PNG Haus Bung

Westpac PNG brought together employees and their families from across the country in Port Moresby on 27 June 2026 for its Sporting Day and Gala Night, celebrating teamwork, wellbeing, connection and the strength of its people.The day was organised by a committee of Westpac PNG employees, reflecting the Bank’s focus on bringing its people together and supporting a strong, connected team across Head Office and branches.Under the overall theme “Champions by Day, Icons by Night”, the event combined an energetic day of sport and family activities with an evening celebration of achievement, culture and connection.The Fun Day theme was “Carnivals of Champions”, inspired by the Harry Potter franchise with a PNG fusion.Teams were named after the earth elements in Motu: Tano for Land, Ranu for Water, Lahi for Fire and Lai for Wind/Air.The day opened with a team parade and warm-up session before employees took part in competitive sports including rugby touch, futsal, volleyball and netball. Novelty games such as sack races, tug of war, egg and spoon races and a water gun fight added to the fun and encouraged participation across all teams. A dedicated kids’ area, supported by three large bouncy castles and family-friendly activities, helped make the day memorable for children and parents. External stakeholders including Nasfund, NCSL and Business for Health also joined the activities.At the Fun Day, Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns spoke informally to staff and families, linking the activities to the Bank’s people theme of Yumi Grow Wantaim.“The day was really about Yumi Grow Wantaim. We came together to enjoy ourselves, have some fun, compete in the right spirit and spend time with our families and colleagues. More importantly, days like this reminded us that we are one Westpac PNG team.""When we played together, laughed together and supported each other, we built the connection that helps us grow together at work as well. That was what made the day special.”The Sporting Day closed with a group cooldown session, wrapping up an energetic and inclusive program that brought employees, families and teams together from across the Bank’s national network. In the evening, employees came together for the Gala Night under the theme “Glamour and Mystery”, with a masquerade-inspired setting that recognised team achievements and individual contributions.The evening featured arrival drinks, opening remarks, team and individual awards, cultural performances, music and group dances delivered by teams from Port Moresby and the branches.Speaking at the Gala Night, Mr Cairns said the evening was an opportunity to recognise Westpac PNG’s people and the important role they play in shaping the Bank’s future.“Westpac PNG’s strength has always been built on its people. Our ability to grow, adapt and lead depends on how well we work together, how strongly we live our values and how consistently we support the customers, communities and businesses we serve across Papua New Guinea. The night was not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reminder of the responsibility we share to continue building a stronger, more connected and more resilient organisation.”Mr Cairns also thanked the organising committee for their hard work in planning, preparing and delivering both events, noting that their effort helped create a memorable weekend for employees and their families.The Sporting Day and Gala Night reinforces Westpac PNG’s focus on strengthening its culture, supporting its people and creating opportunities for employees and families to connect beyond the workplace.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea now has a woman positioned as the Acting Chief Ombudsman.Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday announced that Ms. Tabitha Suwae is now the Acting Chief Ombudsman following a decision made by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC) to appoint her to the position.Ms. Suwae, who has been serving as an Ombudsman since October 2024, assumes leadership of the Ombudsman Commission in an acting capacity while the substantive position of Chief Ombudsman is advertised and filled through an open and competitive recruitment process.Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms. Suwae on her appointment and commended outgoing Chief Ombudsman Mr Richard Pagen for his distinguished service to Papua New Guinea.“Mr. Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism, and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. ““I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”Prime Minister Marape said Ms. Suwae’s appointment reflected the strength of leadership development within the Ombudsman Commission.A career public servant, Ms. Suwae brings 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.Before being appointed Ombudsman in October 2024, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services.She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.“I congratulate Ms. Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its important responsibilities with independence and integrity.”The Ombudsman Appointments Committee had deliberately chosen to advertise the position of Chief Ombudsman to ensure the office continued to be filled through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS) is exploring a strategic partnership with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA) to recruit and deploy health workers to underserved communities across the province.The proposed collaboration supports the National Executive Council (NEC) Decision 335 of 2025, which mandates the NVS to recruit 900 volunteers by the end of 2026 and an additional 2,900 by 2027.NVS Director of Public Relations and Marketing Julie Raka said discussions are still in the early stages, but if formalised, the partnership would focus on identifying critical health service gaps in rural and remote areas of Southern Highlands and placing trained health workers where they are needed most.She said the initiative reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through community-based service delivery and expanding access to essential health services.Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Birisi welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with the province's healthcare priorities.Dr Birisi said the partnership would also complement the nursing students who graduated recently from the Mendi School of Nursing, many of whom are now qualified health workers ready to serve in local communities.He said health workers play a vital role in delivering basic healthcare, health education and disease prevention programs, particularly in remote areas where access to medical services remains limited."The deployment of trained health workers will significantly improve our ability to reach communities that face barriers to healthcare. They serve as an important link between rural communities and the formal health system," Dr Birisi said.He added that providing health workers with the necessary training and support would strengthen maternal and child health services, improve immunisation coverage, and increase awareness of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.Dr Birisi said integrating more health workers into provincial health programs would also help ease the pressure on hospitals and health facilities while encouraging communities to take greater ownership of their health and wellbeing.He acknowledged that Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges including limited resources, workforce shortages and difficult geography, but said partnerships such as this demonstrate the value of innovative, community-focused solutions.The National Volunteer Service will continue its consultation visits across the Highlands Region, with upcoming engagements planned in Hela and Western Highlands provinces.The National Volunteer Service is a government agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for recruiting, training and deploying volunteers to support service delivery in rural communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) says this year's PNG Resources Week will focus on how the country's resource sector can continue driving nation-building over the next 50 years.Speaking ahead of the event, Executive Director Richard Kassman said the theme, "PNG Resources Beyond 50," builds on last year's celebration of Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence anniversary and shifts the focus towards the country's future.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber's mission is to create understanding, generate knowledge and build relationships that empower Papua New Guinea to achieve long-term nation-building benefits from its natural resources."We exist to create the understanding, generate the knowledge and forge relationships which empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its natural resources," he said.He said the Chamber wants discussions around mining, petroleum and energy projects to be centred on nation-building rather than simply resource extraction.Mr. Kassman acknowledged the significant role the resource sector plays in the country's economy but stressed that the industry must remain humble while working alongside government, landowners and communities.He said the term "nation-building" should guide negotiations, policy discussions and investment decisions, encouraging both local stakeholders and international investors to contribute positively to Papua New Guinea's development.PNG Resources Week 2026 will run from July 13 to 18, combining the PNG Resource Summit, CANCONEX and the Golden Exposition into one week-long event.The Prime Minister is expected to officially open the event and setting the agenda for discussions that will examine the industry's achievements over the past five decades while exploring opportunities for the future.Throughout the week, industry leaders, government representatives and community stakeholders will discuss national content, community investment, workforce development, governance, education, sustainable development and upcoming resource projects.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber also wants the event to strengthen its partnership with the media to ensure important discussions reach Papua New Guineans across the country."We want to fill the vacuum with facts, data and research information, and we want to work closely with the media to make sure these conversations are shared with the nation," he said.

