Respected senior and leading doctor in Papua New Guinea, Professor Glen Mola, Gynecologist at the Port Moresby General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department has sounded the alarm on PNG’s fast-growing population, calling it a “national emergency” and urging urgent investment in family planning, education, and reproductive health services. In a high-level panel discussion to commemorate “World Population Day” hosted by Marie Stopes PNG in partnership with UNFPA, Prof. Mola highlighted that nearly 50% of the country’s population is under 18, raising serious questions about how the nation can cope with the demands of such a young demographic. “How on earth can you manage a country where half the population is under 19?” he asked. "You can't do much when you're 17. The demographic dividend depends on people who can do stuff.” Prof. Mola pointed to comparisons with countries like China, which implemented strict population policies to control growth and invest in its future. By contrast, PNG’s population has surged from 1.9 million in 1960 to an estimated 15 million today, with some regions seeing girls as young as teenagers arriving in cities, pregnant and without support. “We don’t meet people until they’re already pregnant,” he said. “And many girls are abandoned by their boyfriends before they even get medical help.” He emphasized the need for stronger sexual and reproductive health education, citing tragic cases of maternal deaths, illegal abortions, and babies dying in hospitals. The weekly mortality reviews in his department, he said, are heartbreaking. “We review 31 dead babies every Friday. Could we have saved them? Maybe — if we had better care, better planning, and fewer pregnancies.” A key message throughout his speech was family size: “The right number is two,” he repeated. “Too many babies mean no future for our families, and no future for PNG.” Despite education being seen globally as a solution to population growth, he warned that even tertiary-educated parents in PNG are having up to seven children, citing affordability and lack of long-term planning. “One couple earning over K8,000 a fortnight had their seventh child,” he said. “It’ll cost over a million kina to educate all of them — have they thought about that?” He called for a reorientation of the education system to focus not just on knowledge, but on implementation in everyday life. “We’re not implementing what we learn. And if we don’t start now, we’ll keep failing our children.” Prof. Mola closed with a stark message: the time for polite discussions is over. PNG’s future depends on acting now with urgency, honesty, and bold family planning measures.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has officially launched its Internal Audit Committee, a strategic move aimed at strengthening financial oversight, internal controls, and good governance within the organization. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Secretary for Strategic and Governance, Mr. Domanic Ira, commended the NCDPHA Board and Management for demonstrating accountability and transparency through the establishment of the committee. “This milestone shows that NCDPHA is committed to accountability and sound financial management.” “The formation of this committee will help build trust with government agencies, stakeholders, and development partners,” Mr. Ira said. Acting Chief Executive Officer of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of public funds. “The Board and Management of NCDPHA are promoting good governance and financial discipline.” “We will work closely with the Internal Audit Committee to ensure public resources are well managed to support quality health service delivery in the city,” Dr. Oge said. The Internal Audit Committee is expected to play a key role in strengthening systems and processes, ultimately supporting more efficient and effective healthcare services in the National Capital District.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has officially launched its Internal Audit Committee, a strategic move aimed at strengthening financial oversight, internal controls, and good governance within the organization. Speaking at the launch, Deputy Secretary for Strategic and Governance, Mr. Domanic Ira, commended the NCDPHA Board and Management for demonstrating accountability and transparency through the establishment of the committee. “This milestone shows that NCDPHA is committed to accountability and sound financial management. The formation of this committee will help build trust with government agencies, stakeholders, and development partners,” Mr. Ira said. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to transparency and responsible use of public funds. “The Board and Management of NCDPHA are promoting good governance and financial discipline. We will work closely with the Internal Audit Committee to ensure public resources are well managed to support quality health service delivery in the city,” Dr. Oge said. The Internal Audit Committee is expected to play a key role in strengthening systems and processes, ultimately supporting more efficient and effective healthcare services in the National Capital District.

