Fatman Scoop, known to many as the "undisputed voice of the club," died after reportedly collapsing during a concert Friday night in Connecticut. His family confirmed his death in an Instagram post on Saturday. He was 53. "It is with profound sadness and very heavy hearts that we share news of the passing of the legendary and iconic FatMan Scoop," a post on his Instagram page read. "Last night, the world lost a radiant soul, a beacon of light on the stage and in life." The rapper and hype man, whose real name is Isaac Freeman III, was performing at the Green and Gold Party summer concert in Hamden, about six miles from New Haven, when he suffered a medical emergency on stage. The town's mayor Lauren Garrett said he was taken by ambulance to the hospital. In a statement Saturday, Garrett thanked people from the crowd and paramedics who attempted to perform life-saving measures. "On behalf of the Town of Hamden, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Isaac Freeman, known as Fatman Scoop," she posted on Facebook. "He was a wonderful performer with a wide following as evidenced by the thousands of fans that came to see what would be his last performance at Hamden Town Center Park." The mayor said grief counselling services would be available for community members. Video posted on social media showed a shirtless Fatman Scoop hyping up the crowd at the Town Center Park shortly before collapsing. In one video, he walks to the back of the DJ booth and says, "If you came to party, make some noise." He then appears to fall over, falling into the DJ. The event was scheduled to happen last month but because of weather, it was postponed to Friday night. Fatman Scoop has worked with some of the biggest musicians, including on Missy Elliott’s "Lose Control," Mariah Carey’s "It's Like That," Ciara's "Level Up (Remix)," and Chingy's "Let's Ride." "FatMan Scoop was not just a world class performer, he was a father, brother, uncle and friend. He was the laughter in our lives, a constant source of support, unwavering strength, and courage," his family wrote. "FatMan Scoop was known to the world as the undisputed voice of the club. His music made us dance and embrace life with positivity. His joy was infectious and the generosity he extended to all will be deeply missed but never forgotten." Missy Elliott said Fatman Scoop's "VOICE & energy have contributed to MANY songs that made the people feel HAPPY & want to dance for over 2 decades." "Your IMPACT is HUGE & will be NEVER be forgotten," she wrote in a post on X. Ciara posted on X: "Rest Easy at @FatmanScoop! You were truly one of the best voices in hip-hop! I’m so glad I got to experience your greatness! We will all miss you greatly." Public Enemy rapper Chuck D called Fatman Scoop a "great human being." Questlove, from the hip-hop band The Roots, said Fatman Scoop was the "embodiment of what hip hop was truly about. To just forget about your troubles and live in the moment and allow joy in." "So sad to see you go my brother," he wrote in an Instagram post. "You will be missed but you will NEVER be forgotten, raises $100 bill in honour of your memory."

The National Department of Health and the World Health Organization, wishes to address misinformation surrounding the spread of Monkeypox or Mpox in the country and with the intent to make it clear important to clarify that at this stage, there is no confirmed outbreak of Mpox in Papua New Guinea. The Department of Health is closely collaborating with WHO and other partners to enhance surveillance and response capabilities, secure medical supplies, and resources for testing including vaccines, should they become available. Efforts are being made to ensure that there is timely communication and support to communities across the country. The spread of misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and hinder public health efforts therefore NDoH and WHO has urged all citizens to rely on information from official sources and avoid sharing unverified news or rumours. The government and health authorities are committed to providing regular updates and ensuring that the public has access to accurate information about mpox and other concerning health issues. NDoH recognizes the concern of the public and is working diligently with WHO to monitor the situation. However, in the absence of definitive treatment and limited availability of vaccines, basic prevention remains the strongest defence against the potential spread of mpox. Health authorities strongly urge the public to take the following preventive measures to protect themselves and their communities: Maintain Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers can help reduce the risk of infection. Avoid Close Contact: Refrain from close contact with individuals showing symptoms of mpox, such as skin lesions, fever, headache, and muscle aches. Use Protective Gear: When caring for someone suspected of having mpox, wearing gloves and a mask is highly recommended. Stay Informed: Follow updates and guidelines from official government channels to ensure accurate information. Avoid spreading rumours or unverified news. Report suspected cases to health authorities: Report any suspected cases to the nearest health centre in your location as soon as possible. Mpox is an illness caused by the monkeypox virus and is a viral infection which can spread between people, mainly through sexual contact or close contact and occasionally from the environment to people through items and surfaces that have been touched by a person with mpox. Common symptoms of Mpox include a rash which may last for two to four weeks. This may start with fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands (lymph nodes). The rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital or anal regions. In addition, it is important to also differentiate Mpox from Chicken Pox which is also common in PNG. Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and usually spreads through respiratory droplets, causing an itchy, red rash that progresses into fluid-filled blisters. It is also highly contagious and more common in children. Meanwhile, the current situation demands vigilance and cooperation from everyone in Papua New Guinea. By following preventive guidelines and supporting each other, we can reduce the potential risks associated with mpox and other infectious diseases.