For 26-year-old Isaka Samaku, growing up in the remote village of Ambuket in East Sepik Province, a university education once seemed impossible. Today, he is a first-year Diploma in Primary Education student at Divine Word University's Wewak Campus, determined to return home as a teacher and help transform his community through education.Isaka said life in his village has long been defined by poverty, with most families relying on subsistence living and limited opportunities to improve their livelihoods."In my community, many people focus only on meeting their daily needs because education and income opportunities are limited," he said. "I want to become a teacher so I can educate our children, change mindsets, and help build a better future for my village."His journey to university has been made possible through his family's revived cocoa farming business. His parents, Rex and Brenda Samaku, rehabilitated their cocoa blocks with support from the European Union-funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Cocoa Board PNG and the Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock.Through the programme, the family received improved cocoa seedlings, farming tools, technical training, and support in fermentation and drying techniques, enabling them to produce higher-quality cocoa and earn better returns.After years of declining production caused by ageing cocoa trees and the cocoa pod borer outbreak, the family's five cocoa blocks have been restored. In 2025, a single sale of five bags of dried cocoa beans earned more than PGK10,000, allowing Isaka's parents to pay his first-year university tuition.Before entering university, Isaka was forced to leave secondary school several times because his family could not afford school fees. Today, he says the steady income from cocoa has given him a second chance to pursue his education.Upon completing his studies, Isaka plans to return to Ambuket, where teacher shortages remain a major challenge."Our primary school only goes up to Grade Eight, and because it is so remote, teachers often leave after only a short time," he said. "That is why I chose primary education. I want to stay in my community and help educate the next generation."Beyond supporting his own education, the Chipquay Rural Distribution Agency Limited, established with support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is using income from cocoa production to assist 10 students from remote communities to attend secondary and tertiary institutions.Chairman Joshua Nimbikur said the group has also purchased land near Wewak to provide safe accommodation for students while they pursue their education away from home.The success of families like Isaka's demonstrates how improved agricultural productivity can create opportunities beyond farming by supporting education, strengthening rural livelihoods, and helping communities break the cycle of poverty.For Isaka, the message to other rural families is simple."It is through cocoa that I have come this far," he said. "If we invest in farming and education, we can create a better future for our children."

The Office of Censorship has successfully destroyed 645 prohibited items confiscated during enforcement operations conducted throughout 2025, focusing on protecting the public and enforcing the Classification of Publication (censorship) Act 1989.The destruction exercise was carried out in accordance with Section 81 of the Act and the Censorship Board’s decision under section 11 and 12 of the Act.The legislation requires confiscated prohibited items that remain unclaimed to be destroyed after the prescribed period.The destroyed items include Sex Enhancement Products (SEP), medical drugs, Dietary supplements, and sex toys in various forms, including supplements, gels, creams, sprays and oils.The 645 items were primarily items confiscated by Papua New Guinea Customs officers at the key entry points, including Post office and Jacksons International Airport.Chief Censor Jim Abani said the successful destruction exercise demonstrates the Office’s ongoing commitment to preventing prohibited and illicit items from entering and circulating within the country.“The destruction of prohibited items sends a strong message that the Offices of Censorship remains committed to enforcing the law and protecting our communities. We appreciate the continued cooperation of our partner agencies whose support is critical in safeguarding our borders and ensuring prohibited items do not reach the public”The destruction exercise was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders’ agencies, including the PNG Customs Service and the Royal PNG Constabulary.The Office of Censorship will continue to work with its enforcement partners to monitor the importation and distribution of Prohibited materials and remind importers and the public to comply with Papua New Guinea’s Censorship Laws.

After decades of inadequate school facilities, the people of Navuapaka in Kairuku District are celebrating a new chapter in education following the opening of a K300,000 double classroom at Navuapaka Primary School.The new two-in-one classroom facility was officially opened on June 30 by the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, marking a significant milestone for a community that has long faced challenges in providing quality learning facilities for its children.Before the establishment of Navuapaka Primary School in the early 1980s, school-aged children walked nearly 10 kilometres each day along village tracks and sections of an abandoned provincial road to attend Delena Primary School. The community later established its own school to bring education closer to home, but inadequate infrastructure remained a challenge for generations of students.Despite being located about 150 kilometres from Port Moresby, the school continued to operate with ageing facilities. Grade 6 student, Angelica Aihi said poor classroom conditions frequently affected classes."When the weather is fine, we have classes, and when there is rain, we go home happily, play and wash in the rain because there's no classes. But our teachers are left sad, thinking about how they will cover the lessons we missed."Her remarks reflected the daily reality faced by many students, whose education was often interrupted by rain and deteriorating classrooms.The newly completed double classroom, constructed by Korekai Building & Maintenance, features tiled floors and modern learning spaces designed to provide students and teachers with a safer and more conducive learning environment.Speaking during the opening ceremony, Minister Isoaimo said education remains one of the district's highest priorities and pledged continued investment in improving facilities at Navuapaka Primary School."Education opens the doors to opportunity, and this building is the gateway. I urge every student to treat it as your own, for it is within these walls that you will gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape your future and contribute to the development of our nation," he said.He also committed to delivering additional infrastructure projects for the school in the coming years to further improve educational opportunities for children in the community.Hundreds of students, parents, village leaders and community members gathered to welcome the Minister and witness the official opening, describing the occasion as a historic moment for Navuapaka.For residents, the new classroom represents more than improved infrastructure. It symbolises years of perseverance and a renewed commitment to ensuring children have access to quality education close to home.The project also comes as Navuapaka sits within the economic corridor of the Papua LNG development, with community leaders expressing hope that continued investment in education will help prepare future generations to benefit from opportunities created by major resource projects.For a community where children usually walk long distances simply to attend school, the opening of the new classroom marks the beginning of a new chapter.

The Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) has contributed K10,000 towards preparations for the 141st Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Catholic Missionaries on Yule Island, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the district's religious and cultural heritage.The annual commemoration, held on 4 July, marks the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Papua in 1885. Members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart travelled from Thursday Island, Australia, and landed on Yule Island, where they celebrated the first Holy Mass, an event widely regarded as the beginning of the Catholic mission in Papua.Today, Yule Island remains one of Papua New Guinea's most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites, attracting thousands of pilgrims, clergy, religious leaders, and visitors each year to commemorate the historic occasionThe financial contribution was made on behalf of the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, by his Second Secretary, Victor Lakea. The cheque was presented to Precious Blood Parish Church Council Vice President Joseph Oa and Secretary Henry Foisape.Receiving the donation, Mr. Oa thanked Isoaimo and the KDDA for their continued support of the annual celebrations, saying the funding would assist the parish in preparing to host the large number of worshippers expected to attend this year's event.He acknowledged that Isoaimo has consistently supported the annual celebrations since being elected to Parliament, describing him as a strong supporter of the Church and an advocate for preserving Kairuku's spiritual heritage.Mr. Oa said the Minister's ongoing support has contributed to the continued growth of the annual celebration while strengthening the relationship between the Church, local communities, and the people of Kairuku.He also noted that the Church Council appreciates the recognition given to the historical significance of Yule Island, where the Catholic faith was first established in Papua more than 141 years ago. He said partnerships between the Church and the district leadership help preserve the legacy of the early missionaries while encouraging younger generations to appreciate the history and sacrifices that shaped the country's Christian heritage.Isoaimo has previously stated that development in Kairuku extends beyond infrastructure and economic progress, emphasizing that preserving the district's history, culture, and Christian values is equally important in building strong and united communities.This year's anniversary celebrations are expected to attract thousands of pilgrims from across Papua New Guinea. The program includes a Holy Mass, prayer services, cultural performances, choir presentations, youth activities, and community fellowship.The annual event continues to highlight Yule Island's place in the nation's history as the birthplace of the Catholic mission in Papua and a lasting symbol of faith, hope, and unity for Papua New Guineans.

Papua New Guinea and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing snakebite deaths by strengthening the country's health system and ensuring sustainable, nationally led snakebite management.Representatives from the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Australian High Commission, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG met recently for the PNG Snakebite Partnership Annual Meeting to review progress and discuss the future of snakebite care in the country.A key outcome of the meeting was the continued transition of snakebite management into PNG's national health system. The current Memorandum of Agreement between NDoH and CSL Seqirus for the supply of antivenom remains in place until April 2027, providing time to strengthen national systems for a smooth handover.In 2025, the partnership supported the distribution of 560 antivenom vials to high-risk provinces, including Central, Western and the National Capital District, where venomous snakes such as Papuan taipans and death adders are commonly found.This has also expanded access to lifesaving treatment by reaching more than 70 health facilities across 15 provinces while improving the capacity of frontline healthcare workers to manage snakebite cases.Since then, more than 3,000 lives have been saved, with children accounting for around 25 per cent of patients treated, highlighting the significant impact of snakebites on vulnerable communities.St John Ambulance PNG's Dr Arabella Koliwan said snakebites remain a major health threat, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical care is often delayed."By strengthening the capacity of health workers and improving community awareness, more lives can be saved.”National Department of Health representative Dr Dora Lenturut-Katal said the partnership continued to deliver positive results through strong collaboration."We are pleased to see the strong results delivered through the Snakebite Partnership and value the support provided by the Government of Australia, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG.""This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained collaboration and shared commitment to improving health outcomes.".The partnership will continue to focus on maintaining reliable antivenom supplies, building the skills of frontline health workers and expanding community awareness and prevention programs in high-risk areas.Through the PNG–Australia Snakebite Partnership, Australia is supporting PNG to strengthen its health system, improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and reduce preventable snakebite deaths.

