The 2026 PNG Resource Week commences tomorrow in the city of Port Moresby, and the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) is gearing up to deliver it.The PNG Resource Week is the country’s largest resource sector gathering at APEC Haus under the theme, “PNG Resources Beyond 50.”The Chamber has confirmed 81 exhibitors, around 70 speakers and 16 schools to engage and participate meaningful during this eventful week.The 2026 Resources Week expects an exciting development starting with forming strong trade ties to accessing global markets with foreign investors to empowering landowners andlocal businesses.The presence of international delegation arriving in numbers to attend the event indicates an important opportunity for the country to boost its global economic profile.PNG CORE Executive Director, Richard Kassman, OBE has highlighted the importance of bringing together different voices where discussions on “National Content,” is a keyhighlight.“This event will ensure resource operations create sustainable, long-term economic resilience and inclusive growth for Papua New Guineans.”“PNG Resources Week is an important event because it drives nation building and ensures resource projects benefit communities, boost the economy, and create local jobs,” stated Mr. Kassman.The event will take place at APEC Haus from July 13-18 with key discussions to center around national growth beyond PNG's first 50 years, landownership rights, and supporting the future workforce.

TISA is proud to congratulate TISA Insurance Group on securing four prestigious awards at the 2026 Insurance Asia Awards, building on its success from the previous year. This milestone brings the Group’s total to six major insurance awards over the past two years.The Insurance Asia Awards recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence, innovation and outstanding service to customers and communities.This year's recognition spans both Papua New Guinea and Fiji. TISA Insurance Papua New Guinea: Awarded Domestic General Insurance Company of the Year and Strategic Partnership Initiative of the Year.TISA Insurance Fiji: Awarded International General Insurance Company of the Year and Bancassurance Initiative of the Year.For TISA, this recognition affirms our strategic vision to integrate banking and insurance under one trusted Pacific brand, so that the families, businesses and communities we serve can save, borrow, invest and protect what matters most - all with a partner they know and trust.A key highlight of the awards evening was Group Chief Executive Officer of TISA and Chairman of TISA Insurance Group, Mr. Michael O. Koisen OBE, ML, accepting the awards on behalf of the Group. He was joined on stage by Dr Peter Mason, Chairman, TISA Group; Mr. Jeremy Norton, Group Chief Executive Officer, TISA Insurance Group, and Mr. David Ariff Chan, Chief Executive Officer - TISA Insurance Fiji & Tonga.“These achievements belong to our people across Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. This recognition reinforces our commitment to serving our communities, customers, members, partners and regulators whose trust we work to earn every day,” Mr. Koisen said.“On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of TISA and the Board of TISA Insurance, I would like to congratulate the entire TISA Insurance Management and staff on this great achievement.”From its origins serving hardworking Papua New Guineans to its current standing as a diversified financial services group operating across five Pacific nations, TISA’s core purpose remains unchanged: to help Pacific people build long-term financial security for themselves, their families, and their futures.

An elderly woman has been rescued by members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) following a torture video linked to sorcery accusations that circulated widely on social media.The incident occurred at Kulapi Basketball Court in Porgera, Enga Province, where two elderly women were allegedly seized and assaulted after being accused of practicing sorcery.Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, confirmed that the incident was brought to the attention of authorities after the video was shared widely online, prompting an immediate response from security forces.PPC Harris said one of the women managed to escape before police and defence personnel arrived, while the second victim was rescued and taken to safety.He said the suspects fled when security forces reached the scene, and no arrests have been made so far. Police investigations are continuing, with Porgera Police Station leading the inquiry.PPC Harris condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal act against vulnerable members of the community.“This was a brutal, cowardly attack on two elderly women, and RPNGC has zero tolerance for it. Our units and the PNGDF responded quickly and decisively and rescued one victim and is safe. I want the people of Enga to know that when a report like this comes in, my forces move, that is what happened at Kulapi.”He said those responsible for the attack must surrender themselves to police.“The men responsible ran the moment they saw security forces. They were brave enough to torture defenceless elderly women, but the moment RPNGC and PNGDF arrived, they ran like cowards.”PPC Harris said police were not deployed to negotiate or mediate but to enforce the law and protect victims.“They knew exactly what my forces were there to do, we were not coming to mediate, we were not coming to negotiate, and we were not carrying kola for a belkol. My forces were giving effect to my intent, and these men knew it.”He urged the suspects to surrender, warning that police have identified those involved.“Your images are clear and your identities are known. Hand yourselves in now, at any police station, and do it like a man, not by hiding and running because we will still find you.”The Enga police commander reiterated that violence linked to sorcery accusations and gender-based violence would not be tolerated.“Let this be clear across Enga: RPNGC will not tolerate sorcery-accusation-related violence or gender-based violence, in any form, from anyone. Every person in this Province, rich or poor, young, old, man or woman, is entitled to and will receive the full protection of the law.”PPC Harris has appealed to anyone with information about the suspects or the whereabouts of the woman who escaped to contact the nearest police station or Porgera Police Station.He said police operations with the PNGDF will continue across Enga Province to protect vulnerable people and address sorcery accusation related violence and gender-based violence.

