AGP Executive Report

Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia released the full list of 12 eligible countries for its new Pacific Engagement Visa, including Papua New Guinea, positioning it as a long-term way to deepen ties across the region. Pacific diplomacy & West Papua: At the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, China’s pushback over Taiwan drew attention, while Pacific leaders also put Indonesia on notice over a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning Indonesia’s status could be reviewed. Culture preservation: The National Cultural Commission and Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies launched “A Tale of Central Province,” a student-documented collection of 26 stories and legends. Fashion & identity: OFAE Arts is set to bring Gulf-rooted PNG heritage to PNG Fashion Week 2026. Education reform: PNG’s proposed 1.6.6 education structure faces scrutiny over whether ECE can be delivered beyond simple renaming. Digital public services: PNG signed a K26m TechnologyOne deal to support and expand its integrated financial management system nationwide. Women’s leadership: Vanimo Green District Council of Women elected new executives for the next five years.

Education & Youth: Australia’s near-$1b sweetener for a Solomon Islands security treaty includes free education, while PNG debates its own reforms—especially the proposed 1.6.6 structure and the warning that ECE can’t just be renamed from elementary schools. West Papua Rights Pressure: Pacific leaders at the Forum in Palau pressed Indonesia to allow a long-awaited UN human rights visit to West Papua, with MSG warning associate status could be reviewed in 2027 if action stalls. Governance & Integrity: Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae opened a leadership symposium urging moral integrity and servant leadership, as PNG also rolls out an ICCC corporate plan focused on consumer protection and competition. Women & Community Leadership: Vanimo Green District Council of Women elected new executives, and the election-focused push includes support for women’s participation and training. Culture & Sport: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group back the Hiri Moale/Hiri Hanenamo push, while youth sport initiatives like kickboxing and leadership-through-sport programmes keep discipline and character in focus. Climate Resilience: PNG is starting a multi-agency El Niño assessment to target help where it’s most needed, as Pacific communities brace for water, food and child health impacts. Digital Life: PNG cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, a boost for connectivity and future services. Diplomacy & Identity: Naoero (Nauru) opened an embassy in Jerusalem, tying its religious identity to its international alignment.

Women’s Leadership: Vanimo Green District Council of Women in West Sepik has elected its president and executive for the next five years, with leaders urged to speak up on issues like gender-based violence and voting rights, and to get training at LLG and ward level. Consumer & Competition Policy: PNG’s ICCC launched its 2026–2030 Corporate Plan, prioritising stronger consumer protection and competition enforcement, with special focus on women and disadvantaged consumers. Election Readiness: A call for reforms says PNG should improve candidate preparedness and quality through civic education, integrity standards, and clearer transparency for voters. Education & Culture: Goroka International School (GIS) is gearing up for its 50th anniversary celebration tied to PNG’s Independence, highlighting decades of learning and community. Sport Leadership: Applications are open for the second Wāhine Toa Oceania cohort, bringing retired Pacific female athletes to workshops across Fiji, Greece (Olympia) and Papua New Guinea. Independence Safety: Madang police chief urges residents to mark the 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully and reject misinformation and hate. Climate & Health Preparedness: A multi-agency El Niño assessment is underway to map impacts on water, food, health, education and displacement needs. Culture in Motion: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group back the Hiri Moale Festival and Hiri Hanenamo quest, supporting winners with a cruise and festival logistics. Digital Growth: PNG cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, opening key bands for licensing. Justice & Corruption: PNG’s Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona stress the need for competent, ethical legal practice and the challenge of securing convictions in graft cases. West Papua Diplomacy: MSG leaders push for a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua, warning Indonesia’s associate membership could be reviewed if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027.

Education & Independence Commemorations: Goroka International School is gearing up for its 50th anniversary celebration on Sept 10, tying together “inspiring minds, friendship and community” with PNG’s 51st Independence milestone. Women in Sport Leadership: Wāhine Toa Oceania opens applications for its second cohort, bringing 20 retired female athletes from across the Pacific to leadership workshops in Fiji, Greece and Papua New Guinea. Language & Identity Abroad: A Papua New Guinean community voice in Aotearoa highlights how keeping Tok Pisin and other PNG languages alive helps migrants and families stay connected to home. Independence Safety: Madang police chief Superintendent Robert Baim urges residents to celebrate peacefully ahead of Sept 16, calling for unity and rejecting misinformation and hate. Culture on the Move: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group back the Hiri Moale Festival and Hiri Hanenamo quest, supporting winners’ travel and festival logistics. Climate & Community Preparedness: A multi-agency El Niño assessment is underway to map impacts on water, food, health, education and protection, with help prioritised for the most affected communities. Governance & Justice: PNG’s Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona stress the need for competent, ethical legal practice and the hard reality of prosecuting graft when evidence and witnesses are hard to secure. Sport & Youth Development: Kickboxing is being used to teach discipline and character through NYDA-linked youth programming, while PNG Chiefs prepare to unveil a new logo ahead of their NRL entry. West Papua Human Rights Pressure: West Papuan activist Paula Makabory says Pacific leaders must keep pushing Indonesia to allow a UN human rights commissioner visit.

