Australia announced new climate research support for Papua New Guinea at the PNG’s Second National Climate Change Summit at APEC Haus, Port Moresby. High Commissioner Jon Philp announced that Australia will partner with the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) to offer grants to support research to inform the PNG Government’s climate adaptation and mitigation policy making. These grants will allow an emerging cohort of climate researchers from PNG to deliver evidence-based research in support of PNG’s climate goals. “The grants will be delivered in partnership with CCDA, the National Research Institute (NRI), and the PNG Science and Technology Secretariat, and will support eligible master’s and doctoral students in a one-year program of research, the findings of which will be presented at the Third National Climate Change Summit next year.” High Commissioner Philp further stated that this joint initiative underscores Australia's dedication to supporting the successful implementation of PNG’s climate national adaptation and mitigation goals. Australia’s new development strategy brings climate change to the heart and gender equality and inclusive to the people of Papua New Guinea as well. “In new gender and climate targets will ensure Australian development system tackles climate effects and improves the lives of women and girls.” “At list half of all new Australian projects will have a climate change objective from this year and that will climb by 80% by 2028.” The Australian High Commission also facilitated the participation of a team of international experts from the Australian National University to the National Climate Change Summit. At the invitation of the PNG Government, Dr Steven Crimp, Ms Ewelina Przybyszewski and Mr Mawe Gonapa delivered presentations highlighting the climate challenges facing communities in our region - and how we can work together to identify solutions. The topics included blended finance options for climate adaptation, climate justice and social inclusion, and new research to trial carbon trading through coffee farming. Application information for the climate research grant opportunities will be available on the Climate Change and Development Authority website.

Four hundred and sixteen Plant Operator and Motor Vehicle Driving Courses students graduated from the Mapex Training Institute in Port Moresby just recently. These students were those who missed out on selection to continue formal education but were given a second chance through the Mapex Training Institute. Mapex training Institute Managing Director Marcus Palem Kara said the aim of the institute is to contribute to human resource development in the country. Mr. Kara paid special tribute to the sponsors, stakeholders and parents who contributed to the development of the students in providing funding support. Mr. Kara highlighted that the batch of graduates are the second batch for this year from the Plant Operator and Motor Vehicle Driving Courses. “This graduation is a small graduation which comprised of staff, stakeholders, the office of the Department of Higher Education (DHERST) and representatives from the office of the Governor of Central Province the Honourable Rufina Peter, the Honourable John Kaupa member for North- East and the Honourable Agena Gamai , Delta Fly Open member, and you parents.” Kara added that the sponsors are very important people, because it is their support and kind assistance that paid off today at the graduation. Out of the 416 students who graduated, one 147 were students from Central Province who came under the Central Governor’s Tertiary Tuition Support Grants. In total, Central Province has the highest number of students enrolled at Mapex Training Institute with about 601 students attending Mapex this year and a total cost of K721,200 was paid with each students allocated K1, 200 each as tuition fees. Education Co-coordinator from the Central Governor’s office, Mr. Henry Kita, who attended the graduation on behalf of the Governor for Central Province, said he is proud of the graduating students and thanked Madam Governor for believing in second chance and also thanked Mapex Training Institute for providing the avenue for students to make a career in the future.

