nearly 50 years, bringing top-level services closer to West Sepik communities. Gender & empowerment: Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality visits PNG to back women’s leadership, economic empowerment and responses to gender-based violence, including stops at women-focused centres and community sport. Defence & careers: PM Marape says preparations are underway for qualified Papua New Guineans to pursue Australian Defence Force careers under the PNG–Australia Mutual Defence Treaty, with assessments required. Culture & youth: The Queen of Paradise Orchestra in Vanimo farewells two students accepted for classical music study in the Philippines, while Ambunti’s Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival returns 5–7 August. Digital identity: Western Pacific University students win top honours at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon using SevisPass, including a jobs-matching platform. Sports with a social aim: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL push is framed as more than sport, with funding tied to keeping kids in school and building grassroots pathways. Women recognised: Westpac Outstanding Women Awards highlight seven PNG leaders, with Stella Ipang taking overall winner for work advancing GEDSI in immunisation. Crime & poverty: Police in Lae link rising crime to poverty and note growing involvement of teenagers, young children and women, urging community cooperation with law enforcement.

Faith & Youth Leadership: Pastor Wayne Chen, a former missionary to PNG’s Biem people, told 4,000 young Christians at Arise Asia 2026 in Manila to pursue “a joy greater than anything the world offers,” highlighting the Biem community’s first mother-tongue printed Bibles after 17 years. Human Rights & Implementation: The UN praised PNG’s soft launch of the National Human Rights Policy, urging real change through clear responsibilities, budgets, and action from provincial down to village level. Courts & Access to Justice: PNG’s Supreme Court officially opened circuit sittings in Vanimo for the first time in nearly 50 years, bringing top-level justice closer to West Sepik communities. Women’s Empowerment: Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality visited PNG to back women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and gender-based violence prevention, including stops at women-focused service centres. Culture & Arts: East Sepik’s Ambunti prepares for the 18th Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival (Aug 5–7), celebrating Sepik traditions, canoe racing, crafts, and crocodile skin-cutting. Music Education: Two Queen of Paradise Orchestra students from Vanimo were farewelled to study classical music in the Philippines, aiming to return and teach future musicians. Digital Identity & Skills: WPU students won top honours at PNG’s Digital ID Hackathon, building tools linked to SevisPass for jobs and birth registration. Sports & Identity: PNG Chiefs’ Zac Lomax called rugby league “another religion” in PNG, praising the smiles and pride he saw in Port Moresby.

Digital Identity & DPI: PNG’s SevisPNG push is accelerating SevisPass adoption via a citizen-first mobile wallet, aiming to digitise services like education certificates, licences and passports while enabling faster eKYC for banks and telecoms. Public Service Accountability: Marape has suspended 70-plus public service chiefs for missing mandatory reporting deadlines, warning the crackdown is non-discriminatory. Land & Evictions: Concerns are rising after evictions along the Seven-Mile corridor, with calls for stronger protection of customary landowners and clearer urban boundaries. Women’s Leadership: Westpac’s 2026 Outstanding Women Awards honoured seven women across categories, with Stella Ipang taking overall winner for GEDSI work in immunisation. Youth & Education Support: CPL Foundation expanded mentoring for girls in grades 11–12 through the Rise Empowerment Programme, backing leadership and career readiness. Culture & Music: West Sepik’s Queen of Paradise Orchestra students Domitila Aidan and Margela Wasemo head to the Philippines for classical training, while East Sepik’s Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival returns to Ambunti from 5–7 August. Sport & Nation Pride: Team PNG is set for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, and PNG’s Chiefs NRL bid is framed as “nation building” tied to keeping youth in school.

