AGP Executive Report

Digital Education Boost: UPNG is pushing AI and digital skills, while Starlink is now live at Kerema Coronation Secondary School in Gulf after a PNG Gulf Association of Queensland and donor-funded rollout—aimed at giving students in remote areas faster access to learning. Education Support & Inclusion: IEA PNG marks 50 years of education excellence with a focus on safer, responsible AI use in classrooms; PNG Gardener donates K90,000 to help high-performing PAU students clear tuition gaps; and a young mother’s Neem Products brand lands a retail partnership with City Pharmacy. Youth & Community Action: Morobe’s Wau youths form a rural ward youth association to tackle crime, idleness, and to access education and training opportunities. Governance & Accountability: Marape calls for detailed public sector reports on achievements and spending over seven years, as PNG’s budget faces an implementation crisis and prison overcrowding strains health and safety. Language, Culture & Regional Links: Nakanai District and Indonesia sign an MOU to set up Bahasa Indonesia training, strengthening cultural exchange and trade ties.

AI & Education: UPNG is pushing into an AI-powered future, piloting Starlink connectivity for remote learning centres and planning new AI-focused degree options, while a student survey shows most are already using AI tools daily or weekly. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape has ordered a seven-year review of K57.2 billion public investment spending, and is also calling ministers and provinces to publish detailed performance and spending reports. Language & Culture Exchange: Nakanai District and Indonesia signed an MOU to set up a Bahasa Indonesia training centre at Buvussi, aiming to strengthen education, trade and cultural ties. Environment & Indigenous Land Protection: A GEF-backed conservation initiative will protect 700,000 hectares of PNG highlands ecosystems by putting Indigenous peoples and local communities at the centre of management. Sports Media & Gender: Australia-backed sports commentary training is building skills and gender equity among PNG media professionals. Disaster Preparedness: TISA Bank joined NDC and IOM for disaster risk management training to improve emergency readiness. Community Environment Day: Papa Junior High hosted a World Environment Day mini expo with climate, forestry and biodiversity awareness booths.

Sports & gender training: Australia-backed Sports Commentary and Gender Equity Training is building skills for emerging and established PNG media professionals, delivered via ABC with Women in News and Sport. Environment education: Papa Junior High in Central hosted a World Environment Day mini expo, with students learning about climate change, forestry, biodiversity, marine life and the carbon cycle. Indigenous land protection: A new GEF/FAO-backed conservation push will protect 700,000 hectares of PNG highlands by putting Indigenous Peoples and local communities at the centre, with biodiversity corridors and peacebuilding support. Digital & AI capacity: PNG’s DICT and ITI signed a five-year AI and digital skills partnership, while UPNG is moving toward becoming an AI-powered university using satellite internet and new AI-focused programs. Governance & elections: Commentaries urge PNG voters to look beyond wantok ties and handouts for 2027, while another piece warns PNG’s party system lacks real doctrine and citizen participation. Public service university progress: SILAG says it has completed major accreditation documents to strengthen leadership and governance training, targeting university status by 2027. Corruption & prisons: Separate opinion and reporting highlight corruption risks and overcrowding pressures in correctional facilities. Culture & sport identity: Rugby league is framed as part of PNG’s DNA, with Coca-Cola PNG launching league collectibles. Bougainville process: Bougainville MPs argue Parliament should agree on the process for considering the region’s political future before debating outcomes. Regional context: Pacific leaders renew calls that decolonisation remains unfinished decades after nuclear testing.