The second Annual National Climate Summit kicked off today at the APEC Haus, Port Moresby. During the opening remarks of the second Annual Climate Summit, Climate Change and Environment Minister, Simon Kilepa, highlighted the importance of Climate Justice and Social Inclusion as per the Theme of the second annual climate summit. The theme of this summit, "Climate Justice and Social Inclusion," underscores the importance of our times. Minister Kilepa stated that under the Marape-Roso government, climate change remains a priority development agenda since our country remains one of the vulnerable countries in the world in the face of climate change. “That is why Summit as this is critical for every stakeholder to come together, identify what major challenges are faced and what critical actions are needed, how can these actions be implemented and who can implement these actions as a country going forward.” He added in his opening remarks that the National Climate Change Summit is a key step in shaping our nation's destiny and contributing to the global struggle against the defining crisis of our time. “I stand before you all today with a profound sense of purpose and urgency as we gather here for the Second Annual National Climate Summit, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your presence at this significant event.” “Together, we embark on a journey that holds the promise of shaping our nation's destiny and contributing to the global fight against the defining crisis of our time.” “The theme of this summit, Climate Justice and Social Inclusion reminds us that the fight against climate change is not only about reducing the footprints of carbon emissions or protecting ecosystems; it is fundamentally about ensuring that the burdens and benefits of this fight are equitably distributed.” “It's about safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of every citizen, regardless of their background or circumstance.” He further emphasised that Climate change knows no boundaries; it respects no one's socio-economic status, however its impacts are felt most acutely by those who are least responsible for its causes. Vulnerable communities, like PNG’s own Cataract islands in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville are marginalized and are bearing the brunt of extreme weather events such as sea level rise and disrupted livelihoods. These vulnerable deserve not only sympathy but unwavering commitment to climate justice he added. “Today, we come together to commit ourselves to this very cause, justice in the face of climate change thus we must recognize that climate action is at its core, an act of social justice and It's a promise to our children, our grandchildren, and all future generations that we will not let their futures be stolen by our indecisions.” “As a nation, we have made significant strides on this path, we've taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint, to protect our forests and oceans, and to promote renewable energy transition, but we must do more, much more.” He stressed that there is a need to ensure that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities, but all should rather work to alleviate them and the transition to a greener economy must provide opportunities for decent work, job security, and improved living standards for all citizens. “All must also recognize the vital role of our local people, women, and marginalized communities in climate action because their traditional knowledge, resilience, and commitment to environmental stewardship are invaluable assets in our collective fight against climate change.” “The journey towards climate justice and social inclusion comes with its challenges as well and it requires efforts and collaboration across sectors and smart innovative solutions.” “It also demands that no one is left behind and that priority is given to the most vulnerable.” “I call upon each of you to use this summit as a platform for meaningful dialogue, shared knowledge, and concrete commitments and let us not only talk about climate justice and social inclusion but act upon them.” “Let us commit to leaving a legacy of a greener, fairer, and more just world for generations to come and may our deliberations at this summit drive us towards a future where climate justice prevails, and social inclusion is the norm.”

Record-breaking rainfall paralyzed much of Hong Kong on Friday, with flash flooding submerging metro stations and trapping drivers on roads, as authorities suspended schools and urged the public to seek safe shelter. Photos and videos showed residents wading through murky brown floodwaters as heavy rain continued to inundate the densely populated city of 7.5 million. In some low-lying areas, streets were transformed into surging torrents, with authorities forced to rescue motorists stuck in their vehicles. The deluge began late Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory recording more than 158 millimeters (6.2 inches) in rain between 11 p.m. and midnight, the highest hourly rainfall since records began in 1884, the government said in a news release. Some parts of city saw almost 500 mm (19.7 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours, according to online weather data site OGimet. [caption id="attachment_45206" align="aligncenter" width="1109"] Vehicles submerged in a flooded parking lot in Hong Kong on September 8, 2023.[/caption] The extreme conditions caught many residents by surprise and came just days after Hong Kong was lashed by its strongest typhoon in five years. Typhoon Saola, originally a super typhoon, weakened to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane as it reached Hong Kong last weekend – but was still potent enough to shut down the city and cause hundreds of flight cancellations. Eighty-six people were injured from the typhoon, the government said. Friday’s deluge again caused widespread transport and business disruptions across the financial hub, with the stock market canceling morning trading, and all schools closed for the day. On Friday, authorities appealed to businesses to allow non-essential employees to stay at home or seek safe shelter, citing unsafe travel conditions. Stuart Hargreaves, a Hong Kong resident and professor, was forced to spend the night in his car after being stranded while driving home late Thursday. The flooded roads were “impassable,” he said; at one point, “water was coming over the hood of the car and I thought it was going to flood the engine.” Several other cars had similarly flooded and were “floating” nearby, he said. He managed to park in a safe place, but there was no way out – leaving him stuck until daybreak. When he managed to drive home nine hours later, the road was “full of rocks from landslides, debris from trees, abandoned cars and so on,” he said. [caption id="attachment_45207" align="aligncenter" width="1115"] A flooded alley in Hong Kong on September 8, 2023.[/caption] As of Friday afternoon, 119 people have been reported injured from the downpour, four of whom are in serious condition, according to Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority. The government said Friday that such “extreme” conditions were expected to continue until at least midnight. The city’s Mass Transit Railway announced it would suspend services on one of its lines after a station in the Wong Tai Sin district was flooded, with footage shared widely online showing floodwater gushing down the stairs. Another video shows workers at a different station up to their knees in water, struggling at the entrance to keep the flooding at bay. While most other subway operations remained open, all major bus, tram and ferry services were suspended, according to public broadcaster RTHK. And although some bus services resumed Friday afternoon, many routes remain closed or diverted. Multiple roads were also closed off due to the threat of landslides in the mountainous territory, with authorities issuing the highest “black” rainstorm warning for the first time in two years. Videos from Thursday evening show floodwater entering the first floors of some buildings and shopping malls, with chairs and debris scattered across the floor. The government also warned “there may be a risk of flooding” in its northern New Territories district, which is adjacent to the Chinese mainland, after the neighboring city of Shenzhen said it would release water from a reservoir. The downpours in Shenzhen also broke multiple rain records in the city, including the maximum rainfall records over two-hour, three-hour, six-hour and 12-hour periods, which have stood since 1952, according to Chinese state media. Shenzhen saw 469 millimeters (about 18.5 inches) of rain from 5 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, with kindergartens, primary and secondary schools shut on Friday, state media reported. Transport was disrupted there, too, with six subway lines suspended. Source: CNN News

