ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG) has recently marked a decade of biodiversity partnership under the PNG LNG Project, bringing together government representatives, conservation partners and stakeholders to celebrate progress and reaffirm a shared commitment to protecting the country’s rich natural heritage. The mini-expo event, held at the Port Moresby Nature Park to coincide with International Day for Biological Diversity on 22nd May, showcased the importance of strong partnerships in delivering sustainable conservation outcomes. This year’s global theme, “Acting locally for global impact,” underscored the role Papua New Guinea plays in safeguarding biodiversity on globally.Delivering the keynote address, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil PNG Limited, Mr. Dinesh Sivasamboo highlighted the deep connection between Papua New Guinea’s biodiversity, its people, and their livelihoods.“Papua New Guinea’s natural heritage is among the richest in the world, and it is closely tied to the culture, identity and future of its people,” said Mr. Sivasamboo.“As we reflect on a decade of partnership, we recognize both the opportunity and responsibility we share in protecting this biodiversity, while supporting sustainable development.”Mr. Sivasamboo reaffirmed EMPNG’s commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship, noting that collaboration has been central to the success of biodiversity programs delivered under the PNG LNG Project.Over the past ten years, these partnerships have supported protected areas, strengthened the capacity of local scientists and environmental conservation rangers, contributed to global conservation data, and led to the discovery of 22 new species.A key highlight of the event was the launch of the PNG LNG Project’s 10-year biodiversity monitoring reports and new species publications. Following an overview by independent ornithologist and environmental consultant Dr. Iain Woxvold, the reports were formally presented to government representatives and partners.The program also featured panel discussions on the establishment of a National Rangers Association and the development of a Papua New Guinea species Red List, alongside exhibitions and interactive engagements with conservation partners and local high school students.The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and continue efforts to conserve Papua New Guinea’s extraordinary biodiversity for future generations.

Papua New Guinea is strengthening its commitment to creating safer and more inclusive schools through the revision of its Behaviour Management Policy (BMP), with support from the PNG–Australia Partnership.The National Department of Education (NDoE) is updating the policy to better promote student wellbeing, encourage positive behaviour, and foster respectful learning environments for children across the country.The revised policy addresses emerging challenges facing schools, including bullying, school-related gender-based violence, and the increasing influence of social media, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technologies on students.Designed to support all learners, the policy places particular emphasis on ensuring girls, boys, children with disabilities, and other vulnerable students feel safe, respected, and supported in school.The review has been shaped through consultations with teachers, students, parents, school leaders, and community members, recognizing that creating safe schools is a shared responsibility.First Assistant Secretary for the Guidance and Counselling Division at the National Department of Education, Phillip So'on, said the revised policy goes beyond managing student behaviour."This policy is about more than managing behaviour. It is about shaping the culture of our schools for generations to come. It lays the foundation for safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments that respond to today's realities while preparing schools for future challenges.”School leaders have welcomed the reforms, describing them as both timely and necessary.The revised policy promotes preventative approaches to behaviour management by encouraging positive behaviour, reinforcing the existing ban on corporal punishment, and supporting fair, non-violent and consistent responses that prioritize children's wellbeing.Aligned with Papua New Guinea's National Education Plan and its commitments to inclusive education and gender equity, the 2026 Behaviour Management Policy and Guide for Schools is expected to provide schools nationwide with practical guidance to create learning environments where every child can learn safely and reach their full potential once it is finalized.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has officially partnered with Lightspeed PNG to improve internet connectivity across its Library Learning Centres (LLCs), strengthening digital learning opportunities for children and teachers throughout Papua New Guinea.Under the partnership, Lightspeed PNG will provide reliable and secure internet services to 16 BbP Library Learning Centres located in Port Moresby, Lae, Goroka and Manus.This will enhance access to digital learning resources within BbP’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program while enabling teachers to communicate with head office, conduct educational research, and participate in professional development.Since launching its Digital Learning Program in 2021, BbP has introduced tablets loaded with its custom-built BbP App, featuring literacy and numeracy games, phonics videos, sign language resources, e-books and educational content developed specifically for Papua New Guinean children.The