It’s a big week for the Women’s Football division at OFC, as two new and one familiar face are joining the team. Stephanie Spielmann, Margaret Aka and Ashleigh Cox are welcome additions, all bringing a wealth of experience in an exciting time for the women’s game. Stephanie will be joining the team after five years as Tahiti’s Women’s Football Manager and Women’s National Team Coach. In her time at FTF, she not only managed the elite level but also played a big role in the growth in female participation. Her role will remain based in Tahiti and be focused on the OFC ALL IN strategy for women’s football participation and education pillars, supporting the development of girls and women’s football in OFC’s Member Associations. Margaret will be joining OFC, based in Papua New Guinea, after a decade working in football holding various development, coaching and education roles, most recently as the PNGFA Women’s Football Development Officer. Her achievements with PNGFA have concluded with perhaps the greatest achievement the national women’s team has seen – winning the 2022 OFC Women’s Nations Cup and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play Off Tournament next year. After a year off on maternity leave, Ashleigh will return to continue to support ALL IN’s education and visibility pillars, focusing on capacity building and leadership development. Her previous contract was during the Covid lockdown, so it will be a great occasion having her meeting and connecting with the OFC team in person at the Home Of Football in Auckland. Ashleigh was previously with New Zealand Football as the Marketing and Events Manager, before that the NZF Women’s Development Manager. OFC Women’s Football Manager Emma Evans is “thrilled” to have the three join the women’s football team at OFC. “Stephanie, Margaret and Ashleigh have vast experience in football across the Pacific, and they are all extremely passionate about football and making a difference in the region. While Ashleigh, Margaret and Stephanie all held the position of Women’s Football Manager in OFC member associations in their previous roles, they each bring different strengths to the team and I can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on football in our region in the years to come” Source: Oceaniafootball.com

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Papua New Guinea (ASFPNG) supports a call by the Institute of National Affairs (INA) for the Government to clarify the functions of Papua New Guineas Sovereign Wealth Fund and the formula to be applied for its administration and for independent fund management to be in place upholding the Santiago principles. ASFPNG President Ian Tarutia said since the Organic Law on the Sovereign Wealth Fund 2015 was enacted, successive governments have not put in place the mechanism and operational requirements of the fund through a relevant Act of Parliament to compliment the Organic Law. In supporting the media statement by INA Director Paul Barker yesterday, Mr. Tarutia said it was encouraging to note that the Marape Government had allocated K5.6 million to the SWF, which was 7 per cent of the K80m consolidated revenue paid by the State-Owned Kumul Consolidated Holdings. “However, whilst ASFPNG welcomes the Government’s move to kick-start the SWF with an initial deposit of K5.6 million, we are somewhat concerned that there is no mechanism in place to administer and operate the fund. “It is vitally important that the Government establish the board, and secretariate structure that will administer and operate the SWF according to global best practices. This will also ensure the funds are fully secured from political interference and abuse. “We understand the Organic Law on the Sovereign Wealth Fund 2015 requires 50 per cent of mining and petroleum tax revenues and 75 per cent of dividends returned to Government to be deposited into the stabilisation fund. In each fiscal year, a portion of these funds can be used as revenue, based on a legislated formula. The savings fund also has its own requirements for deposit and one would have appreciated compliance with the law in calculating the deposits into either the stabilisation fund or the savings fund” The ASFPNG notes that the relevant Act of Parliament envisaged to make further provisions of the different aspects of the Organic Law on the Sovereign Wealth Fund remains to be enacted since 2015. Herein may lie the reason why so many questions arise concerning the implementation of the objectives of the Organic Law on Sovereign Wealth Fund in Papua New Guinea. The ASFPNG is also concerned that the appointment process of the Board as stipulated in the Organic Law of 2015 includes politicians including the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. This is a red flag and this provision should be removed to avoid political manipulation in the appointment process. NPF is a case in point for Papua New Guineans not to repeat its mistakes. In concluding, Mr. Tarutia added that it was timely to get the SWF off the ground coinciding with the windfall of K3.8 billion in oil and gas corporate taxes, including equity distributions to the state from the record revenue this year as a result of the current cycle of higher world energy prices. “Establishing the SWF now would ensure it is ready in time to capitalise on anticipated resource revenue rises this decade. Even if the 2022 windfall isn’t sustained, setting up the fund’s structures and starting to deposit and withdraw funds would still be worthwhile.”