Culture & Language in the Diaspora: Papua New Guinea Language Week is underway in Aotearoa New Zealand, with Simbu-born Omphalus “Ompa” Harkie Kua saying daily use of PNG languages helps migrants feel “at home” and keeps identity strong at family level. Independence & Community Safety: In Madang, the provincial police commander urged residents to mark PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully, calling on churches, schools, youth groups, women’s associations and businesses to unite and reject misinformation and hate. Climate, Water and Food Stress: A multi-agency El Niño assessment led by IOM with the National Disaster Centre will map impacts across water, sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter and protection to guide where help is most needed. Digital Growth: PNG has cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, opening 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing. Hiri Moale Festival Backing: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group have signed on as sponsors, supporting winners and festival logistics to help keep cultural traditions moving. Youth Through Sport: NYDA-backed kickboxing events are promoting discipline, respect and character-building for disengaged youths. Governance & Justice: PNG’s Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona stress continuing legal education and the difficulty of prosecuting graft without strong proof.

British Accent Challenge: The British Deputy High Commissioner visited Legend FM in Port Moresby to help draw the winner of its month-long “British Accent Challenge,” with William Aila taking the top spot and the diplomat highlighting how many different British accents exist. Independence Safety Call: In Madang, the provincial police commander urged residents to celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully, warning against misinformation, hate, and violence. Hiri Moale Festival Backing: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group both stepped in as gold sponsors for the Hiri Moale Festival, backing cultural heritage and offering winners travel prizes and logistics support. El Niño Response Planning: Health and emergency services, with IOM and the National Disaster Centre, launched a multi-agency assessment to map El Niño impacts across water, food, health, education, shelter, and protection so aid targets the most affected communities. Youth Through Sport: NYDA supported a kickboxing tournament message that discipline, respect, and character matter as much as competition. Digital Push: NICTA cleared 5G spectrum in the 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing, aiming to speed up next-generation mobile services. Corruption & Justice Training: The Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona stressed that graft cases are hard without strong proof, calling for competent, ethical legal practice and better prosecution readiness. NCD Lifestyle Medicine: NCDPHA promoted lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle rising non-communicable diseases.

Cultural Diplomacy & Media: British Deputy High Commissioner Niall Cullens visited Legend FM in Port Moresby to help run the “British Accent Challenge,” with William Aila named winner—an upbeat reminder of how global culture can be remixed locally through radio. Independence Safety Call: In Madang, the provincial police chief urged residents to celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary peacefully and reject misinformation and hate. Festival Backing for Culture: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group both stepped in as major sponsors for the Hiri Moale Festival and Hiri Hanenamo quest, backing winners with a cruise and providing logistics to keep festival movement and traditions on track. Climate & Community Preparedness: An IOM-led multi-agency El Niño assessment is rolling out to map which communities need help most, covering water, food security, health, education, shelter, and protection. Youth Through Sport: NYDA and the PNG Kickboxing Federation promoted discipline and respect through the “Last Man Standing” tournament, framing sport as character-building, not just competition. Digital Growth: PNG cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, opening 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing—another step for connectivity that can shape everyday life. Health & Lifestyle: NCDPHA in Port Moresby pushed lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases.

Youth & Sport Development: NYDA backed the NGCB–Kickboxing “Last Man Standing” tournament at Taurama, urging young athletes to compete with discipline, respect and self-control, with organisers framing sport as character-building for disengaged youth. Culture Spotlight: Air Niugini renewed support for the Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring the Hiri Hanenamo winners’ cruise to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands—positioning the airline as a partner in cultural preservation. Festival Support: WR Carpenters Group signed on as gold sponsor for Hiri Moale, pledging transport logistics to help communities move and participate. Health & Lifestyle: NCDPHA pushed lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, highlighting prevention through nutrition, activity and stress management. Governance & Justice: PNG Law Society leaders stressed the need for competent, ethical lawyers and continuing education, while the Public Prosecutor warned graft cases are hard when evidence is weak and witnesses are reluctant. Regional Pacific Affairs: Pacific leaders in Palau backed stronger ocean and fisheries action and climate-resilient coral reef protection, while PNG and Niue signed a framework for education, skills, digital connectivity and people-to-people cooperation. Tech & Society: PNG cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, a step aimed at boosting the digital economy.