Six participants at the Institute of Banking and Business Management’s (IBBM) campus were presented Project Management certificates by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) on Friday, 23rd of August 2024 in Port Moresby. Among the proud recipients of the certificates were TPA’s sponsored participants, Leo Ameua, Acting Advisor for Commerce Industry & Tourism with the Central Provincial Administration, and Muriel Gerari, Acting Tourism Coordinator for the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Both participants expressed their gratitude to TPA for providing this valuable opportunity to enhance their professional skills. Ameua highlighted the significance of the training in enhancing his capacity with his work whereas stated that through this workshop, has learnt how to analyze and collect data effectively, which is crucial for making informed decisions in their projects. “I’ve gained insights into managing my team more efficiently, ensuring that we can carry out our projects with greater precision and success.” Gerari also shared the same sentiments by thanking TPA for its support. “This training is vital for our work in tourism, particularly in understanding how to manage resources, including finances, more efficiently." "These skills are essential to ensuring that our projects are completed to the highest standards.” Led by IBBM’s Manager of Special Projects, Ignatius Timothy, who commended the participants for their dedication. “It’s commendable that all these participants took time off from their busy schedules to build their project management skills." "Their hard work and commitment will undoubtedly benefit their respective regions, their work and the broader tourism sector.” He also extended his appreciation to TPA and other supporting organizations for their commitment to capacity building for their respective industries. The training was designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to develop project plans that align with timelines, budgets, and resource requirements. In addition, the participants also gained proficiency in using essential project management tools, such as Gantt charts and project management software, enhancing their ability to deliver successful projects. The TPA’s sponsorship is part of a broader strategy to certify all 22 provincial tourism officers in project management. This effort is aimed at strengthening provincial offices to effectively coordinate and implement tourism projects, thereby achieving the Tourism Sector Development Plan’s (TSDP) Governance subsector objectives at the provincial level. Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of TPA, Eric Mossman Uvovo, congratulated the participants on their achievement and wished them success in their careers. He expressed how pleased he was to see all tourism industry members excel through the skills and knowledge they acquire from such training programs. With that, he said TPA is eager to continue developing the industry by investing in the professional growth of the tourism officers and highlighted the importance of the training aimed at strengthening the tourism industry in the country. “The goal of the Governance subsector is to provide leadership, synergy, and coordination to strengthen the tourism sector.” “By equipping Provincial Tourism Bureaus with the necessary skills, TPA ensures that these offices are well-prepared to coordinate and implement the TSDP effectively within their provinces, driving the growth and sustainability of Papua New Guinea’s tourism industry.” The one-week workshop commenced on the 19th of August and concluded on the 23rd of August at the IBBM Training Centre. TPA SPONSORS SUCCESSFUL PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRAINING

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) promoted tourism during the 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show which took place on the 17th-18th of August 2024 at Queen’s Park in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province. TPA representatives set up an information booth at the showground, where they interacted with many showgoers, particularly youth. The booth became a hub of activity as curious visitors sought information about tourism opportunities within Papua New Guinea. Many expressed interests in creating their own tourism products in their communities, a growing awareness and enthusiasm for the industry. The presence of TPA at the cultural festival was warmly received by the Mt Hagen town mayor, Councilor Jacob Michael, who paid a visit to the stall. “I am very pleased to see the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority actively participating in this year’s show." "Their engagement with the community, especially the younger generation, is crucial in strengthening a deeper understanding of the importance of tourism.” He went on to emphasize the vital role tourism plays in preserving the cultural heritage of the people, not just in Mt Hagen, but across the country. “Tourism is an essential tool in safeguarding our traditions and cultural practices." "Events like the Mt Hagen Cultural Show are a testament to the rich diversity of our country, and I am glad to see TPA promoting this aspect of our people.” TPA’s Senior Marketing Officer, Simon Pih, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the level of interest generated from the event. “The numbers from this year’s festival were exceptional, and the enthusiasm shown by the people indicates a promising future for tourism in Mt Hagen and the broader Western Highlands Province." "The interest in developing community-based tourism products is particularly encouraging.” The 57th Mt Hagen Cultural Show featured more than fifty different cultural dance groups from various regions, including the Western, Southern, and Eastern Highlands, as well as participants from Bougainville, Madang, and Morobe Province. The colorful and dynamic performances highlighted the diverse cultural uniqueness that the show brings each year, drawing large numbers of tourists and local people. TPA’s participation in the Mt Hagen Cultural Show demonstrates the organization’s commitment to promoting tourism across the nation and supporting initiatives that preserve and celebrate Papua New Guinea's unique cultural heritage.

Prime Minister (PM) James Marape held bilateral talks with Singapore's second minister for Foreign Affairs and Education, Dr. Maliki Osman, during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting that was held in Nuku’alofa, Tonga this week. Reflecting on the strong ties between Papua New Guinea and Singapore, Prime Minister Marape noted that PNG has maintained friendly diplomatic relations with Singapore since the establishment of formal ties on May 19th, 1976. He expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Singapore government through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, which has significantly benefited many Papua New Guineans by equipping them with quality skills and knowledge. “In acknowledging your Government through the Singapore Cooperation Programme, our government is now looking at adopting the Singapore model of working in public service, particularly with our statutory organizations and revenue-generating Government entities.” “Through this, we can send some of our public service workers to come and work in Singapore under a partnership agreement, so that we can adopt your significant way of service delivery mechanisms and top-quality output, as far as your economic management and governance is concerned." By recognizing Singapore as one of the top three wealthiest nations in the world by Gross Domestic Product, Prime Minister Marape highlighted Singapore’s development success. He noted that, unlike PNG, Singapore lacks natural resources or agricultural land but has built a strong bureaucracy and governance system from which PNG can learn from. “We can learn a lot positively from you (Singapore) as a nation, as far as your economic indicators show, which have been achieved over a short period of time, and it is amazing. PNG, like Singapore, is in a strategic location to bridge the Asia-Pacific Region and offers diverse opportunities, including vast natural resources and huge untouched land for agriculture.” “My government is now focusing on agriculture, and we have plans to double the current agricultural export and PNG is strategically placed to tap the ASEAN food markets, including Singapore.” “I, therefore, invite Singapore to invest in PNG, given our already established and friendly relations between us.” Moreover, in discussing trade relations, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Singapore is PNG’s fifth largest trading partner and the second-largest source of PNG’s merchandise imports. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Dr. Osman expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Marape for taking the time to engage in bilateral talks amid the PIF Leaders Meeting and further stated that the Singapore Government looks forward to greater cooperation with the PNG Government. Prime Minister Marape and Dr. Osman also discussed the potential for future exchanges of high-level visits between PNG and Singapore, aiming to further enhance bilateral relations.