Sepik Cultural Tourism: Ambunti, East Sepik is gearing up for the 18th Sepik River Crocodile and Arts Festival (5–7 August), spotlighting Sepik traditions like canoe racing, ceremonies, crafts, music, and the famed crocodile skin-cutting. Music & Youth Exchange: Two Queen of Paradise Orchestra students from Vanimo, Domitila Aidan and Margela Wasemo, have been farewelled to study classical music in the Philippines, aiming to return and teach the next generation in West Sepik. Women’s Leadership: Seven women were honoured at the Westpac Outstanding Women Awards in Port Moresby, with Stella Ipang, Martha Raka and others recognised across public, private, sports/arts, sustainability and young achiever categories. Community Mentoring: The CPL Foundation expanded its Rise Empowerment Programme, funding mentoring for girls in grades 11–12 with a focus on leadership, wellbeing, education pathways and entrepreneurship. NRL & Nation-Building: PNG Chiefs’ NRL push is framed as more than sport, with officials pointing to school-focused development and grassroots funding tied to the 2028 entry. Tourism Win: PNG took Best Booth at the 2026 Travel Madness Expo in Manila, with its cultural and adventure showcase promoted by Air Niugini and PNGTPA. Digital Identity Success: Western Pacific University students swept prizes at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building tools linked to SevisPass and SevisPay for jobs and birth registration. Connectivity Reality Check: A key barrier to remote internet in the Pacific is power, not coverage, with solar-backed setups highlighted for schools and health services. Sports on the World Stage: Team PNG is in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, competing in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics. Pacific Culture Night: Sharzy leads the Nesian All Stars concert at Lamana Gold Club, bringing together PNG and Solomon Islands performers for a Pacific-themed live music night. Maritime Tragedy Vigil: Families lost after a boat capsized off East New Britain; survivors reached shore, while recovery continues and communities hold vigils for victims.

Rugby League as Culture: Incoming PNG Chiefs recruit Zac Lomax calls rugby league “another religion” in Papua New Guinea, praising the nation’s fierce physicality and rising grassroots skill. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, with athletes competing in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics—sport, culture and national pride front and centre. Digital Identity & Jobs: Western Pacific University students swept top honours at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building tools like WokKonek (linking jobseekers to work using SevisPass/SevisPay) and SevisBirth for offline birth registration. Cybercrime Debate: A PNG commentary argues the government’s push to tackle AI deepfakes and digital impersonation is justified, but warns the wider legislative package may move faster than many citizens understand. Public Service Crackdown: PM James Marape announced suspensions of 70-plus public service chiefs for missed reporting deadlines, aiming for stricter accountability across departments and agencies. Connectivity Reality Check: A report highlights that satellite internet is spreading, but reliable electricity is the real barrier for remote schools and health services—solutions pair Starlink with solar power. Maritime Tragedy: Families returning from Pangpang Beach Resort in East New Britain were lost after two boats capsized; recovery continues after bodies washed ashore. Hela Visit: Australia’s High Commissioner toured Hela Province with PM Marape, spotlighting infrastructure work and a push for public service discipline. Pacific Music Night: Sharzy leads the Nesian All Stars at Lamana Gold Club, bringing major PNG and Solomon Islands acts to Port Moresby. Honiara? No—PNG-Japan Link: Air Niugini resumed direct flights between Port Moresby and Tokyo (Narita), boosting tourism, trade and people-to-people ties. Local Business & Heritage: Oro Craft Chocolate in Northern (Oro) is turning indigenous okari nuts into small-batch tree-to-bar chocolate, growing from family hobby to business.

NRL & Identity: The PNG Chiefs have signed Origin and Test outside back Zac Lomax as player #005 for their 2028 maiden NRL campaign, a marquee move meant to shape the club’s culture alongside Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston and others. Women’s Leadership: The 2026 Westpac Outstanding Women Awards (WOWA) recognised seven PNG women across categories from entrepreneurship to sports & arts, highlighting community impact and leadership. Cultural Heritage: South Australia’s museum is “hibernating” a major Melanesian artefacts display for long restoration, with Pacific community members involved in culturally significant send-off ceremonies. Digital & Youth Innovation: Western Pacific University students swept top honours at PNG’s Digital ID Hackathon, building tools linked to SevisPass/SevisPay to support jobs and birth registration. Sports & Culture on the World Stage: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games opening, carrying national hopes in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics. Immigration Reform: Deputy PM John Rosso hands over Immigration reforms to William Bando, including clearing the passport backlog and expanding services nationwide. Connectivity Reality Check: A Pacific connectivity report says power—not internet access—is the biggest barrier, with solutions pairing satellite links like Starlink with solar power. Maritime Tragedy: A boat capsizing off East New Britain killed 27 people; bodies have washed ashore and a recovery effort continues. Heritage, Ethics & Science: A debate on genetic data from ancestral remains raises questions about how communities should guide DNA research and its rules.