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Highlands West and State of Emergency Controller in Porgera, Joseph Tondop, has called on citizens of the Porgera Paiela Electorate to participate peacefully and responsibly in the upcoming by-election on Thursday, July 17. The by-election follows the death of the late Honourable Maso Karipe, MP, in November 2023, and will see voters from the four Local Level Governments - Urban Porgera, Rural Porgera, Paiela Hewa, and Maip Mulitaka - select a new representative to the National Parliament. ACP Tondop confirmed that security personnel from Hela, Southern Highlands, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Simbu, and Enga have already been deployed to ensure a safe and secure polling environment. The Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) will oversee the movement and protection of ballot boxes, with key deployments in Mulitaka and Porgera. “We are fully prepared to support a peaceful election process,” Tondop said. “Despite recent law and order challenges in 2024, we have worked closely with local leaders and stakeholders to restore stability in the region.” He acknowledged the efforts of the Porgera District Development Authority, New Porgera Limited, the Chief Secretary to Government, and members of both the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) for their contributions toward restoring peace in the area. Tondop also addressed the risks posed by the presence of illegal firearms, calling the by-election “a test of our collective commitment to democracy and the rule of law.” He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in ensuring that the election is conducted safely and fairly. “Let us take control through action and restore governance in this election. Fear no one but God, who will lead and protect us,” he said. He also warned that any election officials found to have vested interests would be “singled out and neutralised.” A pre-count of ballot papers is scheduled for Monday, July 14, at the Wabag Police Station under tight security. Due to high-risk concerns, all 16 polling locations for Paiela Hewa have been centralised to Paiam Station. Ballot boxes for Mulitaka will be securely held for 24 hours before polling begins. ACP Tondop concluded by urging all eligible voters to participate with integrity and help create a stable future for their children through peaceful and democratic means.

As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence, the spotlight is turning not only to its political milestones but also to the quiet revolution in education—one shaped powerfully by women. Among the leaders steering this transformation is Tracy Wilson, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Review at the National Department of Education. Wilson’s journey from a curious young student at the YWCA Early Childhood Centre in Port Moresby to a national policymaker reflects the rise of women in leadership roles within PNG’s education sector. A graduate of Marianville High School, Sogeri National High, and the pioneering class of the University of Goroka, Wilson says education gave her more than knowledge - it gave her identity and direction. “I always looked forward to school. Books came alive for me,” she recalls. “Education made me a listener, a reader, a visionary.” Starting her career as a secondary school teacher, Wilson moved through roles in curriculum development and policy before becoming Assistant Secretary. Her work today focuses on creating inclusive, practical, and student-centred policies—such as those for Early Childhood Education, ICT in schools, and Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI). “I always ask: what problem are we solving, and how does this policy help a child in the classroom?” she says. Known for her rigorous preparation and clarity of thought, Wilson is praised for her strategic and compassionate leadership. She credits much of her professional strength to mentors and trailblazers who came before her - women like the late Barbara Sipou and Jennifer Sangga, and education stalwarts Dorcas Kilalema, Kila Vele, Jane Pagelio, and Mirou Avosa. “You had no choice but to rise,” she says of the high standards these women set. In a field often led by men, Wilson acknowledges gender remains a barrier—but not an insurmountable one. “The first hurdle is often not your idea, but your gender,” she says. Her strategy is simple: stay ready, speak clearly, and remain solution focused. “Women bring balance. We’re justice-oriented and thorough. Our presence improves decision-making.” Through her leadership in programs like the Australia-supported Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE), Wilson has helped implement GESI, WASH, and inclusive education policies nationwide—turning plans into real change in schools and communities. As PNG approaches its Golden Jubilee, Wilson says the next chapter must focus on equity and quality. “Every child deserves a chance, and that means ensuring women’s voices are present in every room where decisions are made.” Her advice to young women is practical and powerful: “Know your purpose. Lead with responsibility. Don’t chase titles - chase results.” As PNG honours the contributions of women to nation-building, Tracy Wilson’s story stands as a testament to leadership rooted in service, vision, and integrity - and as an inspiration to the next generation of women ready to shape the future of education.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has officially launched the Women in Resources and Energy (WIRE) Committee, a milestone initiative aimed at improving gender equity across the country’s mining, petroleum, and energy sectors. The launch comes as PNG marks its 50th year of independence and industrial growth—a fitting backdrop for an initiative designed to drive inclusion, diversity, and systemic change in one of the nation’s most critical industries. Despite progress in recent years, women in PNG’s resource sector remain underrepresented in operational, technical, and trade-based roles, with many facing cultural and structural challenges in the workplace. The WIRE Committee seeks to address these barriers and build an industry that is more inclusive, resilient, and reflective of the broader society it serves. “The day marks more than just the formation of a new committee. It signals a shared commitment to building a future-ready resources sector for Papua New Guinea,” said Ms. Karo Maha, Chair of the WIRE Committee and Country Manager of New Porgera Limited. “WIRE is not just about women - it’s about workforce equity. It's about acknowledging the silent achievers - the women working in underground mines, remote gas fields, and technical trades who are often unseen but essential.” The WIRE Committee has outlined five key objectives: • Promote women's participation in STEM, trades, and leadership roles • Identify and address systemic barriers to workplace equity • Recognise and elevate women in frontline, field, and underground roles • Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive industry culture • Advocate for policy reform, including the lifting of outdated restrictions on women working underground The launch event featured a panel discussion with 12 speakers from 11 major resource companies including ExxonMobil PNG, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Newmont, New Porgera, K92 Mining, and Santos—many of which are already implementing programs to support women in technical and leadership positions. A key topic during the discussion was the urgent need to update PNG’s mining safety laws. The panel called on the government to fast-track the enactment of the revised Mining (Safety) Act, which has remained largely unchanged for over 50 years. There is strong alignment between industry and government on the proposed reforms, and calls are mounting for the legislation to be brought before Parliament without delay. The launch of WIRE represents a significant step forward for gender inclusion in the sector, reinforcing PNG CORE’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive industry that empowers both women and men to thrive.