Lawrence Maril, a young man from Ward 3 in Matupit Island in Rabaul district, East New Britain Province tells his story of what it’s like to live around and look after the Hot Springs and the Mt Tavurvur Volcano. Lawrence said often very early in the morning the young boys from Matupit Island set out to go and dig at Rolova, a place close to the Mt Tavurvur Volcano to look for Guinea Fowl eggs (often referred to as Wild fowl eggs). They dig to a depth of about 3-4meters deep to look for Guinea Fowl eggs and before any tourist would come to visit the Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur Volcano, these boys are already there at the hot springs with about twenty to forty Guinea fowl eggs. “We give these eggs to our mothers who then sell them for K3 and K4 to the local and international tourists who come to visit the Hot springs,” said Lawrence. “We ask if they want it boiled, then we assist them to boil the eggs by placing the eggs inside the hot springs and letting it boil, when its cooked we take it out of the spring, and it is ready to be shelled and eaten.” The hot spring is heated by an underwater volcanic vent, so they are careful not to burn their hands when handling the eggs in and out of the hot springs. He added that the yellowish grown colour on sand around the hot spring area and towards the sea is sulphur, so they are really careful around that area too. “Sometimes the visitors buy the eggs and take them back with them because one fowl egg is actually twice the size of a chicken egg.” “The guinea fowl eggs have their season that starts from March right through but come November towards the New Year and the first two months, January and February are the months when we struggle to find these eggs because those are not the months for the hens to lay eggs.” Lawrence further explained that the people of Matupit Island are like custodians to the Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur, they look after that area and fend from the area. “The money we collect from tourists and visitors coming into the area and the money we make from selling the fowl eggs actually helps us put food on the table and helps to pay for school fees and other bills also.” He told PNG HAUSBUNG that for one visitor into the Hot spring area, they charge an entry fee of K5, and to climb up Mt Tavurvur they charge K50 per visitor and a tour guide will assist the climber up the volcano mountain, and all these money goes to taking care of their families. They also have their wives, sisters, and mothers come and sell their handmade crafts like, earrings, necklaces, and other crafts near the hot spring. Lawrence further detailed that, there are about 4 wards on Matupit Island and each month a Ward is assigned to take turn to look after the Hot Spring and Mt Tarvuvur and to come dig fowl eggs and sell them, so every month they rotate the wards and take turns. “We don’t make much but it’s enough to sustain us, but we are lucky when there are cruise ships that bring many tourists.” “Hot Spring and Mt Tavurvur is my life.”

⊇The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanization, John Rosso, today announced the launch of a comprehensive land rent debt recovery campaign. This project is aimed squarely at companies and individuals that have failed to meet their obligations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Land, Physical Planning and Urbanization, John Rosso, explained that the Department stands resolute against the neglect of annual land rent dues on state leases. “This isn't merely about nearing debts of half a billion Kina; it's a profound reflection on the companies and individuals who have turned a blind eye to their commitments and such negligence doesn't just dent our nation's financial structure but profoundly questions the ethical principles of those in default." In a demonstrative action of transparency, the Department of Lands and Physical Planning has, under Section 83 (7) of the Land Act 1996, gazetted and showcased on the eLands website (www.dlpp.gov.pg) the names of leaseholders with outstanding rental payments. “This list is a public testament and a stern reminder to those who have shirked their responsibilities.” This week will see the Department commence serving show cause notices, under Section 124 of the Land Act 1996 to these defaulters and these are not routine communiqués but critical calls to action. “Failing to heed these will leave the Department with no choice but to enforce more stringent and consequential measures up to and including the forfeiture of properties”, said Minister Rosso. Furthermore, the Department had contacted financial institutions holding mortgages over these properties, this request was to validate the details of defaulting lease holders and the department will also be meeting with these financial institutions in the coming weeks to ensure that all parties are well-informed of the consequences of noncompliance. “Any assumption that we would overlook these unpaid rents is gravely mistaken.” “The public disclosure and our intensified efforts confirm our commitment to accountability and action," Rosso affirmed. “All leaseholders are hereby put on alert to promptly address any land rent arrears.” Deputy Prime Minister Rosso further added that for convenience and clarity, all leaseholders are advised to visit the Department of Lands and Physical Planning’s website (www.lands.gov.pg) to register and link their properties on eLands and immediately clear any outstanding balances. "Do not be complacent; thinking you can delay until officers from DLPP arrive at your premises. Act with urgency by visiting eLands online, ensuring your properties are linked, and settling your outstanding dues.”