The close defence partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia has been reinforced following the successful completion of the Australia-based phase of Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026.Soldiers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (RPIR) joined personnel from the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade for the exercise in Townsville, Queensland, where they trained alongside Exercise Southern Jackaroo to strengthen combat skills, teamwork and interoperability.The joint training focused on small-team tactics, battlefield decision-making and operating in challenging environments. Soldiers conducted exercises involving tactical movement, threat identification, responses under pressure, and trench and bunker clearance drills.The exercise provided an important opportunity for PNG and Australian personnel to strengthen professional relationships, share knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of each other’s operational methods, enhancing their ability to work together during future exercises and regional operations.PNGDF Lieutenant Emolle Ryan from 2nd Battalion, Royal Pacific Islands Regiment, said the training was both challenging and rewarding.“For many of us, this is our first time working in ASLAVs [Australian Light Armoured Vehicles], and it’s been an incredible learning experience,” Lieutenant Ryan said.He said the strong partnership between the two forces was evident throughout the exercise.“We’re just happy to be here. It’s a privilege and we’re pretty humbled to be with the 2CAV guys. They’ve been superb and we’re really enjoying our time here,” he said.A significant milestone during Exercise Wantok Warrior was the PNGDF’s first participation in a multinational mortar live-fire activity, marking a major step forward in capability development and interoperability training.PNGDF Colonel Boniface Aruma, Deputy Commander of the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade, said witnessing the achievement was a memorable moment.“The live fire was significant because it is the first time in the history of the PNGDF that its mortars were able to participate in a multinational live-fire exercise on foreign soil,” Colonel Aruma said.“I have been in the PNGDF now for over 30 years and I have never seen PNGDF mortars in action. In fact, I thought I would never see the mortars on the mortar line. So, it was quite emotional for me to see this capability brought back to life.”Colonel Aruma said the exercise provided an important platform for the PNGDF to develop greater understanding of how to integrate and operate with partner nations.“This exercise is a very crucial platform to opening the scope and enabling the PNGDF to understand how to integrate and operate with other likeminded partner nations,” he said.Exercise Wantok Warrior highlights the enduring defence relationship between Papua New Guinea and Australia, which has entered a new phase under the Pukpuk Treaty.The treaty elevates the bilateral defence relationship to an alliance and provides a framework for deeper cooperation in areas including training, capability development, security and regional stability.The next phase of Exercise Wantok Warrior will be conducted in Papua New Guinea in October.

The initial consultation work that is currently underway to review the National Statistical System, is aimed towards improving the systems and processes within the National Statistics Office (NSO).A team from the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) is currently in the country for a two-week mission to review the system.National Statistician Mr. Alfred Mokae welcomed the visit, describing it as the first step towards reforming and modernizing the National Statistical Office (NSO) and improving its processes.  "This initial consultation with NSO staff and other key government agencies will ensure that data collected complies with international standards. It will also support theGovernment in developing evidence-based policies and ensure statistical output meets the demands of government, businesses, and the public," Mr. Mokae said.He also emphasized that lessons learned from the 1990 and 2024 census highlight the critical need for timely disbursement of appropriated funds for the roll-out of statisticalactivities and strengthen data-driven decision-making process.“The review is critical to improving the quality and relevance, of official statistics, strengthening coordination between the NSO, line ministries, and other agencies, reducingduplication and data gaps, building public trust to support strategic planning.”During the first week, the review team met with various divisions within the NSO to understand current challenges. The next week, the team will meet with the Department of National Planning to discuss its role as the coordinating body for the National Statistical System and progress on the National Statistical Indicator Framework.The team will also meet with other producers of official statistics, data users, and development partners before concluding the mission and departing for Bankok, Thailand.