The Law & Justice sector is among one of the targeted areas being captured in the 2023 National Budget but Papua New Guineans must seriously start thinking of returning home to work their land as the Government continues opening up the rural areas of PNG and connects these to overseas markets. Prime Minister James Marape said this today (161122) from Bangkok, Thailand, where he is attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders meeting this week. Prime Minister Marape said intervention to arrest the law & order situation is “specifically targeted” in the 2023 Budget where the Government will work at “strengthening and assisting the Police Force, the Judiciary and the Law & Justice Sector”. “While we work at securing a safer environment in Law & Order, the Government will continue to maintain our focus on Connect PNG roads and the Health Sector, as well as our focus on the Economic Sector interventions – unbundling our land for agriculture and proper development. “We want to maintain our focus on the downstream processing of our minerals, our oil and gas, agriculture produce, and our timber while utilizing the State marketing option in our Forestry Act so that our downstream timbers are processed in the country in the first instance. “All these things are specially focused and as I meet with world leaders at the APEC summit, my big conversation will be establishing markets for our finished products and selling these at good prices.” The Prime Minister encouraged Papua New Guineans to seriously consider returning to work their land and waters as he and his government worked at opening up the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors at the top level. “I want to encourage Papua New Guineans: all of us have land back where we come from. If you are an educated Papua New Guinean, mobilize your family, clan, and tribe, so that you can work your coffee, cacao, coconut, or vanilla. This is the easiest place to engage the mass of our people who are doing nothing. “Our government will still embark on Price Support so our growers get good prices. We will still continue subsidizing the freight so the cost of transportation from rural areas to markets is much easier. “We will continue to ensure that we run Connect PNG roads into where the agriculture, forestry and fisheries resources are. “Our Government is continuing to invest in ports in major centres including strategic jetties to open up the free-flow of cargo in and out of rural areas. “We are gearing to unbundle the rural economy so that your coffee, your fish, and your timber start making money for you. “Papua New Guineans really need to think about this one as a response to the restlessness and unemployment issue. “I want to encourage our young educated Papua New Guineans, those who have left Grade 10 and 12 who feel that there is no employment in the Formal Sector, you can always venture into business – in the agriculture space, forestry space and fisheries space. “We are willing to help the mass of our Papua New Guineans migrate into SMEs that are pegged against our agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism potentials. "Fixing issues before us will not take overnight, it will take some time, and the Government is showing the way. We now ask our people to respond. "Imagine if 1 million family produced K10,000.00 worth of agriculture, forestry or fisheries produces. This amounts to a K10 billion income generation. "The money is there and the Government is establishing the markets; we ask our people to now work your land," PM Marape said.

Credit Corporation PNG Limited announces its partnership with Project Yumi Inc, an Australian and Papua New Guinean (PNG) registered not for profit, as they launch Project Wok their youth empowerment and job readiness program which rolls out in 2023. The initiative comprises a four-module targeted job readiness education program that covers resume writing, job search strategies, interview skills training, and financial literacy Through Project Wok, Credit Corporation and Project Yumi Inc aim to equip over 400 Grade 12 students from secondary schools around Port Moresby with the key employability skills needed to help transition from school into the workforce. Speaking during the pilot program’s graduation ceremony, Credit Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Danny Robinson said, “Project Wok provides a holistic learning experience that enhances students’ employability.” Robinson congratulated the students who participated in the project’s pilot program and encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunities made available through the training, and fully commit to their own personal development. A total of 29 students from various secondary schools in Port Moresby participated in the project’s pilot program. Credit Corporation further announced that it is offering each of the pilot program’s graduates two weeks of structured work experience in the business. According to Robinson, the work experience will enable the participants to gain valuable on the job experience while also participating in further skills and knowledge training. Credit Corporation and Project Yumi Inc acknowledge that the delivery of Project Wok is only possible with the support key project partners - IEA College of Tafe, and the Young Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Credit Corporation and Project Yumi Inc are proud to collaborate with likeminded organisations who are deeply committed to empowering the youth of PNG and developing the workforce of the future.