Thirteen more days before His Holiness, Pope Francis will set foot in Papua New Guinea, starting with Port Moresby and then to Vanimo in West Sepik Province. The 6th - 9th of September 2024 are the fixed dates that the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) has confirmed this week during a press conference in which the Pope will be present in the country during that time. Papal Visit General Coordinator, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj stated that upon his arrival, His Holiness will arrive at Jackson’s International Airport at 7PM and will be welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso and Foreign Minister, Justin Tkatchenko. From there, he will then be transported to the Vatican Embassy where he will reside. The following day, which is the 7th of September, he will pay a visit to the Governor General residence and from there will proceed to visit government officials, including the PNG Council of Churches and Pacific Island leaders at the APEC Haus. Followed by that, he will be meeting with the Street Ministry and Kallan Services children at Caritas Technical Secondary school then to Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI) to meet with the religious, catechists, bishops, priests, pastoral workers and seminarians. “On Sunday the 8th we will the main event at Sir John Guise Stadium with a capacity of 5, 000 allocated spaces and on at the main soccer field, 9 to 10, 000 allocated spaces. The main outdoor stadium comprises of the general public, VIPs, government officials, priests and religious members including those taking part such as 500 communion ministers, choir and other members of the church.” “After the mass is over, the Pope will then leave for Vanimo and return in the afternoon the same day. On Monday the 9th of August, he will have a final meet with all the youths at the same stadium before he departs back home.” For the main event itself, Fr. Lawrence stated that CBC and the Archdiocese are currently working together to involve all those outside of the city to join in, especially from the diocese of Bereina and Kerema. “We have different committees in logistics, finance, media, and youths with sub-committees. This is to assist people in surrounding areas of the dioceses of Port Moresby including Bereina and Kerema to attend.” “We have diocese coordinators who communicate with me so that we can give a chance for everyone to come.” Fr. Lawrence also announced that 80% of the accreditation has been done including, the common ground, media, VIPs, church and government officials as well as people involved in church activities with the assistance of the Department of Information & Communication Technology (DICT) where people were able to register online. In addition to this, parishioners from different catholic parishes throughout Port Moresby, were also given forms to fill in by their respective parish priests so that they can be registered for the mass on Sunday. “For those who have registered to attend, will be given wrists bands to wear upon arrival and can proceed inside the stadium. This is especially for the common ground area where the people will be allocated and as for the VIPs from the churches and government members, they will be issued a different pass and invitation letters to attend the service.” Meanwhile, a total of 88 international media will be arriving with the Pope where they will reside at Hilton Hotel. Also attending the Papal’s visit will see bishops, cardinals and Pacific leaders who are yet to confirm their attendance. Furthermore, a total of 4, 000 marshals have been training with the police officers to make sure the visitation of the Pope is properly secured and done in an orderly manner. For those unable to attend within the stadium's premises, can watch on the big screens arranged by NCDC and installed outside near the stadium for others to watch. The program of the Pope’s visit will also include the Blessing of the Sick.

On the evening of Friday the 16th of August 2024, an Air Niugini Boeing 737-800 was struck by a ground services vehicle at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Philippines. The Air Niugini aircraft had just arrived from Port Moresby with no passengers or crew aboard the aircraft when the incident occurred. The damage is in the lower rear section of the fuselage, near the cargo door. The engineering team at Air Niugini is now working with the maintenance teams in Manila and Boeing to assess the damage, approve the repair plan with Boeing and carry out the repair activity. Air Niugini is also in communication with the ground services provider in Manila to understand how the incident occurred and what steps are being taken to ensure that it is not repeated and with that, a full investigation is being performed with a report and recommendations to follow. In addition, airport airside areas are dangerous given the nature of the activity being undertaken with the areas that are heavily regulated. Everyone operating equipment around aircraft and airports is trained, experienced and regularly certified. The ground services handler used by Air Niugini also provide services to major airlines including Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Etihad Airways, Japan Airlines and Philippine Airlines who have been in operation for over fifty years. Chief Executive Officer of Air Niugini, Gary Seddon stated that, ensuring operational safety is ANG’s foremost concern and with that, expressed how grateful he is that they were no injuries as a result of this occurrence, however, was upset that one of their aircraft was damaged. “I await the findings from the inquiry being conducted by my team in collaboration with the Ground Handler, and I anticipate our aircraft's return to operation after the necessary repairs.”

579 youths from East New Britain (ENB) Province communities recently graduated from life skills training, coordinated through a program under the Provincial Administration’s Division for Community Development. The graduation program was held on Friday August 16th at the Vunapope Catholic Diocesan Hall in Kokopo, where youths received certificates on baking and cooking, floriculture, screen printing and tie dying, welding and fabrication, brick making and basic auto mechanic. Acting Advisor for the Division for Community Development, Mr. Peter Tutuai, thanked the training providers for equipping the youths with the skills they needed. “The training was conducted by various training providers within different time frames, depending on the nature of the skills. The shortest training was floriculture that took two weeks while hard skills training like brick laying took three months,” he said. Speaking on behalf of ENB Provincial Administrator, Acting Deputy Provincial Administrator for Corporate Services, John Talele, said that spaces at the various educational institutions are very limited and that many students are left out. “We have our resources in the community, but if we lack the skills then the resources will be nothing. Training like this will empower youths to use and utilize the skills they have acquired at the community level,” said Mr. Talele. He further congratulated the graduands for undergoing the training which will help them to have a better life in the future. “Most SMEs are managed by students that graduated from Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) centers and not universities. More youths must take part in programs like this to empower them to have a meaningful life.” Meanwhile, representing the Provincial Member as a Church rep in the Provincial Assembly, Pastor Tony Kivung said that ENB’s vision is for the province to be peaceful, safe and secure where people will be wise, healthy and prosperous. “Our mission is to empower our people to be self-reliant and self-sufficient in order to develop their own communities. We want to see self-sufficiency and self-reliance in the province.” He also encouraged the youths to write their own story by utilizing the skills they have learnt in the communities. In addition to this, Kokopo City Lord Mayor, Philip Tale said that as the city is growing and developing, law and order issues are also growing rapidly; therefore, such youth trainings like this will help in reducing lawlessness.