Divine Word University recently reached a major milestone in its transformation in digital education journey through the launch of its new website on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 at its Madang Campus.Implemented under the university’s office of the Vice President for Planning and Development, Mrs. Julie Ruene, through the DWU Marketing Division, this was accomplished in an effort to modernize the institution’s digital presence as well as strengthen its online presence.Speaking at the launch, DWU President Prof. Fr. Philip Gibbs said the new platform would better display the universities' institutional profile."This new website gives us an opportunity to tell the DWU story more clearly—a story of quality education, research, community engagement, Christian values, and integral human development.”“It allows us to share our programs, our achievements, our services, and our hopes for the future."Furthermore, he stated that the University remains committed to innovation and continuous improvement by embracing digital solutions that support teaching, learning, research, and institutional development.On the website development project, DWU Website Development Manager, Apsie Tese, acknowledged the University President and Executive Management for entrusting the project to him and his team – a project that took almost seven months to complete.He acknowledged the previous website team for laying the foundation on which the new platform was built and thanked all DWU campuses, Campus Administrators, Faculties, and content contributors for their collaboration.He also applauded the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) team for providing the infrastructure that enabled the successful implementation of the new system."The launch marks a significant step in the University's journey towards digital transformation. The new website builds upon the foundation of the previous platform while preparing for future integrations.”“Our team remains committed to strengthening DWU's presence in the digital space and ensuring the platform continues to evolve to meet the University's future needs.”DWU Website Team Lead, Bernard Antwi-Gyimah, encouraged students, staff, alumni, and other users to provide feedback on the new website, emphasizing that continuous improvement would ensure the platform evolves to meet the changing needs of the University community."The website is not the end of the journey but the beginning of continuous improvement. We welcome constructive feedback as we continue to refine, optimize, and enhance the platform to provide a better digital experience for everyone.”Director of ICT Benjamin Cheong praised the collaborative efforts of the Marketing Division's website team and ICT staff, describing the project as a successful example of teamwork and innovation.The ceremony concluded with an official countdown and live demonstration of the new website, showcasing its modern design, improved navigation, enhanced functionality, and user-friendly features.

The Constitutional and Law Reform Commission (CLRC) has officially launched the Issues Paper for Terms of Reference (TOR) No. 26 – Review of the Laws on the District Development Authorities (DDAs).This launch marks the official commencement of a nationwide review examining the legislative framework that governs DDAs across Papua New Guinea.By outlining the current enabling laws, identifying key operational challenges, and presenting targeted questions, the Issues Paper serves as the foundation for upcoming public consultations aimed at encouraging informed discussions among stakeholders and the wider public.Endorsed and gazette by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General early this year, TOR 26 explicitly tasks the CLRC with inquiring into, reporting on, and recommending systemic development and reforms for PNG’s DDA laws.To ensure its ultimate proposals are both extensive and inclusive, the Commission is reviewing all key pieces of legislation connected to district administration.While Papua New Guinea's decentralized system of government was originally restructured under the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local-level Governments in 1995, the specific DDA Act was enacted later in 2014 to strengthen district-level service delivery.The Act has undergone various amendments since then, reflecting continuous efforts to improve local governance and effectiveness.However, following long-standing controversies surrounding the actual performance of DDAs, the CLRC conducted pre-stakeholder engagements alongside comprehensive desktop research to evaluate their true efficacy.The newly launched Issues Paper is the direct culmination of those preliminary discussions and research efforts.Ultimately, TOR 26 aims to determine whether existing laws still effectively support service delivery, accountability, transparency, and good governance in alignment with the nation’s evolving development priorities.Speaking at the launch, CLRC Commissioner Hon. Isi Henry Leonard highlighted the profound importance of the review and underscored the Commission's core mandate in executing this responsibility.“Where gaps, inconsistencies or weaknesses exist within the current legal framework, it is incumbent upon the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, as the nation’s mandated law reform agency, to thoroughly investigate these issues and formulate appropriate law reform proposals to strengthen the DDA system.”He further noted that the review presents a vital opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute toward reinforcing the legal framework for improved service delivery and sustainable development.“However, CLRC cannot undertake this important task in isolation.”“Meaningful and lasting reform can only be achieved through broad-based consultation and collaboration with government agencies, provincial administrations, district authorities, civil society organizations, development partners and, most importantly, our people.”In light of this, the Commission is actively encouraging government agencies, provincial administrations, district authorities, civil society organizations, development partners, and members of the general public to participate in the consultation process by sharing their views and recommendations.As the next step in its established law reform process, the CLRC will soon commence provincial consultations to gauge the perspectives of citizens nationwide, ensuring that its final recommendations regarding TOR 26 are comprehensive, practical, and highly applicable in contemporary Papua New Guinea.