This year's Christmas Island red crab migration is expected to see 65 million of the critters trek from tropical rainforests to the sandy coast, according to Parks Australia. The island's native species manager Derek Ball said this year's migration could be the biggest in years. Heavy rainfall last Saturday kicked off the species' parade throughout the island, where some roads have already been closed to give them safe passage. Wildlife photographer and Swell Lodge owner Chris Bray said when the island woke, it was "red with crabs". "The next morning there was millions of crabs that just came out of the burrows all across the island," he said. The entire migration process takes about three months and begins with the journey to the coast, where the males dig a burrow to breed in. The females stay under the sand for incubation, before releasing their eggs into the ocean when the tide is right. Mr Ball said tens of millions of crabs were already on the move. "It's only been a few days, but it certainly looks like this is going to be a huge migration," he said. "We do have a very large number of crabs coming down so we're keeping a very close eye on that over the next few weeks." Pest control behind surge "That's probably largely due to the fact that we've been able to suppress invasive species like crazy ants, which do kill the crabs unfortunately." Yellow crazy ants have killed millions of red crabs since accidentally being introduced to the island in the 1990s. The crazy ants spray acid into the crabs' eyes and leg joints to immobilise them, before eating them. What's it like to live on the island? Mr Bray said witnessing the migration was "spectacular" and a major force behind the island's tourism, but the novelty did wear off after a few weeks. "It does make life a lot harder around town to do the normal things like just drive down to the shop," he said. "There's traffic management or the national park rangers out there with lollipop signs … forming convoys of cars to limit the flow of traffic over the crab areas "There's so many contraptions on the island to try and give the crabs safe passage to do their thing." Crabs part of island's 'DNA' Will Parker has lived on Christmas Island with his family for the past year and has been mesmerized by the migration. "It's fascinating and intriguing, there's no way so many humans could move in such … [an] orderly way," he said. Mr Parker said the crabs meant "everything" to Christmas Island. "They are part of the island's fibre, it's DNA." Source: ABC News

Airways Hotel is pleased to announce that it has been selected as the winner of the World’s Leading Boutique Airport Hotel at the World Travel Awards World category 2022. This prestigious award gala ceremony took place on November 11, 2022 at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Muscat Oman. For 15 consecutive years now, this award acknowledges Airways Hotel for its world-class facilities, exceptional service and a passionate attention to detail. “It is truly an honour to once again be recognized by the industry experts and guests who have experienced our unique property. We would also like to dedicate this award to all our valued guests for their continuous support and our 600+ staff for their contribution to delivering the best of Papua New Guinea every day,” said Robert O'Brien, Group General Manager of Airways Hotel & Residences. Our dedicated team takes pride in delivering personalized service to enhance guests’ experience and showcase the best in Papua New Guinea. World Travel Awards is globally renowned as the most prestigious honours program that acknowledge, reward and represent the most acclaimed benchmark of excellence in the travel and hotel industries. Founded in 1986, Airways Hotel is an oasis of understated luxury that nestled in its own botanical garden. It is a 5-star property with 149 finely appointed rooms in an environment that is serene, secure, and spacious. While its surroundings are remarkable, the hotel’s international reputation has been built on equally unique interiors and elegant décor. It is a place where our guest’s convenience and comfort are our priority. Dining at Airways is an epicurean journey with a variety of dining options. Our professional chefs prepare cuisine of the very highest quality, combining the freshest local produce – including PNG's famous seafood – with the finest imported ingredients. Built around an ancient locally quarried monolith, Bliss Spa, is the hotel’s still point. Adorned with selected Thai artefacts, its candlelit spaces exude calm and comfort. Individually air-conditioned rooms deliver a precise, controlled environment in which to receive a level of care unparalleled in the Pacific. Airways Private Health Club is Port Moresby's most modern and exclusive recreation facility. From its Japanese-raked pebble surrounds to its unique infinity lap pool, it will take your breath away.