The New Britain Palm Oil Limited (NBPOL) is committed to investment in the East Sepik Province, specifically in large-scale commercial agriculture space. This was confirmed by the President and Group CEO of SD Guthrie (NBPOL’s parent company), Mr. Mohd Harris Mohd Ashad during his meeting with the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, this morning.Mr. Arshad said they were looking at having a cattle abattoir and feedlots at Wariman in Wewak, cattle and palm oil development in Urimo and Kanauki, and a township at Haripmo.The feedlots at Wariman would create a major business opportunity for farmers in Wewak District to plant and sell legumes like sorghum to the company. The masterplan for these developments would be prepared and presented to the National Executive Council in the next four weeks to seek concept approval for stage one of the development of the project under the Sepik Plains Special Economic Zone (SEZ).Furthermore, Minister Maru made a commitment that the State would deliver the non-binding offer letter to NBPOL before the end of this month on its buyout of shares in Ramu Agri Industries Limited (RAIL).“The Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape will officially launch the Sepik Plains SEZ in August on the condition that the State buys into RAIL and a Project Agreement is signed between RAIL and the State.""The new joint venture company that will develop the cattle and oil palm company in the Sepik Plains will be the lead developer of the Sepik Plains SEZ. Obviously, other shareholders will partner us to develop the one million hectares of the Sepik Plains SEZ because the business will require billions in capital,” he said.Meanwhile, the State on its part had put down K10 million to upgrade the road from Kusaun Junction on the Sepik Highway to Urimo.“This road project is currently in progress, and we plan to secure funding next year to have this high-value economical road sealed."Minister Maru also highlighted that the Government is also focusing on building a new international wharf in Wewak to meet the needs of the Sepik Plains SEZ.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Office, Dr Saangalofa Clark, today paid a courtesy call on Mr Justin Ilakini, Managing Director of the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority (NFA), reaffirming the longstanding partnership between Papua New Guinea and the PNA in advancing sustainable tuna fisheries management and regional cooperation.The meeting provided an opportunity for both leaders to reflect on the strong collaboration between Papua New Guinea and the PNA Office and to reaffirm their shared commitment to the sustainable management and economic development of the Pacific's tuna resources.Dr Clark said, "Papua New Guinea has been a steadfast partner and leader within the PNA. Our collaboration continues to demonstrate what Pacific solidarity can achieve in protecting our tuna resources while delivering greater economic benefits for our people."Dr Clark expressed her sincere appreciation to Papua New Guinea for her continued support of the PNA Office and acknowledged PNG’s leadership within the PNA in driving regional fisheries initiatives, strengthening cooperation among member countries, and promoting sustainable fisheries management.Mr. Ilakini said, "The partnership between the National Fisheries Authority and the PNA Office has been instrumental in advancing sustainable fisheries management and securing greater value from our tuna resources. We thank Dr Clark for her exceptional leadership and significant contribution to strengthening regional fisheries cooperation over the past six years and wish her every success in her future endeavors."Ilakini acknowledged several key achievements under her tenure, including progress on the East New Britain initiative (ENBi), regional economic assessments, the continued success of the Vessel Day Scheme (VDS), and commercial initiatives that have enhanced the value of Pacific tuna resources for PNA member countries.The discussions also highlighted Papua New Guinea's growing bilateral cooperation with fellow PNA members, including the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati, aimed at strengthening commercial partnerships and supporting regional fisheries development.Climate change and its increasing impact on tuna distribution, catch rates and fisheries revenues across the Western and Central Pacific featured prominently during the meeting. Both leaders acknowledged that changing ocean conditions are creating new challenges for Pacific Island countries and emphasised the importance of adaptive, science-based fisheries management to ensure the long-term sustainability of tuna resources.Recognising that these challenges require a collective regional response, both leaders reaffirmed the importance of solidarity and cooperation among PNA members. They agreed that continued collaboration is essential to maintaining sustainable fisheries while maximising the long-term economic and social benefits derived from Pacific tuna resources.The meeting also covered ongoing regional discussions on fisheries management arrangements, investment opportunities, and the future evolution of the Vessel Day Scheme.Both leaders acknowledged the diverse national priorities of member countries and agreed that continued dialogue, innovation and collaboration will be critical to responding effectively to an evolving fisheries landscape while safeguarding the collective interests of the PNA membership.Mr. Ilakini reaffirmed PNG's strong support for the PNA Office to continue leading regional commercial fisheries initiatives, recognising its proven track record in delivering tangible economic outcomes for member countries while working closely with regional fisheries partners.In acknowledging Dr Clark's distinguished service, Mr Ilakini expressed his appreciation for her outstanding leadership in strengthening regional fisheries governance, economic cooperation and the collective voice of PNA member countries. He also extended an invitation to Dr Clark and the PNA delegation to attend a farewell dinner hosted by the National Fisheries Authority in recognition of their valued partnership and dedicated service to the region.The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the partnership between the NFA and the PNA Office.They expressed confidence that the strong foundation established over recent years will continue under future leadership, ensuring that Pacific tuna resources are sustainably managed and continue to deliver lasting economic and social benefits for the people of the Pacific.