partnership was officially announced during a visit to BbP's 9 Mile Library Learning Centre in Port Moresby, the first centre connected through the initiative.Lightspeed PNG Sales Manager Stanislaus Yurus said the company was proud to support Buk bilong Pikinini's work in expanding access to quality digital education.Lightspeed PNG Chief Executive Officer Richard Broadbridge said internet access represents more than connectivity, describing it as a gateway to education, opportunity and a brighter future."We are proud to support Buk bilong Pikinini libraries by providing free internet services that help create inclusive learning environments and empower children through knowledge and digital access.”BbP PR and Marketing Team Lead Mary Sawa welcomed the partnership, saying it would strengthen the organization's Digital Learning Program while ensuring children continue to access safe, culturally relevant educational content created by BbP's own Digital Learning Team.The event also featured the formal exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with Lightspeed PNG represented by Stanislaus Yurus and Buk bilong Pikinini represented by IT and Digital Learning Team Lead Richard Bridger.Both organizations said the collaboration reflects their shared commitment to expanding access to quality education by combining reliable internet connectivity with locally developed digital learning resources, helping more Papua New Guinean children thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is taking a step towards cleaner transport and reduced carbon emissions, and dependence on fuel through electric vehicle (EV) adoption with a pilot programme launched just recently to trail it out.Turra Holdings, Odesh Motors, and Sahul Energy recently announced the launch of PNG’s first EV pilot programme, bringing zero-emission light vehicles, trucks, and buses to the streets of Port Moresby, marking a historic milestone for the country’s transport sector and positions PNG at the forefront of the Pacific’s clean mobility transition.The pilot programme aims to deploy electric vehicles across three categories:light passenger vehicles,medium-duty commercial trucks, andurban transit buses supported by a network of charging infrastructure at strategic locations across the National Capital District (NCD).The initiative aims to generate real-world performance data on EV operations in PNG’s tropical climate, road conditions, and energy environment, building the evidence base for broader national adoption.Subject to the successful completion of the Port Moresby pilot, the consortium plans to expand operations to Lae, PNG’s industrial capital and gateway to the Highlands region, establishing a national EV corridor between the country’s two largest cities.“This is about more than vehicles, it’s about proving that Papua New Guinea can lead, not follow, in the clean energy transition. Our country has the sustainable energy resources to power an electric transport future, and today we are taking the first step,” said Turra Holdings Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Isikeli Taureka.Odesh Motors Managing Director, Mr. Isaac Jipsy wants the public to not see EVs as a distant aspiration but as a practical and commercial opportunity for PNG today.“Diesel costs in this country are among the highest in the region and compounded by the current turmoil in the Middle East. Every electric kilometre driven is money saved, emissions avoided, and energy independence gained for our nation.”Sahul Energy’s Managing Director Mr. Martin Tambiawi, said, “Our role is to ensure that the energy infrastructure is ready for the vehicles. That means smart charging systems, solar and battery integration, and grid-ready designs that work in PNG’s conditions.”He added that the pilot program aims to demonstrate that locally designed, locally owned clean energy infrastructure is the foundation for PNG’s electric transport future.

World Vision Papua New Guinea has received vital equipment from the Australian Government to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) service delivery in the remote North Fly District of Western Province.The support, provided through the PNG–Australia Partnership, aims to improve access to essential TB services for communities along the northern reaches of the Fly River and other isolated areas where distance and limited transport continue to hinder timely diagnosis and treatment.The donation includes a motorised dinghy, a standby generator, and a high-capacity printer, all of which are expected to enhance the delivery of healthcare services in the district.The motorised dinghy will provide a more reliable and cost-effective means of reaching remote communities, enabling health workers to conduct outreach activities more frequently and efficiently. The standby generator will help ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages, while the high-capacity printer will allow training and health awareness materials to be produced locally, reducing delays and operational costs.North Fly District Health Manager, Mr. Rody Ukin welcomed the donation, describing it as a significant boost to healthcare delivery in the district.He said the equipment would strengthen the district’s capacity to reach remote communities and provide timely TB services, adding that improved transport and reliable power would help ensure continuity of care and contribute to better health outcomes for people across North Fly.The Australian Government reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinea to strengthen health systems and ensure that even the country’s most remote communities have access to essential TB care and services.