Featured artists of the month of August under the YUMI FM Local Strings wantem Nescafe Original 3 in 1, are upcoming music artists, Ana Jeff of Mt Hagen in Western Highlands province and Irau Jessie Joe of Rigo mix Kairuku in Central province. Both have now made it to the top four of the hottest songs that are currently playing now on YUMI FM with their song titled, ‘Moge FBO Kange.’ The duo each shared with PNG HAUSBUNG a glimpse into their musical career though just starting new into this pathway as music artists. However, singing is not new to Irau as she has now followed in her father’s footsteps, Jessie Joe who is also known for some of his hit songs including, ‘Booking Mahn.’ The young 21-year-old star has always had a passion for singing since she was three years old and with the inspiration from her father, Irau managed to compose a few of her songs including one in which she released back in 2015 titled, ‘Rent Man’ that was played on the airwaves. And now for this year, has seen another one of her hit songs again and this time with fellow music artist, Ana Jeff. “Both Ana Jeff and I did not know each other personally, but through my father, we decided to sing this song together.” “I practiced a lot until I got the words right since most of the words are in Melpa, Hagen tokples (language).” Ana Jeff on the other hand, expressed how happy to be singing alongside a female artist as he says he is someone who is all about promoting gender equality. Ana further explained that this year’s hit song was sponsored by his uncle who wanted him to sing this song on behalf of him which, to his excitement, became a hit after teaming up with Irau. Apart from this, Ana has also composed and released a few of his own songs including ‘Hux Ambe’ that was released back in 2018 and now for this year’s song. Furthermore, both are looking forward to prospering more in their career in music and are looking forward to developing their own sound for people to enjoy listening to. “As for myself, I am looking forward to making it one day performing for the ABC Pacific Break and to perform internationally is my goal,” said Irau. As for Ana, he is passionate more about promoting his culture as well as PNG culture through the platform of music and hopes this is good influence on the people.

Australian Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Brendan Dowling, has reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to partner with Papua New Guinea to build cyber resilience and uplift cyber security, during his three-day visit to Port Moresby. As part of this commitment, Ambassador Dowling announced the establishment of the Cyber Rapid Assistance for Pacific Incident and Disasters (RAPID), a team ready to respond to cyber crises within hours of receiving a request from the PNG Government. “The RAPID team has already provided support to the Governments of Tonga and Vanuatu, ensuring critical networks are urgently remediated, and that Pacific Governments are given the tools and support needed to ensure the continued functioning of their most critical infrastructure.” The establishment of the RAPID team is approximately a K68 million commitment by the Australian Government to support a cyber resilient Pacific, under the 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy that was released in November 2023. As part of the visit, Ambassador Dowling also spoke to on commitment to expand these projects in line with PNG’s key digitization priorities. In recognition of the interconnectedness of critical infrastructure, and the criticality of their ongoing functioning, Ambassador Dowling agreed to provide cyber incident preparedness support and training to PNG’s state-owned enterprises in the coming months. “Whilst the increasing adoption of technologies to digitise our economies is bringing significant benefit, it is also providing opportunities for malicious actors to exploit and undermine our most critical networks and in the last 18 months we have seen clear evidence of state-based actors leveraging vulnerabilities in critical networks, in Australia and in the region.” Meanwhile, in an address to UPNG students, Ambassador Dowling highlighted future generations hold the key to PNG’s digital future and that Australia will ensure students in PNG have access to cyber courses and training to support PNG’s digital future. This is in addition to Ambassador Dowling’s commitment to continue working closely with PNG to address the increasing rates of technology facilitated gender-based violence.