Prime Minister James Marape praised the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation and its President, former world champion Stanley Nandex, for using sport to transform the lives of young Papua New Guineans through discipline, respect, and positive leadership.Speaking after attending a major national kickboxing tournament at the Taurama Aquatic Centre precinct in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape said the event demonstrated the important role sporting organizations play in steering young people away from crime, drugs and other social problems.The tournament brought together male and female kickboxers from across the country, showcasing the growing popularity of the sport and the commitment of hundreds of young athletes.“I am greatly encouraged by what I have witnessed,” Prime Minister Marape said. “Watching these young men and women compete with determination and courage, and then embrace one another with respect after each contest, reminds us that sport is about much more than winning.”“It teaches discipline, respect, self-control and responsibility throughout our country.”“These are the very qualities we want to see in our young people as we build a stronger Papua New Guinea.”He commended Stanley Nandex for his remarkable personal journey, describing him as an inspiring example of how sport can change lives.“Stanley Nandex is living proof that your background does not determine your future.”“He has openly shared that he left school after Grade 6, yet through hard work, discipline, and dedication to kickboxing, he rose to become a world champion.”“More importantly, after achieving success, he has chosen to give back by mentoring and organizing young- that is true leadership.”“His life demonstrates that success is not simply about personal achievement, but about lifting others.”Prime Minister Marape said the government wanted to work closely with sporting organizations that were actively engaging young people.“Our government stands ready to partner with sporting organizations that are genuinely investing in our youth.”“We see sport as an important platform for developing disciplined, responsible and productive citizens.”He stated that the government intended to integrate youth participating in organized sport into broader national development programmes.“We want to connect these young people to opportunities beyond the sporting arena.”“Participants in organized sports can be linked into our Second Chance Education Programme so they can continue their education.”“They can also access Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) programmes to start businesses or become eligible for Labour Mobility opportunities in Australia and New Zealand.”“When young people participate in organized sport, they learn discipline, teamwork, respect for authority and the importance of following rules.”“These qualities prepare them for success in education, employment and business.”The Prime Minister stressed that the province and district should encourage and support sporting organizations that were making a positive contribution to youth development.He called on the Ministry of Sports, provincial governments, district administrations, and sporting associations to strengthen partnerships that create more opportunities for young Papua New Guineans.Prime Minister Marape also announced that the government would continue exploring sustainable funding mechanisms to expand grassroots sporting programmes nationwide.“We will utilize support through the National Gaming Control Board and encourage resource project community development funding, including appropriate allocations from community benefit funds, to help support organized youth sporting programmes across Papua New Guinea.”“Our objective is simple: keep our young people engaged in positive activities, keep them away from drugs, alcohol, crime and other destructive influences, and help them build successful futures.”“Sport is not just recreation- it is nation-building. Every young person we guide towards discipline and purpose today becomes a stronger citizen tomorrow.”Furthermore, he congratulated Stanley Nandex, the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation, coaches, officials, volunteers, and athletes, for their commitment to developing the country’s next generation of disciplined and successful young leaders.“We will continue supporting those who are investing in our greatest asset- our young people,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.