Papua New Guinea Women’s National Football Team Head Coach Ericson Komeng says his team is ready and focused as they prepare to face Fiji in a highly anticipated OFC Women’s Nations Cup semi-final, a rematch of the 2022 grand final. Komeng said the team has learned from their group stage matches and earlier friendlies and is confident heading into Thursday’s must-win encounter. “We’ve had good training sessions, and the girls are mentally and physically prepared,” said Komeng. “We’re focusing on ourselves, our attitude, and execution on the field.” He praised striker Marie Kaipu, who scored a hat-trick in their last match, calling her return a “big bonus” and highlighting her leadership. Midfielder Ramona Padio and defender Olivia Upaupa also received praise as key players, though Komeng emphasized the strength of the team. When asked about Fiji’s threat, Komeng acknowledged the host nation’s strength but said PNG is determined. “It will be a tough game, but if we stick to our plan and stay focused, we can get the win,” he said. He also credited the Women’s National Soccer League (WNSL) for developing local talent, saying it has helped elevate players to international standard. Coach Komeng called on fans back home to continue supporting the team, noting that team morale is high and injuries are minimal. “This game means a lot — not just for us, but for Papua New Guinea,” he said. The semi-final will be played on Thursday, July 17, at 1pm (PNG Time) in Suva.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) proudly welcomed home its national sporting heroes following an inspiring campaign at the 2025 Palau Pacific Mini Games, with PNG Olympic Committee President Emma Waiwai leading a spirited celebration of their efforts and achievements. In a heartfelt address during a formal Team PNG welcome ceremony, President Waiwai praised the athletes, coaches, and support teams for their outstanding performance, which she said left a deep-rooted mark on PNG's sporting history, as the country celebrates its 50th year of independence. Team PNG participated in 9 of the 14 sports contested in Palau and returned home with an impressive 77 medals — 22 Gold, 29 Silver, and 26 Bronze. Athletics proved to be PNG’s dominant discipline, accounting for 65% of the medal haul with 50 medals, followed by Weightlifting with 14 medals, contributing 18% of the total. “This success represents more than medals,” Waiwai said. “It represents grit, dedication, and the unyielding belief that our potential as a nation is limitless.” Among the standout performers was Daniel Baul, who secured four gold medals — in the 400m hurdles, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay, and the inaugural 4x100m mixed relay — and a silver in the 400m sprint. Waiwai also extended special recognition to PNG’s para-athletes, who played a vital role in the Athletics medal count. While celebrating the nation's successes, Waiwai acknowledged the competitiveness of the regional sporting landscape, noting that Tahiti topped the medal table with 142 medals, followed by Fiji (81) and Samoa (61). She emphasized the need for PNG to “stay clear-eyed” about the road ahead, calling for deeper investment in high-performance training, grassroots development, and improved local sporting infrastructure. Waiwai spotlighted the National Sports Institute (NSI) as a cornerstone of PNG’s athletic development. “NSI has a proven track record of producing champions. We must invest in and build it up further,” she said. She also raised strategic questions about how to retain and improve upon the nation’s standing ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti, urging National Federations to plan beyond 2025 by converting silvers and bronzes into gold and supporting athletes through stronger domestic competitions and regional tournaments. The success of Team PNG was made possible through the backing of government and corporate partners. Waiwai extended gratitude to the PNG Government for its approved K4.1 million in funding and paid tribute to the “Team PNG family” of 14 corporate sponsors — including Trukai Industries, SP Brewery, Air Niugini, ExxonMobil PNG, Vodafone PNG, and others — for their unwavering support. “These partnerships are a powerful endorsement of the value of sport,” she said, urging even greater collaboration across government, business, and sporting bodies. As PNG reflects on half a century of independence, Waiwai emphasized the transformative role of sport in uniting the nation’s diverse communities and inspiring youth. “Every sprint, every leap, every record set is a chapter in the extraordinary story of Papua New Guinea. Sport is not just about medals — it is about hope, identity, and national pride.” In closing, Waiwai called for renewed national commitment to high-performance sport and challenged the country to rise to the next level. “Let us stride, paddle, leap, lead, and run confidently into the future,” she declared. “Together, we have the power to elevate Papua New Guinea to unprecedented levels of excellence.”