Commonwealth Games & culture: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow ahead of the indoor-opening ceremony, carrying hopes in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics, with cultural storytelling at the OVO Hydro. Digital identity & youth innovation: Western Pacific University students won big at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building tools like WokKonek (jobs matching using SevisPass/SevisPay) and an offline birth registration idea. Cyber safety debate: A commentary argues PNG’s push to tackle AI deepfakes and impersonation is needed, but warns the wider cybercrime package may be moving faster than many people understand. Digital access reality check: A Pacific connectivity report says power is the real bottleneck, with Starlink-linked solar setups bringing usable internet to schools and health services. Public service accountability: PM Marape has suspended 70-plus public service chiefs for missing mandatory reporting deadlines, aiming for uniform compliance. Maritime tragedy: Families returning from a beach resort in East New Britain are among 27 feared dead after boat capsizes; vigil stories follow bodies washing ashore. Local business & heritage: Oro Craft Chocolate in Oro is turning indigenous okari nut and cocoa into a growing tree-to-bar brand. Sports pathways: PNG Chiefs development signings highlight a homegrown route for young rugby league talent. Diplomacy & community ties: Australia’s High Commissioner toured Hela with PM Marape, praising reforms in public service discipline and professionalism.

Commonwealth Games & culture on the world stage: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow ahead of the Games opening at the OVO Hydro Arena, with athletes set to compete in boxing, weightlifting, women’s basketball 3×3, swimming and athletics. Digital identity & youth innovation: Western Pacific University students swept top honours at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building tools like WokKonek (jobs) and SevisBirth (offline birth registration). Cybercrime debate: A commentary piece backs targeted action against AI deepfakes and digital impersonation, but warns the wider legislative push may be moving faster than many people understand. Public service crackdown: PM Marape says 70-plus agency heads have been suspended for missing mandatory reporting deadlines, aiming for stricter accountability across departments and provinces. Connectivity reality check: Pacific coverage highlights that satellite internet still needs reliable power, with solar-plus-Starlink approaches helping schools and health services. Hela visit: Australia’s High Commissioner toured Hela with PM Marape, praising reforms in public service discipline and professionalism. Arts & music: Sharzy leads the Nesian All Stars at Lamana Gold Club, bringing Pacific performers from PNG and Solomon Islands. Maritime tragedy vigil: Families lost in a boat capsizing off East New Britain are remembered as bodies wash ashore and communities hold vigils.

Commonwealth Games: Team PNG has arrived in Glasgow ahead of the Games’ indoor opening at the OVO Hydro Arena, with athletes set to compete in women’s basketball 3×3, swimming, boxing, weightlifting and athletics—an event framed as sport, culture and national pride. Digital ID & jobs: Western Pacific University students swept top honours at PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon, building tools that use SevisPass/SevisPay to connect jobseekers and employers and even support offline birth registration. Cyber & digital resilience: A PNG cybercrime commentary argues the fight against AI deepfakes and impersonation is valid, but warns the broader crackdown needs careful, targeted rollout; separate reporting urges stronger cybersecurity as ransomware and phishing threats grow. Connectivity beyond internet: Pacific coverage highlights that power—not just satellite access—is the missing link for remote schools and health services, with Starlink paired to solar solutions. Culture & music: Sharzy leads the Nesian All Stars at Lamana Gold Club, bringing Pacific performers from PNG and Solomon Islands. Business & community: Oro Craft Chocolate in Oro is turning local ingredients like okari nut into a growing tree-to-bar brand. Sports pathway: PNG Chiefs development signs local talent Morea Morea, Finley Glare and Gairo Voro, pitching a homegrown route toward elite rugby league. Public sector: PM Marape suspends 70-plus public service chiefs over missed reporting deadlines.