Governor-General of Papua New Guinea, Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, has welcomed a donation of 11 water tanks from local engineering company WP Engineering Ltd to support water storage at Government House.The tanks, each with a capacity of 4,000 litres, were officially presented by WP Engineering Ltd Chief Ahmad Bin Ismail during a handover ceremony at Government House this week.Grand Chief Sir Bob said the donation would help address ongoing water supply disruptions affecting both the Office of the Governor-General and staff residing at Government House.He noted that the contribution comes at a critical time as the country begins experiencing the impacts of El Niño, which is expected to place additional pressure on Port Moresby’s main water source, the Sirinumu Dam in Sogeri.Sir Bob urged Government House staff to use water responsibly and practice conservation measures to ensure supplies last throughout the anticipated dry period.He said forecasts indicate that the current El Niño event could be one of the most severe on record and may persist for several months, bringing significant challenges for communities across the Pacific, including reduced water levels at Sirinumu Dam.The Governor-General expressed his gratitude to WP Engineering Ltd for its generous support, saying the donation would provide much-needed relief and improve water security at Government House.He also acknowledged the company's continued assistance, noting that WP Engineering Ltd recently installed a new flagpole at Government House, which now flies both the Governor-General’s Personal Standard and Papua New Guinea’s national flag.

The Office of the Governor General has issued a warning to the general public to be wary of social media scams utilizing profile pictures of the Governor General, Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, to solicit funds from unsuspecting individuals.Official Secretary Mr. Bill Toraso stated that he is aware of a person or persons claiming to be Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae and using photographs of the Governor General on Facebook to seek financial assistance with promises of significant returns.In response, Mr. Toraso has urged the public to remain vigilant and refrain from engaging with such individuals on social media.“On behalf of the Governor General’s Office, I want to make it clear that the Office of the Governor General nor the Governor General himself would resort to such illegal means to scam people on social media such as Facebook,” said Mr. Toraso.The public is strongly warned not to accept requests or lend money to individuals using the Governor General’s name and photographs under the guise of huge financial returns.Furthermore, the Office of the Governor General has stated it will not entertain or compensate individuals who have lost money to these scammers and are seeking rewards or reimbursement.Members of the public are advised to immediately cease communication with these fraudulent accounts and report them to the appropriate authorities, such as the police.Mr. Toraso emphasized that the Office of the Governor General will also pursue this matter with the relevant authorities for appropriate action to be taken.