ICT & AI Skills: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute signed a five-year partnership to grow AI capability and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, corporate training, and new AI use cases. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape urged ministers, provinces and MPs to publicly share detailed seven-year performance reports on spending, achievements and challenges—pushing for clearer accountability as PNG heads toward 2027. Public Service Education: The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) says it has completed major accreditation work to move toward university status by 2027, aiming to strengthen leadership and governance training. Bougainville Process: Bougainville MPs pressed Parliament to agree first on the sessional order framework for considering Bougainville’s political future, stressing procedure before any independence outcome. Culture & Sports: Coca-Cola PNG highlighted rugby league as part of PNG identity and “DNA,” backing Digicel ExxonMobil Cup and PNG Hunters collectibles. Digital Learning & Ethics: UPNG is positioning itself as an AI-powered university, piloting satellite internet access and studying how students already use AI tools—alongside calls to keep humans in control. Pacific Anti-Nuclear Reminder: Pacific leaders renewed calls that decolonisation and nuclear test legacies still leave unresolved harm and questions of self-determination.

AI & Skills Partnership: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute (ITI) signed a five-year deal to boost AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, corporate training, and AI use-cases, with a technical working group set to oversee delivery. Higher Education Upgrade: The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG) says it has completed major accreditation documents and governance frameworks to move closer to specialized university status by 2027. UPNG Goes AI: UPNG is positioning itself as an “AI-powered” university, piloting Starlink for remote learning centres and developing new AI-focused programs, while a student survey shows many are already using AI tools daily or weekly. Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape urged ministers, provinces and MPs to publicly share detailed sector reports on achievements, spending and challenges from the past seven years. Public Service Leadership: SILAG’s university-status push is framed as strengthening leadership, governance and workforce development for PNG’s public sector. Decolonisation Debate: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking nuclear legacies to self-determination and resistance. Bougainville Process: Bougainville MPs urged Parliament to agree first on the procedure for considering Bougainville’s political future, not to vote on independence outcomes immediately. Digital Connectivity & Cost: Research on mobile internet prices reports stability through 2025 amid ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Disability Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving referral pathways and access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, aiming to fix long-standing system gaps. Youth & Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum trained students on voter enrolment and participation ahead of the 2027 National General Election. Culture & Sport: Rugby league remains a core part of PNG identity, with sponsors tying collectibles and support to community passion. Nation-building Reality Check: Commentary highlights that big budgets and reports must translate into measurable outcomes, not just spending plans.

Governance & Accountability: Prime Minister James Marape’s 2019–2026 performance report argues nation-building takes time, but urges ministers, governors and MPs to publicly report measurable results as PNG heads toward 2027. Justice & Daily Life: The same report warns prison overcrowding is worsening health risks, security incidents and breakouts, driven by ageing facilities and delays in court decisions. Bougainville Process: Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr says Parliament must agree first on the procedure for considering Bougainville’s political future, not vote on independence outcomes yet; another Bougainville MP links today’s debate to colonial-era boundary decisions. Digital Education & Ethics: UPNG is pushing an AI-powered university plan, including satellite internet for remote learning centres, while also rolling out AI-focused teaching and stressing “AI as our slave” with human control. Youth & Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum urged students to check enrolment and vote responsibly in 2027, with anti-corruption messages from the Electoral Commission and partners. Disability Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving referral pathways and access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, aiming to fix gaps from identification to fitting and follow-up. Culture & Sport: Rugby league is described as part of PNG’s identity, while Moana Pasifika’s future is discussed as new backers show interest. Community Health & Safety: A 7.8 Mindanao earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, including Papua New Guinea, with major impacts reported in the Philippines.

PNG–EU Business Forum: Papua New Guinea and the European Union met in Port Moresby for the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, drawing 300+ participants and 170+ B2B/B2G meetings to push trade, investment and sustainable development. Aviation & Connectivity: ATR delivered the first ATR 42-600 to PNG Air, kicking off a fleet renewal plan aimed at better regional access for communities across the country. Disability Inclusion (PNG–Australia): PNG and Australia are improving how children with disabilities are identified, referred and supported in schools, including easier access to assistive technology. Youth & Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum urged students to register, verify their details and vote responsibly ahead of the 2027 National General Election, with anti-corruption messages at the core. Education Funding: The government says tuition fee subsidies have supported 2.5M+ students, including K877 million invested through the programme. Culture & Faith: Around 7,000 pilgrims from many countries joined the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy in Vilnius, with Papua New Guinea among those attending. Regional Shock: A 7.8 Mindanao earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across several countries, including Papua New Guinea.