Digital Identity & Jobs: Two Western Pacific University teams swept PNG’s National Digital ID Hackathon at DTS 2026, winning for WokKonek (linking jobseekers and employers via SevisPass/SevisPay) and SevisBirth (offline birth registration for health facilities). Cybersecurity & Policy: A tech voice backs PNG’s push to criminalise AI deepfakes and digital impersonation, while warning the wider cybercrime package may be moving faster than many people realise. Digital Access Reality Check: Experts say satellite internet is spreading, but reliable power is the missing link—solar-plus-Starlink setups are helping schools and health services stay online. Governance Crackdown: PM Marape suspends 70-plus public service chiefs for missed reporting deadlines, signalling tighter accountability across departments and agencies. Maritime Tragedy: Villagers hold a vigil for victims as bodies wash ashore after a boat capsized off East New Britain, with 27 feared dead. Culture & Sport Abroad: Team PNG arrives in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, with indoor opening ceremony featuring music and cultural storytelling. Local Business & Food Culture: Oro Craft Chocolate in Northern (Oro) turns indigenous okari nuts into small-batch tree-to-bar bars. Gesi Spotlight: Enga says it’s leading Gesi implementation and plans ward-level delivery through Ward Development Committees. Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini restores direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) flights to strengthen tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Safety & Community: A Catholic priest urges community education and grief counselling to help curb sorcery-related violence.

Digital Inclusion & Education Tech: PNG’s ICT Minister Robert Naguri says digital transformation must reach everyone—rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and small businesses—backed by trust, safer data systems and stronger infrastructure. Classroom Automation: A young innovator, Anthony Tutmulai, won an Innovation PNG Award for e-Skul PNG, an offline-capable app that automates marks, rankings and report cards to “give teachers their time back.” Connectivity Needs Power: Pacific coverage is expanding, but the real bottleneck is electricity; Starlink links are being paired with solar generators to keep schools and health services running. Culture in the Spotlight: Students were urged to preserve and promote cultural heritage through NCC-supported school cultural shows, while Mountain Dew’s Wan Squad prepares its fifth national dance competition in Port Moresby. Aviation & People-to-People Links: Air Niugini has restored direct Port Moresby–Tokyo Narita flights, aiming to boost tourism, trade and cultural exchange. Church & Community: A bishop’s ordination rite drew a large bilingual congregation, reflecting the ongoing role of faith in community life.

Digital Transformation Summit 2026: PNG is pushing faster digital growth with DTS26 in Port Moresby, spotlighting AI, cybersecurity, digital government and inclusion—while ICT Minister Robert Naguri insists no one should be left behind, including rural communities, women, youth and people with disabilities. Education Tech: A young innovator, Anthony Tutmulai, won an Innovation PNG Award for e-Skul PNG, a mobile app that helps teachers manage grades and attendance offline, aiming to “give teachers their time back.” Cyber Resilience: Experts warn PNG must strengthen cybersecurity as digital services expand, citing ransomware and phishing as growing threats. National Data System: The National Research Institute is calling for one updated national database and better district coordination so agencies stop duplicating data collection and citizens aren’t missed from services. Health Training: DWU medical alumni completed ultrasonography skills workshops to improve diagnostic care across PNG. Culture & Youth: Students were urged to preserve cultural heritage through school cultural shows, and East Sepik rolled out a province-wide youth engagement strategy to register young people and connect them to opportunities. Sports & Community: BSP Life announced winners of its Movement is Medicine challenge promoting healthy lifestyles online. Aviation & Tourism: Air Niugini has restored direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights, framed as a boost for tourism, trade and people-to-people links.