People living in provinces in the Highlands Region and the Southern Coastal Region of Papua New Guinea (PNG) are expected to be impacted more by the onslaught of the extreme El Niño condition that is already upon the pacific region.This was announced by the Minster for National Disaster and Emergency Dr. Billy Joseph, who further said that the National Government remains committed to ensuring that PNG is prepared and ready to respond to any challenges that may arise from this developing El Niño event. However, he did not disclose just how much funding support the State will be providing to support impacted areas.The minister made the revelation after receiving assessment reports from a multi- sectoral Technical Assessment Team deployed by the National Disaster Center in May to verify the situation on the ground and assess the level of preparedness of provinces that were currently under drought watch and drought alert.The assessment team comprised representatives from key government agencies and partner organisations.“The assessment confirmed emerging dry conditions across parts of the Highlands Region, including reduced rainfall, declining water sources, moisture stress on food gardens, and growing concerns over food and water security,” the minister said in a statement that he released.He further stated that the assessment concluded that there is a likelihood of a drought emergency. It highlighted the need for proactive preparedness measures and early interventions to mitigate the potential impacts of a developing El Niño event.“These findings reinforce the importance of early action by all levels of government, communities, and stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and resilience before conditions deteriorate further,” he said.The current forecast indicates that these conditions may have adverse impacts on:Water availability for communities;Food production and agricultural activities;Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services;Hydropower generation and energy supply;Transport networks and other critical services; andPublic health and community livelihoods.Meanwhile, the National Disaster Centre (NDC) is urging all national agencies, Provincial Administrations, Provincial Disaster Committees, District Development Authorities, development partners, business houses, churches, civil society organisations, and local communities to coordinate their preparedness arrangements and take early action to minimise the potential impacts of El Niño.The Provincial Disaster Centres are also encouraged to coordinate preparedness activities within their respective jurisdictions and maintain close communication with the NDC.The NDC, in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other key stakeholders, will continue to monitor the evolving situation and provide regular updates to the public.“I urge all citizens, community leaders, churches, and private sector partners to take this advisory seriously and begin preparing for possible dry conditions in the months ahead. Early preparedness, coordinated planning, and collective actions will be critical in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, food security, water security, and essential services,” said the minister.Meantime, the PNG National Weather Service has confirmed that El Niño conditions are now established and likely to persist until at least the end of the year.

A group of young men from West New Britain (WNB) Province, led by Mr. Nathan Kawai and Mr. Graham Graisim has been commended for demonstrating deep gratitude and civic responsibility through a cleanathon conducted around Morauta Haus in Waigani, Port Moresby, last week. This unique voluntary initiative was undertaken as a direct expression of appreciation for the successful facilitation of more than one hundred deceased estate land titles by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land. The young men carried out their clean-up exercise across the grounds and spaces surrounding the very building where the DPLGA occupies the second, third, and fifth floors, transforming a routine bureaucratic milestone into an inspiring display of community service.Mr. Philip Leo, Secretary for the DPLGA and the Official Custodian for Trust Land, highly commended the young men for their initiative, describing it as a positive example of responsible citizenship and community spirit."The actions of these young men demonstrate humility, gratitude and a willingness to give back to society. Their initiative should inspire other young people throughout the country to contribute positively to their communities through simple acts of service," Secretary Leo said. He further encouraged Papua New Guinea's youth to emulate the example set by the boys from Kimbe by engaging in activities that promote cleanliness, volunteerism, and national pride.The cleanup highlights a massive administrative relief for the province, resolving files that had been stagnant since they were lodged with the department last year. Through the Office of the Official Custodian for Trust Land, the department effectively facilitated the required processes under Section 125 of the Land Registration Act, allowing the Registrar of Titles to complete the registration of title transmission to the next of kin. This crucial legal process enabled the lawful transfer of title ownership to beneficiaries who had otherwise been locked out of land security.According to Mr. Nathan Kawai, who has been recognized as the spokesperson for the title holders, many families had struggled for decades to resolve issues relating to deceased estate titles. He explained that the successful completion of the title transmission would now allow affected oil palm growers to qualify for critical replanting assistance facilitated by the Oil Palm Industry Corporation."These people have waited for many years to have these deceased estate matters resolved. We are truly grateful to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs for helping us secure these titles. Because of this intervention, many families can now participate in the replanting of their oil palm blocks and improve their livelihoods," Mr. Kawai said.Following this successful resolution and the subsequent show of appreciation from the local youth, the department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that deceased estate matters relating to customary beneficiaries and trust land responsibilities are efficiently administered in accordance with the law, enabling citizens to access vital opportunities that contribute to long-term economic empowerment and sustainable development.