2023 Grand final for Lae School Rugby League Competition was played over the weekend Saturday 9th September at the Lae Secondary School field and gracing the students and their supporters was the Acting Prime Minister John Rosso. Rosso who was at the grand final stressed on the importance of junior development pathways through school league program. “It is not about winning the grand final. It is all about providing an avenue so you (student-players both boys and girls) can gain confidence, learn new skills and rules, and strive for better.” “So, one day you can represent us on a bigger stage.” Rosso is also the competition patron since 2020 and has been supporting the competition after being first elected in 2017 and thanked all the sponsors of the school competition and further pledged to increase the support for the competition through the Lae City Authority (LCA). “It is your parents’ tax money and not mine, I’m only managing it and if I see you continue to be disciplined and being good sports ambassadors, LCA will continue to support the program”. The Lae School Rugby League Competition is fully sponsored and supported by Ian Chow and Lae Biscuit Company, Adrian Chow and Prima Smallgoods and backed by LCA.

A four day consultative workshop started on Monday at the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI) outside Lae, Morobe Province and the workshop is on how to use the Department of Implementation and Rural Development’s (DIRD) Bilum digital platform system. The Morobe provincial administration, Wau Waria and Lae district officials will be trained (hands on experiences) on how to enter real time data into the system. The newly created Wau Waria district in the Morobe Province will be the third district after Nuku and Wabag Districts in the country to use the Bilum Digital Platform to implement and report on its District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funded projects and activities. The Member for Wau Waria Marsh Narewec, MP said he accepted the Department of Implementation and Rural Development’s (DIRD) Bilum digital platform system because it will greatly help his district to implement and report on its development programs in a timely manner. Narewec highlighted this during the official opening of DIRD’s Bilum Digital Platform system consultative awareness and readiness for the Morobe leg rollout program in Lae recently. Mr. Narewec said every province and district must be accountable to what they received in terms of provincial and district services improvement program (PSIP & DSIP) from the national government for development and basic service delivery to their people. “I’ll be the first district amongst the new established districts in the country to use this digital platform system because we have no legacy issues, my district is a newly created district in Morobe province, and I want to start fresh”. “I am proud of this system, and I commend DIRD for developing a digital system and want to be transparent in every aspect of project management and financial accountability.” He added that the system itself will keep reminding them of their progress in the district in terms of administration operations, providing real time data on health, education, law & order issues and most importantly infrastructure development. “We politicians are here for five years only and will be gone when our term of Parliament expires, however such permanent reporting and monitoring systems must be developed and established for the district and province to implement and report on the huge development grants frontloaded to sub-national.” Mr. Narewec, who is an information technology (IT) expert himself further challenged DIRD to also accommodate public investment program (PIP) funds (development grants) received from the National Government through the Department of National Planning & Monitoring into the Bilum digital platform system so that what district or province receive can be reported on and ensure there must be physical monitoring because there are huge development grants under PIP being given to provinces and districts. The Digital Platform is basically being developed to the DIRD’s specifications (username) as required by Administrative Guidelines and Financial Instruction of the 2019 and the Government of Papua New Guinea’s new Digital Transformation Policy 2021. This Digital Platform is a cloud - based management system to develop a fit-for-purpose system to enable effective coordination, management and reporting of the output and outcome of Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSI2P) in the country. The main goal of this integrated Bilum Digital Platform is for “Strengthening Good Governance though digital innovation in partnership with all stakeholders”.