Digital Culture & Tech: PNG’s Digital Transformation Summit 2026 in Port Moresby put AI, cybersecurity, and digital government in the spotlight, with ICT Minister Robert Naguri stressing that no one should be left behind—rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities, and small businesses included. Education Innovation: A young teacher-leaning innovator won an Innovation PNG award for e-Skul PNG, a mobile app that automates marks, rankings, and report cards even without internet—aimed at giving teachers back their time. Public Data & Governance: The National Research Institute is pushing for a single national data system and district coordination units to stop agencies and donors from duplicating data collection that leaves citizens missing out on services. Community Safety & Rights: A Catholic priest says community-led changes in how grief is handled could help de-escalate sorcery-related violence, after renewed attention to sanguma accusations in the highlands. Culture in Motion: Students were urged to preserve and promote cultural heritage through school cultural shows, while Mountain Dew’s Wan Squad competition is set to bring dance crews to a national stage in Port Moresby. Sports & Society: As the SP PNG Hunters build momentum with new coaching support, a reminder also surfaced that Port Moresby’s safety and civic pride will shape how visiting players and families experience PNG. Travel & Links: Air Niugini’s resumed direct flights to Tokyo and restored services to Auckland were framed as boosts for tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties.

Digital Transformation Summit 2026: ICT Minister Robert Naguri says PNG’s digital push must reach everyone—rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and small businesses—backed by trust, stronger infrastructure, innovation and inclusion. Cyber Resilience: A PNG cybersecurity expert warns digital growth is outpacing protection, with ransomware and phishing likely to rise unless awareness and safeguards improve. Education Tech & Culture in Schools: A young innovator’s e-Skul PNG app aims to “give teachers their time back” by automating marks and attendance offline, while students are urged to preserve cultural heritage through school cultural shows. Health & Community Safety: A Catholic priest links community-led grief handling to reducing sorcery-related violence, after renewed concern over sanguma accusations. Sports & Youth Culture: Mountain Dew’s Wan Squad competition returns to Port Moresby, and PNG’s youth engagement strategy rolls out province-wide in East Sepik. Aviation & Connections: Air Niugini resumes direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights, boosting tourism, trade and cultural exchange. Governance & Identity: PNG plans phased biometric and electronic voting trials, while the National Research Institute calls for one national database to stop agencies duplicating data. Culture on the Move: Hiri Moale Festival support grows as the Constantinou Group backs the event with a major sponsorship.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Sport: Glasgow Commonwealth Games host a “Zero Flags Commonwealth” display calling out member countries where homosexuality remains criminalised, including PNG, with penalties ranging from prison to the death penalty. Cost of Distant War: A new analysis says the US–Iran conflict is driving up fuel and essentials across the Pacific, squeezing households and essential services. Cultural Heritage in Schools: Port Moresby students stage a cultural show urging youth to preserve traditional identity, with NCC support and a focus on diversity through song, dance and attire. Dance Culture Spotlight: Mountain Dew Wan Squad returns for its fifth national competition in Port Moresby on Aug 16, with a pre-event workshop for crews nationwide. Digital Education Access: A young innovator’s e-Skul PNG app helps teachers manage marks and attendance without internet, aiming to “give teachers their time back.” Digital Inclusion Push: ICT Minister Robert Naguri says PNG’s digital transformation must reach rural communities, women, youth, people with disabilities and small businesses. Youth Strategy Rollout: East Sepik becomes the first province to roll out the National Youth Engagement Strategy across all 28 LLGs, linking young people to education and jobs. Rural Health Skills: DWU medical alumni complete ultrasound training to strengthen diagnostic care across PNG. Aviation & Cultural Exchange: Air Niugini resumes direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights, boosting tourism and people-to-people ties. Hiri Moale Festival Support: Constantinou Group backs the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival as a Gold Sponsor, continuing support for Motu-Koitabu traditions.