A nine-member delegation from the Morobe Provincial Government returned to Lae on Friday, June 12, following a critical five-day official visit to Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) aimed at preparing the province for the upcoming Wafi-Golpu mine project. Led by Deputy Governor Andrew Tera, the group departed on Monday, June 8, for what officials described as a vital benchmarking exercise. The high-level party included key provincial executive chairmen for mining, energy, and agriculture, alongside local level government presidents and key landowning representatives from the Yanta, Hengembu, and Babuaf communities of Special Mining Lease (SML) 10 area.Speaking ahead of the departure, Governor Rainbo Paita emphasized that the visit would hold considerable value for Morobe’s broader strategy regarding its natural resources, with lessons stretching across infrastructure sectors like roads, power, communication, and transport. He noted that the journey was designed to give landowners a firsthand understanding of the socio-economic returns and long-term business opportunities that flow from a mature mining enterprise. Fully funded by Ok Tedi, which provided return charter flights, accommodation, and full board, the trip was tightly curated, with each delegate selected for the specific bearing their role has on Morobe's future.For the traveling landowners, the visit offered a unique look at what life actually looks like once a major mine takes root in a community. By observing one of the nation’s most established operations, the delegation sought to learn from both Ok Tedi’s successes and its challenges, ensuring that Morobe meets the Wafi-Golpu project with practical knowledge rather than untested hope. A major focus of the trip involved studying infrastructure development, specifically examining how Ok Tedi has utilized the Tax Credit Scheme to channel mining wealth into public works like schools and roads. Ultimately, the insights gained from this week-long expedition are expected to directly inform the provincial government's strategies and negotiations as preparations for Wafi-Golpu intensify in the months ahead.

What began as a training programme under the European Union-funded STREIT PNG initiative has evolved into a lasting community-driven movement in Wosera-Gawi District, where families are learning to plan together, manage income more effectively, and make decisions that benefit entire households.At the centre of this transformation is Angela Gossiba, Food Security Officer and Caretaker District Agriculture Coordinator for Wosera-Gawi, whose work is helping farmers strengthen not only their agricultural practices but also their family and community livelihoods.During a recent cocoa budding training in Yembiyembi, a remote community in Gawi LLG, an elderly farmer reflected on the value of the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) training. After learning how families can plan and make decisions together using simple visual tools, he told fellow participants he wished he had received such guidance when he was younger. Although he could not turn back time, he said he would pass the knowledge on to his son so the next generation could benefit.For Angela, stories like this are evidence of the programme's success.Having served in the provincial agriculture service since 2007 and in Wosera-Gawi since 2016, Angela's role regularly takes her into some of East Sepik's most remote communities.“Being a woman doing agriculture work is very tough,” she said. “You have to travel to very remote places, often on foot. But I have enjoyed the challenges. I have walked throughout the district and stayed with farming families in their villages.”Through years of fieldwork, Angela observed a recurring challenge: women contribute significantly to food production yet often have limited access to training, resources, finance and decision-making opportunities. Young people face similar barriers.To help address these issues, the EU-STREIT PNG Programme trained Angela as a Gender Coach, one of approximately 70 government officers and lead farmers equipped to deliver GALS across East and West Sepik provinces.The approach uses drawings and visual planning tools rather than written documents, making it easier for rural families to identify goals, map out pathways to achieve them and discuss household responsibilities.“Our people in the villages may not be able to prepare written project plans, but through drawings they are able to understand and participate,” Angela explained.The training has produced tangible results across the district.In Blamda, North Wosera, Angela combined cocoa extension services with household planning activities. She established a certified budwood garden for cocoa pod borer-tolerant seedlings, which now supplies planting materials to more than ten communities. Farmers have also gained skills in financial management and entrepreneurship, with many opening bank accounts and operating small cocoa businesses.Beyond farming, the programme has influenced how families make decisions.Angela recalls the experience of the Wani family, where household decisions were once made solely by the father.