In the Joyce Bay settlement in Port Moresby’s Kilakila suburb, a transformation is now taking place with the focus of reshaping the future for the children. Known for its ongoing issue of criminal activities, Joyce Bay has long been a symbol of the challenges faced by communities struggling with poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. Yet, amid these daunting circumstances, one man’s vision stands to help the children in his community. Nathan Andes of Wabag in Enga Province grew up in Joyce Bay during the 1980s and 90s. He witnessed firsthand the difficulties that come with living in such a volatile environment, however, rather than succumbing to the pressures of his surroundings, Nathan chose a different path; one of hope, resilience, and commitment to change. Understanding that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and crime, Nathan took it upon himself to create opportunities for the youngest members of his community. With limited resources but an abundance of determination, he founded the ‘Just In Time Literacy School’, a place where children under the age of eight could learn to read and write. Nathan’s journey was not easy. He opened the school with his own money, and his efforts were initially met with scepticism, but his passion and dedication soon caught the attention of others. With the guidance and support of his mentor and pastor, as well as assistance from organizations like Capital Insurance and local media, Nathan was able to bring his vision to life. The Just in Time Literacy School quickly became a beacon of hope in Joyce Bay where children found a safe space to learn, away from the influences of the streets. Nathan’s belief in the power of education began to ripple through the community, inspiring both young and old. Nathan took his mission a step further by establishing a library within the school premises. The library, stocked with books and other reading materials, offers children and youth a place to study, dream, and expand their horizons. For a modest monthly fee of K20, families can give their children access to this invaluable resource. “This initiative is not about profit or personal gain, it is about changing mindsets while the children are still young, offering them better odds in life and instilling in them a sense of hope for the future.” By providing these opportunities, he is planting the seeds for a brighter tomorrow in a place where darkness has often prevailed. In addition, Nathan’s work is a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging of circumstances, one person can make a difference. His story is not just about transforming Joyce Bay but about the transformative power of education and the belief that every child, regardless of where they come from, deserves a chance to succeed. With his continued mission, the settlement is now becoming known not just for its past but for its potential. Through literacy and hope, Nathan is showing that the future of Joyce Bay’s children can be different, filled with promise, opportunity, and a better life. Furthermore, he portrays himself as a symbol of what is possible when one person chooses to stand up and create change.

Prime Minister James Marape has emphasized the critical importance of youth engagement and outlined various programs that his government initiated since taking office in 2019 to involve the nation's youth actively. These were the remarks he made while addressing the National Capital District (NCD) Youth Summit and Expo at the APEC Haus in Port Moresby. Prime Minister Marape commended NCD Governor, Powes Parkop for his significant contributions to addressing youth issues in the NCD, including organizing this event to benefit young people in the city. He also acknowledged the vital role of the United Nations in supporting youth-related initiatives. “Youth are important, and we have been doing work since we arrived in office in 2019. Much of this work is in progress as I speak.” “In the last four years, we have successfully reintegrated over 100, 000 individuals into second chance learning programs.” “Additionally, we have launched SME initiatives that are available for anyone interested in pursuing small and medium enterprises.” Prime Minister Marape highlighted the challenges the nation has faced for many years, particularly due to the Education Reforms of 1991, which, according to him, have led to increased school dropouts without the necessary skills for life. “In 1991, there was an education reform that replaced the old system with Grade 8, Grade 10, and Grade 12 examinations.” “This has resulted in over four million young Papua New Guineans under the age of 50 who have completed various levels of education but lack meaningful engagement in society.” Upon taking office in 2019, Prime Minister Marape recognized the urgency of addressing these challenges and introduced several programs to engage youth. These initiatives include the National Youth and Adult Health Policy, National Education Policy, National Volunteer Service, National SME Policy, National Sports Policy, and National Employment Policy, among others. “While we have numerous policies in place, the key challenge now is to effectively implement these policies to engage our youth. This is a task that requires immediate attention.” “I need practical implementors. The Prime Minister alone cannot do it. Ministries and subnational governments must follow suit.” “More governors and MPs must emulate Governor Parkop's efforts in addressing the needs of our youth.”