Cultural Spotlight: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group have both signed on as major backers for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival and the Hiri Hanenamo quest, with Air Niugini sponsoring winners on a cruise to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands—support framed as cultural preservation and national unity. Digital & Everyday Life: PNG has cleared 5G spectrum for mobile operators, opening up 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands for licensing to speed up next-generation connectivity. Health & Lifestyle: NCDPHA is pushing lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle rising non-communicable diseases, alongside TB and other pressures. Youth & Community: Youth in Action for Humanity’s Strongim Youth programme is training young people in life skills through sport, linking leadership and community building. Governance & Justice: The Law Society and Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona stress that fighting corruption depends on competent, ethical lawyers and solid evidence—plus better support for serious corruption cases. Sports Culture: PNG Chiefs are set to unveil their official logo in Port Moresby on Oct 21 as they prepare for the NRL in 2028.

Education & Jobs: PNG and New Zealand agreed to deepen cooperation on education, technical training, employment and transport links, aiming to prepare more Papua New Guineans for work at home and overseas. Regional Oceans Policy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, with a push to coordinate work ahead of the 2027 BBNJ talks. Human Rights Pressure: Melanesian Spearhead Group says Indonesia’s UN human rights visit to West Papua is “on track,” but warned Indonesia’s MSG associate status could be reviewed in 2027 if the visit isn’t facilitated. Health & Lifestyle: NCDPHA in Port Moresby is promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care to tackle rising non-communicable diseases. Culture & Faith: Journalists in Port Moresby trained on ethical election reporting and investigative journalism, while Vatican formation courses include newly appointed bishops from Papua New Guinea. Sports Tourism: Tourism minister Belden Namah welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai and international golfers for the PNG Open, boosting sports tourism and the PNG Chiefs’ NRL build-up. Governance Training: Kumul and Australia’s AICD delivered inclusive leadership and board governance training for PNG state-owned enterprise directors and emerging leaders.

Bougainville Referendum: A new op-ed urges Parliament to respect the 2019 vote while still rejecting automatic approval of secession, arguing for a stronger Bougainville inside a united PNG. Sports Tourism & Identity: The PNG Chiefs will unveil their official logo and inaugural jersey in Port Moresby on Oct 21, ahead of entering the NRL in 2028. Health & Lifestyle: NCDPHA is pushing lifestyle medicine and stronger primary care in Port Moresby to tackle rising non-communicable diseases. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement covering trade, education, health, climate resilience, digital connectivity and people-to-people links. Human Rights Pressure: MSG leaders warn Indonesia’s West Papua access could be reviewed in 2027 unless Jakarta facilitates a UN human rights visit. Media & Democracy: Journalists in Port Moresby train on ethical election reporting and investigative journalism, funded by the EU via UNDP. Education Funding Scrutiny: ICAC arrests officials over alleged misuse of Tuition Fee Free funds in New Ireland. Higher Education Leadership: Divine Word University appoints Rev Dr Jose Orathinkal as its next president for 2027-2029.

Sports & Culture Diplomacy: PNG’s rugby league spotlight grows as Prime Minister James Marape welcomes NRL star Jarome Luai as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1,” framing the club as a Pacific talent pipeline and youth influence beyond money. Education & Accountability: ICAC arrests five senior New Ireland education officials and a school principal’s wife over alleged K908,839.50 in Tuition Fee Free funds, while DWU appoints Rev Dr Jose Orathinkal as its next president. Literacy Push: National Literacy Week launches in Northern Province, spotlighting PNG’s 37% illiteracy rate and the need for community learning and teacher support. Security & Governance: Police oversight boards are urged to put AI-enabled biometrics on agendas, and a Pacific Islands Forum side event calls for stronger political backing and legal frameworks to speed intelligence sharing against organised crime. Health & Community Stories: Two brothers complete a 3,500km walk across PNG to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer, and a cross-border hydrocephalus pathway highlights how treatment access can be bridged. Regional Cooperation: PNG and Niue sign a framework agreement to deepen development and technical cooperation.