“Before the training, the father made all the decisions without involving his wife or children,” she said. “After participating in GALS, he realised the importance of including the whole family in planning and decision-making.”Another success story comes from Burui village, where farmer Nereus Saun and his wife Jaqueline Sakat used the GALS planning tools to achieve their education goals. After jointly deciding to invest their cocoa earnings into a fermentary to improve returns from dry bean sales, the couple generated enough income to fund Nereus' university studies. In 2026, he enrolled in a Bachelor programme at the University of Goroka.Angela has also applied the lessons within her own family. After receiving GALS training in 2024, she guided her children through the Vision Journey planning process, helping them establish an inland fish farming project. The family later expanded into poultry production and cocoa development.A key reason for the programme's ongoing impact is Angela's commitment to sharing the knowledge. She has trained around 20 Community Gender Advocates across the district's four local-level governments, enabling support to reach communities she cannot visit herself.Among them is Julie Kleniaka, who leads the Wingum Women's Group in Patiko village, and Jude Wapi of Baluwe in the Chambri Lakes area, whose community used proceeds from cocoa seedling sales to construct an early childhood classroom completed in 2024.Angela believes empowering local trainers and government officers is essential for long-term sustainability.“Government officers and local trainers are permanently based in the communities and are in the best position to continue these activities while mentoring others,” she said.Looking ahead, Angela is advocating for the establishment of dedicated gender desks within provincial and district agriculture offices. Speaking during regional consultations on the National Women and Youth in Agriculture Policy in Wewak, she proposed formally funded positions that would help women and youth farmers access extension services, markets, banking opportunities and financial support.Despite the progress, Angela acknowledges significant challenges remain, including illiteracy, limited access to land and credit, insufficient business skills and law-and-order issues that often restrict women's mobility.Nevertheless, she says the most encouraging change has been the growing confidence among women.“Many women were afraid to stand in front of people or speak publicly,” she said. “They lacked confidence and often felt pushed aside. Now they know they have a place and a voice.”In recognition of her work, Angela was named the EU-STREIT PNG Programme Champion for the Greater Sepik Region in 2024. Yet she views the achievement not as the end of a project, but as part of her everyday responsibility.“It has already become part of me,” she said. “I now incorporate these approaches into every extension activity I conduct.”As she continues travelling to remote villages throughout Wosera-Gawi, Angela remains motivated by the people she serves.“There are people out there who need me,” she said. “That is what keeps me going.”Her story reflects the broader legacy of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, which has strengthened the skills of government officers across multiple sectors, enabling them to continue delivering lasting benefits to their communities long after the programme's direct interventions.

A new chapter in healthcare has begun for the people of Aitape-Lumi District as Raihu Health Centre was officially upgraded to a Level 4 District Hospital, marking a major achievement for the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS), and the communities it has served for more than seven decades.The facility will now operate as St. Francis Catholic District Hospital, strengthening healthcare services across the district and improving access to higher-level medical care for thousands of residents.The official accreditation ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together healthcare workers, church leaders, government representatives, development partners, and community members to celebrate what many described as a historic achievement for the region.Among those attending the ceremony were the Minister for Health, provincial leaders, representatives of the Catholic Church, development partners, and local residents, all gathered to witness the hospital's transition to Level 4 status.The accreditation follows years of planning, commitment, and collaboration between the Catholic Diocese of Aitape, Catholic Church Health Services, government agencies, and development partners.Hospital staff and community members said the upgrade reflects the continued growth of Raihu and its vital role in delivering healthcare services throughout Aitape-Lumi District and surrounding communities.For more than 71 years, Raihu has been a cornerstone of healthcare within the Diocese of Aitape. The facility celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2005, recognizing 50 years of dedicated service, and most recently participated in Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Jubilee celebrations, highlighting its enduring contribution to the nation's health sector.The elevation to a Level 4 District Hospital is expected to significantly enhance healthcare delivery by expanding clinical services, strengthening referral pathways, and increasing the hospital's capacity to provide specialized care closer to home.Church leaders and Catholic Church Health Services acknowledged the dedication of hospital staff, government partners, supporters, and the local community whose collective efforts made the accreditation possible.