Grief, blame, and compensation: A Lae commentary says PNG’s mourning is increasingly turning into blame-and-pay negotiations, with funerals exploited for compensation claims and even political support—urging stronger medical verification and limits on extortion-based demands. Bougainville politics: Another op-ed calls for balance autonomy and unity in Bougainville’s parliamentary debate, stressing transparent implementation of the Peace Agreement, fair economic arrangements, phased security transitions, and cultural recognition with women and youth included. Disability inclusion in schools: PNG and Australia announce a partnership to fix referral gaps and improve access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, focusing on clearer pathways and consistent procurement and delivery. Youth and elections: A Port Moresby youth forum trains students on enrolling and voting for the 2027 National General Election, with anti-corruption messages and mock election practice. Education funding: Marape reports K877 million in tuition fee subsidies reaching 2.5+ million students, plus HELP support and classroom upgrades. Digital connectivity: Research finds mobile internet prices in PNG stayed stable through 2025 amid ongoing cable expansion. Marine conservation: PNG moves to protect 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban, aiming for legal backing. Regional shock: A major 7.8 Mindanao earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across several countries including Papua New Guinea, with deaths, injuries, and landslides reported.

Mindanao Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: A 7.8 quake off Sarangani, near General Santos, killed at least 35 and injured 200+ as buildings collapsed and landslides struck; tsunami warnings were issued across the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan—and Papua New Guinea—urging coastal communities to move to higher ground. Disability Inclusion in Schools: PNG and Australia are improving referral pathways and access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, aiming to close gaps identified by Inclusive Education Resource Centres. Education Funding & Exams: The government highlighted K877m in tuition fee subsidies for students, while 92,000+ Grade 10 students sat the national written expression exam—another step in keeping learning on track. Early Childhood Nutrition: Buk bilong Pikinini launched a parent nutrition awareness programme in Lae to tackle malnutrition and stunting. Water Access Boost: EIB Global and the EU backed a €16.4m grant plus €25m loan to expand potable water networks for 400,000 more people. Culture & Faith Debate: Morobe Governor Renbo Paita pushed for a standalone religion ministry and raised concerns about unregulated preaching. Youth & Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum trained students on voter enrolment and integrity ahead of the 2027 national general election. Sports & Identity: Rugby league coach Tony Smith praised the PNG Chiefs’ youth development pathway, while Alex Johnston prepares to bring his family to Port Moresby ahead of the 2028 season.

Earthquake & Tsunami Alerts: A 7.8 quake off Sarangani, Mindanao killed at least 19 and injured 100+ as tsunami warnings were issued across the Philippines, Indonesia, Palau, Taiwan—and Papua New Guinea—urging coastal residents to move to higher ground. Disability Inclusion: PNG and Australia are improving referral pathways and access to assistive technology for children with disabilities, aiming to fix long-standing gaps in getting families connected and supported. Youth, Elections & Integrity: A Port Moresby youth forum trained students on electoral roll checks and voting basics, with anti-corruption messages ahead of the 2027 National General Election. Education Funding: The government says K877 million has gone into tuition fee subsidies, while Grade 10 students nationwide sat the first annual written expression exam (92,000+). Early Childhood Nutrition: In Lae, BbP launched a nutrition awareness programme for parents to tackle malnutrition and stunting. Water Access: EIB Global and the EU backed a €13.4m grant plus €25m loan to expand drinking-water networks for 400,000 more people. Marine Conservation: PNG plans to protect about 200,000 km² of ocean in western Manus with a total fishing ban as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean corridor. Sports & Culture: Chiefs development plans get praise from international coach Tony Smith, while PNG Chiefs player Alex Johnston prepares to bring his family to Port Moresby ahead of the 2028 NRL season.

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.