The world’s population reached 8 billion people on Tuesday, representing a “milestone in human development” before birth rates start to slow, according to a projection from the United Nations. In a statement, the UN said the figure meant 1 billion people had been added to the global population in just 12 years. “This unprecedented growth is due to the gradual increase in human lifespan owing to improvements in public health, nutrition, personal hygiene and medicine. It is also the result of high and persistent levels of fertility in some countries,” the UN statement read. Middle-income countries, mostly in Asia, accounted for most of the growth over the past decade, gaining some 700 million people since 2011. India added about 180 million people, and is set to surpass China as the world’s most populous nation next year. But even while the global population reaches new highs, demographers note the growth rate has fallen steadily to less than 1% per year. This should keep the world from reaching 9 billion people until 2037. The UN projects the global population will peak at around 10.4 billion people in the 2080s and remain at that level until 2100. Most of the 2.4 billion people to be added before the global population peaks will be born in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the UN, marking a shift away from China and India. Environmental impact Reaching an 8 billion global population “is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity’s shared responsibility for the planet,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said in the UN statement. Having more people on Earth puts more pressure on nature, as people compete with wildlife for water, food and space. Meanwhile, rapid population growth combined with climate change is also likely to cause mass migration and conflict in coming decades, experts say. And whether it’s food or water, batteries or gasoline, there will be less to go around as the global population grows. But how much they consume is equally important, suggesting policymakers can make a big difference by mandating a shift in consumption patterns. Carbon emissions of the richest 1%, or about 63 million people, were more than double the emissions of the poorest half of humanity between 1990 and 2015, according to a 2020 analysis by the Stockholm Environment Institute and non-profit Oxfam International. Resource pressure will be especially daunting in African nations, where populations are expected to boom, experts say. These are also among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, and most in need of climate finance. Source: CNN

Papua New Guinea’s long awaited Independent Commission Against Corruption must be allocated substantial funding in the 2023 Budget if the government is to make good on its anti-corruption promises. Community advocacy group ACT NOW! stressed this, as Parliament is scheduled to sit next week. “The Prime Minister has promised a fully functioning ICAC by 2023”, says ACT NOW! Campaign Manager Eddie Tanago. “But there are two crucial pieces of the jigsaw that are missing, “ Tanago said. “The first is a substantial budget allocation and the second is the appointment of the first Commissioner and their Deputies.” The Chair of the Interim ICAC Office Mr Thomas Eluh has said the organisation will need a staff of at least 82 people, a secure office premises, vehicles, computers and IT systems, yet in 2022 his office was allocated only K5 million in funding. Meanwhile, in February 2022, the positions of ICAC Commissioner and two Deputies were publicly advertised with a March deadline for applications. Eight months later, there has been no announcement of who has been appointed or when they will take up their new roles. ACT NOW! says the Prime Minister needs to avoid the fate of his predecessor, Peter O’Neill, who was ridiculed for his repeatedly broken promises to establish an Independent Commission Against Corruption. “People have learnt that politicians should not be praised for their promises and can only be judged on their actions”, says Eddie Tanago. “If the Budget does not include many tens of millions in funding for the ICAC then the Prime Minister will have failed on his promise to the long-suffering people of PNG”.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Singapore today at the margins of the United Nations 27th Climate Conference (COP 27) in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to signify their collaboration in carbon markets as part of their efforts to meet their respective National Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitment under the Paris Agreement. NDCs are efforts by each country to reduce national carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change of Papua New Guinea, Honorable Simo Kilepa and Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu, signed the MoU for their respective governments, witnessed by Papua New Guinea and Singapore delegates and invited guests at COP 27. Both Ministers heralded the MoU as a clear demonstration of a joint partnership to fight the growing adverse impacts of climate change affecting countries and the world. “I am pleased with this important MoU between Papua New Guinea and Singapore, being the first ever MoU for cooperation on carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change,” said Minister Kilepa. The MoU will further contribute to strengthening the existing cordial bilateral relations between both countries and foster constructive dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including on climate change, trade and investment. “Singapore is an important neighbor, friend and a key development partner for Papua New Guinea. We value the bilateral partnership with Singapore”, said Minister Kilepa. During the MoU signing, Minister Fu highlighted the background to the MoU and its importance in combating climate change impacts. “In COP 26 last year, we successfully concluded Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, paving the way for carbon markets for voluntary cooperation between countries to meet their NDCs and to advance global climate action and ambition. “It is my pleasure to be here today to sign the MoU and we look forward to work together in identifying mutually beneficial compliant carbon credit projects for both countries in achieving our NDCs”, she added. Minister Kilepa said the MoU is a groundbreaking milestone for Papua New Guinea and a welcome significant step towards meeting the climate carbon emission targets for the country. He also praised the timely and important partnership with Singapore on carbon credit cooperation, which will benefit both countries. Under the MoU, Singapore and Papua New Guinea will work towards an implementation agreement that will set out the bilateral framework for the transfer of carbon credits with corresponding adjustments aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their NDCs to allow for higher ambition in their climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and to promote sustainable development and environmental integrity. This will be presented to Cabinet, together with other key achievements from the Conference, following the conclusion of the climate conference. Minister Kilepa acknowledged with appreciation the valued contributions from the technical officials from both countries who have been working tirelessly over many months in ensuring the successful conclusion and signing of the MoU. “I pay special tribute to our officials from key government departments and agencies, including Climate Change and Development Authority, Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Justice and Attorney- General, Foreign Affairs, National Energy Authority, National Forest Authority, National Planning and the Office of the State Solicitors who are often portrayed in a negative way by the public when it comes to representing the country in the climate conference. “They work under tremendous challenges in such international meetings and this needs to be better understood, said Minister Kilepa.