A final-year student from Sonoma Adventist College has commended Minister for Rural and Economic Development, Joseph Lelang, for his long-standing sponsorship scheme, saying it has provided life-changing support for students from remote communities. Bradley Kaumu, originally from Kove District in West New Britain Province, is completing his Diploma in Accounting and Management and currently serves as President of the School of Business at Sonoma. He credited the Minister’s scholarship initiative for easing the financial burdens faced by many rural students and giving them a chance to succeed. “The scholarship helped us a lot,” Kaumu said in a recent interview. “Most of our parents are subsistence farmers, earning very little — sometimes less than K500 a fortnight. Without this scheme, many of us wouldn’t have made it this far.” Kaumu recounted his struggles after failing to progress beyond Grade 10 in his home province, eventually relocating to East New Britain to finish secondary school at Kambubu Adventist Secondary. His breakthrough came when he was accepted into Sonoma Adventist College — and joined the Kandrian District sponsorship scheme in 2023. “The Minister’s support gave me hope,” he said. “We can focus on our studies without the fear of being suspended for not paying fees. That peace of mind makes a huge difference.” Minister Lelang, who recently spoke at a Department of Implementation and Rural Development event, emphasized his commitment to investing in young people. “I believe our children are the future,” he said. “That’s why I introduced this scholarship scheme back in 2013. It supports students from very remote areas by covering 100% of tuition fees, while parents contribute to travel, pocket money, and book allowances.” The scheme has helped more than 5,000 students since its inception, and the Minister reaffirmed that human capital development must go hand in hand with infrastructure investment. Kaumu called on citizens to back leaders who prioritize education. “This is the kind of leader we need,” he said. “Someone who invests in human resources. If we continue to support leaders like him, more young people will be empowered to help build this country.” As he prepares to graduate at the end of 2025, Kaumu says his goal is to return home and contribute meaningfully to the development of West New Britain.

Ten students from Sonoma Adventist College have successfully completed a four-week internship with the Department of Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD), gaining hands-on experience in government operations, project implementation, and financial accountability. The internship, part of DIRD’s commitment to nurturing future public servants, offered the students practical exposure to how the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) is administered and reported at the national level. At a farewell ceremony held at the DIRD headquarters, Acting Secretary Mr. Aihi Vaki commended the students for their commitment and professionalism. “Your eagerness and strong work ethic have helped expose you to the broader responsibilities of the public service,” Mr. Vaki said. “You’ve seen how DSIP funding is managed, acquitted, and documented to ensure transparency and accountability.” During their internship, the students were attached to several key divisions including the DSIP Division, Southern Region, and Program Implementation sections. They contributed to processing over 205 acquittal books from districts across the Highlands, Southern, and Momase regions — work that directly supports government planning and reporting processes. Deputy Secretary for the Program and Implementation Wing, Mr. Gordon Wafimbi, acknowledged the tangible impact of the trainees' work. “The work you’ve done goes beyond learning — it has directly supported our operations. These records are vital to our transparency efforts and overall program delivery,” he said. Minister for Rural and Economic Development and Member for Kandrian-Gloucester, Hon. Joseph Lelang, also congratulated the students. He expressed pride in one of the interns, Bradley Kaumu, a recipient of his district’s scholarship scheme. The program has supported over 5,000 students since its launch in 2013. “It gives me great pride to see students we have sponsored now contributing within government agencies like DIRD,” the Minister said. “This is proof that investing in education and training opens doors. It’s not just about paying school fees — it’s about building the nation’s human capital.” A student representative, Shane Gadebo, delivered a vote of thanks on behalf of the group, describing the internship as both inspiring and transformative. “We’ve learned about accountability, transparency, and what it means to serve the people with honesty,” he said. “This experience has built our confidence and deepened our understanding of how government really works.” DIRD expressed its intention to continue expanding its collaboration with higher education institutions like Sonoma College, aiming to equip more young Papua New Guineans with practical public service experience.