Pacific Security & Crime: PNG Police Commissioner David Manning told a Pacific Islands Forum side event that intelligence-sharing is stuck behind slow “clearing” procedures, calling for streamlined processes and stronger regional legal frameworks to tackle transnational organised crime. WWII Remains Returned: US repatriation efforts brought home the remains of American servicemen who died in PNG during World War II, with about 3,300 still unaccounted for. PNG–Niue Cooperation: Prime Minister James Marape and Niue’s Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement covering trade, tourism, education, health, sports, agriculture, climate resilience and digital development. Media & Democracy: A EU/UNDP-funded workshop in Port Moresby trained journalists in ethical election reporting and investigative skills, including tackling misinformation and vote-buying. Higher Education Leadership: Divine Word University appointed Rev Dr Jose Orathinkal as its next president (2027–2029). Literacy Push: Northern Province launched National Literacy Week, spotlighting PNG’s 37% illiteracy challenge. Sports Tourism & Culture: Jarome Luai’s PNG arrival and the PNG Open drew international attention, linking rugby league and tourism to a wider cultural showcase. Corruption Crackdown: ICAC arrested five senior education officials and a principal’s wife over alleged misuse of Tuition Fee Free funds in New Ireland. Language & People-to-People Links: Indonesia expanded Bahasa Indonesia classes in PNG via a new technical agreement with the Institute of Christian Academy.

Pacific Islands Forum shake-up: The 55th PIF Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is off to a rocky start, with multiple leader absences and reports that China is furious about Taiwan’s presence, raising fresh questions about influence in the region. Sports diplomacy with PNG flair: Australian funding announced at the forum backs Pacific athletes toward Brisbane 2032, while closer to home PNG’s Jarome Luai arrived in Port Moresby as the “Player Number 1” for the PNG Chiefs and headlined the PNG Open with over 120 international golfers. Health and community spotlight: Two brothers walked 3,500km across PNG to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer, and Northern Province launched National Literacy Week to tackle PNG’s big reading gap. Education and culture institutions: Divine Word University marked 30 years, with leaders stressing higher education’s role in national development. Governance and integrity: ICAC arrested officials over alleged misuse of Tuition Fee Free funds in New Ireland. Local life and inclusion: Bahasa Indonesia classes are expanding in PNG through new school agreements, and PNGDF rugby union training with the ADF is building skills ahead of the Commander’s Cup. Immigration enforcement: Police detained 12 Asian nationals in Lae over alleged illegal mining and visa breaches, with deportation expected.

Sports Tourism & Culture: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai and 120+ international golfers to PNG for the PNG Open, framing Luai as an “ambassador” for the country ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry. Community Health & Awareness: Brothers Mel-Kizenderk and Kormson Nili completed a 3,500km walk across PNG to raise awareness and funds for children with cancer, highlighting limited ward capacity and the need for better prevention knowledge. Faith & Education Milestone: Divine Word University marked 30 years, with Education Minister Francis Siune praising DWU’s role in building national human capital and calling for universities to keep improving quality and research. Literacy Push: Northern Province launched National Literacy Week with a focus on “Reading today, leading tomorrow,” citing PNG’s large literacy gap and urging schools, churches and communities to act. Governance & Integrity: ICAC arrested five senior provincial education officials and a school principal’s wife over alleged misuse of Tuition Fee Free funds. Language & Regional Links: Indonesia’s Bahasa Indonesia for foreign speakers (BIPA) expanded to more PNG institutions, including ICA, with plans for exchanges and cultural learning. Youth & Justice: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students for inciting city fights, fining them and placing them on good-behaviour bonds. Sports Pathways: PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1” Luai arrival was used to sell a wider Pacific rugby league development pipeline.

NRL & Youth Culture: Jerome Luai touched down in PNG as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1,” with Prime Minister James Marape framing the signings as a Pacific youth pathway, not just big money. Sports Diplomacy: Australia pledged $15.6m for Pacific athletes toward Brisbane 2032, including support for PNG Chiefs and regional rugby league growth. Literacy Push: Northern Province launched National Literacy Week, spotlighting PNG’s reading-and-writing gap and calling on schools, churches and partners to boost learning. Education & Skills: Divine Word University marked 30 years, with Education Minister Francis Siune urging higher education to strengthen research, technology and national human capital. Language & Exchange: Bahasa Indonesia is expanding in PNG via new school agreements, with more institutions offering Indonesian classes and cultural learning. Digital Sovereignty: Kumul Cloud Infinity plans “sovereign trust” for PNG’s digital data and services, keeping key systems under local control. Arts & Identity: PNG artisans and small businesses are urging stronger protection against mass-produced copies of sacred Melanesian designs. Community Safety: Police and festival organizers promised security for CMACF 2026 in Bereina, aiming for a safe, peaceful three-day event. Court & Discipline: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 students over city fight incitement, fining them and placing them on good-behaviour bonds. Women & Money Skills: First-ever financial literacy training for RPNGC women and families rolled out at Morata Barracks, backed by broader financial reform efforts.