New Zealand’s Joey Manu and Raecene McGregor, and England’s Sebastien Bechara, are the 2022 IRL Golden Boot winners as the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair International Player of the Year. Manu, McGregor and Bechara received the Golden Boot awards in Manchester on Tuesday after a comprehensive judging process involving former Test greats, rugby league pioneers and members of the media. Golden Cap recipient Adrian Morley, who is one of just nine players to have played 50 or more Tests, presented the Men’s Golden Boot to Manu – the sixth Kiwi to win the award since its inception in 1984. McGregor is the first New Zealander to be awarded the Women’s Golden Boot, which was introduced in 2018 and won by Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly, who passed the honour to team-mate Jessica Sergis the following year. [caption id="attachment_30442" align="alignnone" width="638"] Joey Manu and IRL chair Troy Grant.[/caption] The Wheelchair Golden Boot was introduced in 2019, with Bechara’s England team-mate Jack Brown being the inaugural winner but due to COVID the award has not been presented for the past two years. Manu has been a revelation at fullback for the Kiwis – a position he doesn’t usually play for the Sydney Roosters – and was a stand-out in the mid-season Test against Tonga, as well as each of New Zealand’s World Cup matches. Significantly, McGregor and Bechara also played mid-season Tests and their performances helped them to edge out Golden Boot rivals. “The IRL Golden Boot is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in rugby league, and recognises performances at international level," said IRL chair Troy Grant. “In the past it has been won by some of the greatest players to have played the game, such as Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Ellery Hanley, Andy Farrell, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Benji Marshall, Stacey Jones, Darren Lockyer, Johnathon Thurston and Cameron Smith. Now Joey, Raecene and Sebastien join them after each producing a series of outstanding performances for their nations, from the mid-season internationals to the World Cup. Smith (Australia), Graham (England and Great Britain) and Wiki (New Zealand), who are Golden Cap recipients, helped selected Manu as the Men’s Golden Boot winner after a panel of journalists and commentators chose a short list of candidates. Manu ran a world record 401 metres with the ball in New Zealand’s mid-season Test against Tonga and has ran more than 300 metres in each of his five World Cup appearances. “On behalf of the IRL, I would like to congratulate Joey, Raecene and Sebastien, as well as the players who were selected on the short lists for the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair Golden Boot awards. “In each case, the stand-out performances of the winner in the mid-season Test gave them an edge over other contenders coming into the World Cup, which may have helped to decide the awards. “I would also like to thank all who helped participate in the judging process, including giants of the international game, Cameron Smith, Honey Hireme-Smiler, James Graham, Karen Murphy and Ruben Wiki.” [caption id="attachment_30443" align="alignnone" width="657"] Raecene McGregor with the 2022 Golden Boot award.[/caption] The Women’s Golden Boot was chosen by a panel, which included Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns greats Murphy and Hireme-Smiler, commentator and former England star Danika Priim, refereeing pioneer Julia Lee, and members of the media. McGregor’s award caps a stunning year for the Kiwi Ferns halfback, who was without a contract for the postponed 2021 NRLW season until winning player-of-the match for the Māori All Stars. After helping Sydney Roosters to the NRLW Premiership early in the year, she was awarded the Dally M Medal as the best player of the 2022 NRLW season. The Women’s Golden Boot award was presented to McGregor, who was accompanied by sister and Test team-mate Page, by long serving RFL executive and RLWC2021 director Karen Moorhouse. Bechara has also been consistently one of the best players every time he has played, starring in England’s mid-season Test win over France, who they will again meet in the World Cup final at Manchester Central on Friday night. He edged England teammate Jack Brown, who is based in Australia and did not play the mid-season Test, and France’s Jérémy Bourson. The IRL Wheelchair Golden Boot was presented by Wheelchair Rugby League pioneer, Malcolm Kielty, MBE, who was on a panel of officials, coaches, referees and members of the media to choose the award. Source: NRL.Com