In a show of enduring partnership and solidarity, Japan’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency (H.E.) Hisanobu Mochizuki, visited Enga Province last week to observe the progress of recovery and development efforts supported by the Government of Japan and UNICEF. The visit comes as Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, marking five decades of cooperation between Japan, UNICEF, and the PNG Government in improving outcomes for children in areas such as health, education, water and sanitation (WASH), and emergency response. Ambassador Mochizuki was joined by UNICEF Representative Dr. Veera Mendonca in touring communities affected by the devastating Mulitaka landslide of May 2024, which claimed lives and displaced thousands, including nearly 4,000 children. During meetings with Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and provincial health leaders, Ambassador Mochizuki discussed how Japan’s humanitarian aid—delivered swiftly through UNICEF—has been instrumental in both immediate relief and longer-term resilience-building. Japan’s contribution enabled the rapid delivery of emergency supplies, including over 1,100 tarpaulins, 1,500 blankets, 500 solar lanterns, 2,000 water containers, and more than 100 hygiene kits tailored for women and children. The establishment of Child-Friendly Spaces provided psychosocial support and a sense of safety for children amid the crisis.   At Mulitaka Health Centre, the Ambassador viewed a new solar-powered water system funded through the partnership, which now ensures reliable and clean water access for patients and surrounding communities. Local schools, many of which were damaged or disrupted by the disaster, have since resumed operations with improved facilities including rainwater tanks, clean toilets, and hygiene programs. Enga Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr. Vincent Pyakalyia praised the partnership’s focus on climate-resilient WASH infrastructure, while Director of Public Health Dr. Betty Koka noted the quick and impactful restoration of essential services. “Thanks to the support from Japan and UNICEF, we’ve been able to restore critical services and begin building back stronger,” said Dr. Koka. At the provincial vaccine store in Wabag, the Ambassador also examined Japan-supported efforts to strengthen PNG’s cold chain system for vaccines. Upgrades include solar-powered storage, the mSupply digital tracking system, and mobile vaccine carriers, helping address the nation’s low immunization coverage, currently at just 47 per cent. Reflecting on the visit, Ambassador Mochizuki said: “It has been a privilege to witness the positive impact of our cooperation with UNICEF and the Government of Papua New Guinea. Japan remains committed to supporting the people of Enga and improving access to essential services, especially for the most vulnerable children.” Governor Ipatas expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s continued support: “This partnership has helped transform tragedy into meaningful progress for our communities.” UNICEF Representative Dr. Veera Mendonca underscored the significance of the long-standing collaboration. “For decades, Japan has stood beside UNICEF and the Government of Papua New Guinea to support child survival, learning and protection,” she said. “In PNG’s jubilee year, this sustained, values-driven partnership is more meaningful than ever.” She added that with children and young people making up over half of PNG’s population, investment in their health, education and protection is crucial for national development. “Partnerships like the one we have with Japan are not short-term solutions. They are long-term investments in systems, communities, and in giving every child in PNG the best possible start in life,” she said.

The Papua New Guinea Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) has launched an investigation into an aviation accident involving a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft, operated by Tropicair Limited, which sustained substantial damage during landing at Balimo Airstrip in Western province recently. The aircraft, registered P2-AMH, was on a charter flight from Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport to Balimo when it experienced an abnormal runway contact during touchdown at approximately 14:15 local time. According to initial reports, there were nine people on board — one pilot and eight passengers. No injuries have been reported. Tropicair Limited formally notified the AIC of the occurrence via email at 14:53. Preliminary assessments by the AIC indicate that the aircraft suffered significant damage to the nose landing gear, right main landing gear, and propeller blades. Minor damage was also observed at the rear section of the empennage. The Commission has classified the occurrence as an accident under the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13. A team of AIC investigators will be deployed to the site today to commence an on-site investigation. The scope of the investigation will cover aircraft and pilot performance, airstrip conditions, prevailing weather, aircraft maintenance and serviceability, organizational factors, and regulatory oversight. The AIC emphasized that its investigations are conducted independently and with the sole aim of improving aviation safety by identifying contributing factors and preventing future occurrences.