Westpac PNG is thrilled to announce a new addition to its Automated Teller Machine (ATM) across Papua New Guinea, with the commissioning of a new ATM at the Central Government Office (CGO) in Port Moresby on Friday 08th September 2023. This comes as part of the bank’s effort in enhancing banking and customer experience in serving the local community. The CGO frequented by hundreds daily, has been carefully chosen as a site for this bank collaborated with Ministry of Public Service to bring this facility to fruition, exemplifying its steadfast commitment to the people and the spirit of cooperation with government departments and stakeholders. Westpac PNG Chief Executive Officer, Brett Hooker said, this initiative builds on Westpac’s strategy to offer customers more ways to do their banking. “We acknowledge that the way Papua New Guineans are banking is changing however, access to cash remains important for most people.” “This ATM represents more than just a technological advancement. It signifies Westpac’s dedication to providing accessible and convenient banking solutions to the people.” Westpac is excited about the potential it holds for their customers and their community. In this digital era, Westpac understands the significance of delivering safe and accessible banking services to everyone. “This ATM is the embodiment of our commitment to innovation, customer- centricity and to further support economic growth.” “The commissioning of the new ATM signifies our commitment to work closely with stakeholders and extend our commitment to communities to develop financial solutions that cater to the needs of our people.”

Mama Polin Tau also known as Mama Pora was last seen at Morata 1 Community Hall on Saturday during a family gathering and has been missing since then. One of her son’s Pais Wiyap stated that they did not realise she was missing until later that night when she never showed up at home. “We live on Top Street and usually she goes for a walk and comes home but that evening she never did.” Pais mentioned that they have contacted all families and friends who have turned on Saturday at the family gathering but no one seem to know Mama Polin’s whereabouts. “We called all our families and even went to their homes, but no one has seen her and its now over 48 hrs.” A missing person report was laid today at the Waigani Police Station and pictures of her have been printed and will be placed on public notice boards. “Mama Polin is from Kandep, Enga Province and she is in her late 70s, she is brown skinned, short and slim in size, grey, white hair and dark brown eyes.” “She can hear Tok Pisin but is not able to speak Tok Pisin, she only speaks Engan dialect.” Pais appealed to whoever that finds Mama Polin to has seen her or with any information on her whereabouts to please contact her family as soon as possible. Her family can be reached on these numbers; 8138 1047/7888 0793/ 726 60447.

Director for INFOFISH Ms. Shirlene Maria Anthonysamy at the closing of the recent 8th Pacific Tuna Forum, highlighted in her closing remarks that the 8th Pacific Tuna Forum held over the two days from 6th -7th September was the largest gathering of delegations since the first Pacific Tuna Forum in 2007. She congratulated National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and the Director Justine Ilakini for a successful hosting of the forum; and she further extended her congratulations to Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong and all delegates, sponsors and everyone who was part of the Forum. Ms. Anthonysamy stated the Asia Pacific Region is a region that produces over 50% of the Worlds Tuna production. “For such a region, we really need to shout louder about what we are and what we are producing.” She stated that the world out there does not know much and even many from the region are not aware of this forum even after the 8th edition of the forum since 2007. “We need to work together to talk louder so that we are heard better and promote more about the region and about the fisheries and about the tuna industry.” "Basically cooperating, because Tuna is more often underrated and undervalued, so we need to corporate and bring Tuna to the next level.” INFOFISH is an Intergovernmental Organization set up by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to provide marketing information and technical advisory services for the fishery products in the Asia Pacific Region and beyond. The 8th Pacific Tuna Forum was made possible through the partnership of INFOFISH and the NFA.

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simon Kilepa has announced that the Second National Climate Change Summit will take place next week in Port Moresby. Kilepa said this summit will bring together leaders, experts, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds engage in substantive discussions centred on the theme “Climate Justice and Social Inclusion”. “Papua New Guinea is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and changing rainfall patterns are already affecting the country’s both coastal and highlands communities, agriculture, and infrastructure.” “The injustice of climate change lies in the fact that our most vulnerable are impacted severely by changes they did not contribute to over the last century, and they are unknowingly bearing that cost.” Minister Kilepa stated that there is a need to clearly amplify the voices of the most vulnerable in a socially inclusive manner, to make the case for a justified response to the adverse impacts of climate change He added that there is also a greater need to accelerate access to climate finance to meet the country’s climate change priorities. “Exploring climate finance at the domestic and international level, through bilateral and multilateral sources, private and public, will be a key agenda at the summit.” “The outcome of the summit will help the country prepare its response to build community resilience, accelerate access to climate finance, reaffirm the country’s international commitments on climate change and strengthen stakeholder collaboration on climate action in PNG.” Minister Kilepa also thanked corporate entities and development partners who have come onboard to support the summit. These sponsors include Ela Motors, National Energy Authority, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Global Green Growth Institute, New Zealand High Commission, Australia High Commission, Newcrest Mining Limited, European Union and Vodafone. “Events of this magnitude come with its own financial and logistics challenges. For this summit, we are grateful to have these sponsors onboard to support. I also thank the management of CCDA and the Summit Organizing Committee for coordinating this Summit,” Minister Kilepa said.