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) gathered at the Executive Lounge of the Coral Sea Hotels – Grand Papua Hotel on Tuesday, November 15th to celebrate its valued sponsors and stakeholders at its annual Sponsors Cocktail reception hosted by Coral Sea Hotels. The sponsors reception comes after a successful 2022 Team PNG games campaign which saw Team PNG participate in two international multi-sport events being the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini-Games, where PNG placed first and won the games, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where PNG respectfully placed 35 out of 72 competing nations. The event was held to thank the sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and commitment towards Team PNG and the organisation which has enabled inspiring results in 2022. President of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee – Sir John Dawanincura said the sponsors and stakeholder’s commitment towards Team PNG and the organisation reflected the confidence they have in the Team PNG brand. “The Team PNG brand and sports goes hand in hand. Our 2022 success and results on the international stage would not have been possible without the ongoing support and belief from our sponsors and stakeholders in our vision to be the best performing Pacific Island nation at every international event we attend”. Representing Team PNG Athletes, Olympian John Ume from the Sport of Boxing acknowledged the sponsors for their valuable contribution and support through their various respective sponsorships to the PNGOC and Team in 2022 and for their continuing support into the future. [caption id="attachment_30426" align="alignnone" width="906"] Photo Credit: Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee[/caption] The 2022 Corporate Sponsors include – Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) as the major contributor to Team PNG’s Performance Strategy, the PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) as the key partner and government arm responsible for sports in PNG, Trukai Industries, National Gaming Control Board, SP Brewery, IBS University, ExxonMobil PNG, Coral Sea Hotels, PacificAus Sports, Theodist, The National, Air Niugini, Trophy Haus PNG, Media Partners, Jacks of PNG and Blue7 Team. PNGOC also acknowledged Team PNG support sponsors that came on board in 2022. These included - the National Capital District Commission, Oilmin Field Services, Tribe Agency, Brian Bell Group, City Pharmacy Group Limited, Steel Industries, Carbine Club and Pro Clean. Sponsorship towards the PNGOC and Team PNG helps the not for profit organisation prepare end send Team PNG to participate in a four year cycle of games being the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini-Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, and any other games under the auspices of the three games movements that it serves being the Olympic Movement, Commonwealth Games Movement and the Pacific Games Movement.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has engaged three interns from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) as part of its Legal Internship Program (LIP). The LIP first started in 2017 as an opportunity for UPNG Law School Students to gain valuable exposure to anti-corruption advocacy within TIPNG. Now in its sixth year, the LIP has continued to support TIPNG’s legal capacity to promote good governance within the country. “We thank the University of Papua New Guinea School of Law for continuing to support this internship program by TIPNG, in 2020 we signed a 5-year MoU that will take us through to 2024. This Internship continues to strengthen the efforts of TIPNG as we work to empower people in PNG to take action against corruption,” said Ms. Arianne Kassman, TIPNG Chief Executive Officer in a media statement. “The three interns will be with us for 14 weeks and will assist us in producing legal briefs, reviewing our advocacy files and providing technical support to our policy work. This partnership supports TIPNG’s strategic objectives to be able to respond to issues that require legal skills,” said Ms. Kassman. The internship commenced on Monday 30th October 2022 and will end in February 2023. The three interns selected for 2022-23 TIPNG Legal Internship program are: • Ms. Mariah Bualia, LLB 4 • Ms. Courtneyalla Dotson, LLB 3 • Mr. George Monouluk, LLB 4 The Legal Internship Program has been made possible with funding from the TI Indo-Pacific Partnership for Strong, Transparent, Responsive & Open Networks for Good Governance (TI IPP STRONGG) 2020 – 2023. This funding assists chapters of Transparency International to contribute to reduced corruption in the Indo-Pacific region by empowering a strong and independent civil society voice and network that can mobilise action in support of increased accountability of public and private institutions nationally and regionally.