The Moripi Tribe in the Gulf Province says the latest Social Mapping and Landowner Identification study conducted for the Papua LNG to exclude them as recognized direct beneficiaries of the project - is inconclusive.They maintain that once that study when properly completed as required by the Oil & Gas Act 1998, the findings will indicate that the buffer zones evidence, currently used by the State and its agency National Petroleum Authority to exclude them, are contestable.   Marcel Karukuru, from Lese Kavora, made these remarks following the NPA acting Managing Director David Manau and Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina’s recent visit to Iokea village last weekend for a consultative meeting with the Moripi Tribe.Clan representatives from other Moripi villages of Miaru, Lese villages of Kavora, Avihara, Marekea, Ilava, Oalai, and Sepoe – which consider themselves as the Oiapu Tribe and covers several villages and clans, converged at Iokea, for last Saturday’s meeting.Each village made presentations through their respective representatives on why Moripi, should be included. The Moripi Council of Chiefs through interim chairman Hasu Lokoloko, guided by studies and findings from the Gulf Provincial Government’s Oil & Gas Task Force, made a comprehensive presentation as well.They were responding to statements from the Government delegation that Moripi is not a direct beneficiary, according to the Oil & Gas Act, 1998.Maladina and Manau were accompanied by Finance Minister Thomas Opa, a Iokea son who is also MP for Kerema Open, which the Moripi LLG is part of. Opa was responsible for organizing the meeting.“Remember that this is a consultation process. That’s not the end of it. I have your best interests,” Opa told his Moripi people.He said another consultative meeting will be organized in Port Moresby for ‘elites’ to look at ways forward following the latest information from the Iokea meeting. This is the fourth time since 2023, Iokea village has hosted meetings related to the Papua LNG project. The previous ones were organized by Gulf Governor Sir Chris Haiveta, who has determinedly pushed for his people’s inclusion, the same stance he has taken for other parts of his province who have been left out. Other impacted areas have also organized themselves and protested to the State – some using the mainstream and social media.This time Gulf Provincial Government was represented by Moripi LLG President Ross Miva, who is also GPG MP assisting the Governor.Both leaders Opa and Miva encouraged their people to continue to push for inclusion if they felt aggrieved by the decision of the state which relies heavily on a Ministerial Determination gazetted in 2023, when Kerenga Kua was the former Petroleum Minister.Minister Maladina spoke at length that while he understood the situation of the Moripi people – his Ministry was guided by the Oil & Gas 1998, with advice from the State Solicitor not to deviate from the gazettal notice.  Iokea is also where a Pre-Forum Papua LNG Project Benefits Sharing Arrangements Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Gulf Provincial Government, Moripi LLG and the Moripi clans in 2023.The offshore Papua LNG gas pipeline that will be the mode used to move the natural gas from the upstream project site in Gulf Province to the coast, is expected to run through the customary fishing grounds of the Moripi Tribe.The PNG LNG pipeline runs through the same route all the way to the Caution Bay in Central Province where the natural gas is processed into finished products, LNG and condensate, for export.The Moripi Tribe has also been advised by the Task Force team that the Papua LNG gas pipeline buffer zone may affect their customary fishing activities.This is because it is possible the 5km buffer zone from the gas pipeline laydown area to the Moripi coastline may encroach the Moripi Tribe’s customary fishing grounds.Other representatives submitted similar arguments with those from the Lese villages adamant that an independently conducted completed SMLI study will also bring into factors such as the pipeline encroaching on Isouposa, a traditional settlement now under water which is a significant heritage site for the Moripi Tribe.  The Moripi Tribe are predominantly descendants of Isouposa and can apply other laws that protect the heritage of Papua New Guineans.Maladina explained that the Moripi Tribe would still benefit from grants and other incentives through the Gulf Provincial Government, which would be a direct beneficiary as would the Kerema District Development Authority and Moripi LLG.However, the people disagree – they want to be direct beneficiaries so that they can be directly empowered financially which would provide them start-up capital to venture into business activities, if they choose to.The Moripi people believe they have been and continue to be impacted by the PNG LNG pipeline built in 2012.However, there are evidence of the impact of the PNGLNG pipeline affecting the usual abundant catches of fish and rock lobsters, reducing the quantity of the fish stocks for the local people since then.Fishermen from the area have shared documented stories that indicate that rock lobsters during its season have virtually disappeared over the past decade.Interestingly only this year, the lobster catches have improved, sending rather mixed reactions to those who have been following the trend.Detailed studies are required to explain this scenario, and the likely impact the Papua LNG Pipeline may have on these food resources.Michael Avosa, from Miaru, said there has never been baseline studies done on the social impact on the depletion of rock lobsters, and responsible authourities need to rectify this anomaly before bringing in the second pipeline.Moripi accommodates a significant stretch of the total 320-kilometer portion of the pipeline that runs through Gulf Province to Caution Bay in Central Province.The Moripi Tribe comprises over close to 30,000 people of the Gulf population and would be left out by its National Government which has promised so much to improving the lives of their people through the benefits that come with consequent to them allowing their land and waters to be used for these projects.“One pipeline is already there in our waters, and we have missed out on any direct benefits. We cannot allow another one to transverse through 80 kilometres of Moripi waters and not be compensated through direct beneficiaries.""It is totally unfair and the laws that are encourage depriving our people of meaningful participation in projects that use our resources for their profits must be changed through proper legislative processes.”The Moripi Tribe following the recent Iokea meeting are considering several options and the last-ditch effort being floated among some is to seek court action, which depending on appropriate legal advice may include taking out an injunction to stop the laying of the pipeline in their waters, unless they are included as direct beneficiaries from the beginning and not later after years of the project’s operation. 

The Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia has come into effect following the signing on Wednesday in Australia.Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape got together to announce the entry into force of the Pukpuk Treaty. Australia and Papua New Guinea are now formally allies. This is Papua New Guinea’s first alliance with any country, and Australia’s first in more than 70 years. The Pukpuk Treaty is underpinned by a mutual defence commitment, recognising that an armed attack on either country is a threat to both nations, and the security of the region. It commits Australia and Papua New Guinea to consult, cooperate, and if required, act to meet a common danger, while explicitly safeguarding sovereignty.   It also reflects a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific, and affirms our mutual respect for the sovereignty, independence, and the territorial integrity of our neighbours. The treaty will strengthen integration between the Australian Defence Force and PNG Defence Force. It will enable our nations to quickly and effectively respond to shared security challenges, and support Papua New Guinea’s sovereign defence capability.The treaty supports the expansion and modernisation of our defence relationship, including recruitment of each countries’ citizens into respective defence forces.

Selected students from schools around the country are fortunate to visit the National Parliament, experiencing the heart of where the country’s ultimate political decisions are made. Here’s five things to know about one of their recent visits:1. Students experienced Parliament firsthandThirty students from Manus and Simbu provinces spent their school holidays learning how Papua New Guinea's Parliament works through the Parliamentary Service's Student Educational Visit Program.2. Students were chosen for their leadership and academic performanceThe participants, from Grades 7 to 12, were selected by their schools based on academic merit and leadership potential. The group included students from Papitalai Secondary School in Manus and four schools in Simbu Province: Muaina Secondary School, Ku Junior High School, Mai Junior High School, and Suai Junior High School.3. They learned how laws are madeStudents took part in interactive sessions with Parliament's Education and Civics, Committees, Reporting, Media, Legal, and Library and Research Services divisions, gaining a better understanding of the legislative process and parliamentary operations.4. The learning extended beyond Parliament HouseThe students also visited the University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Government House, Independence Hill, and the National Museum and Art Gallery to learn more about national leadership, governance and PNG's history.5. The program will continue during future school holidaysClerk of Parliament Kala Aufa said the program aims to inspire young people to become informed and responsible citizens. The next intake is scheduled for September and will include students from Milne Bay, Morobe and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

Two new teachers’ houses were recently opened by Huon Gulf MP and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Jason Peter, at Lakala Lutheran Primary School in Laukanu Village and Lababia Primary School in Salamaua Local Level Government, Morobe Province.The projects were delivered under the Huon Gulf District Development Authority (HGD-DDA) Teachers Housing Scheme, which aims to improve teacher accommodation and encourage educators to continue serving in rural and remote communities.Huon Gulf District Education Manager Sam Gesamg joined Minister Peter at Lakala Lutheran Primary School, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to officially commission the completed teachers’ house.The district has 66 primary schools, with 52 teachers’ houses already completed and occupied. The remaining 14 schools are expected to receive teachers’ houses before 2027.During the visit, Minister Peter’s Electoral Office also continued the rollout of Operation Rausim Morata, a community housing support program launched in 2024.The program provides families with roofing materials to help them build permanent homes. The first 42 families in Ward 10 received roofing iron, ridge capping, roofing screws and other materials.Families who complete their homes become eligible to receive a 1,000-litre rainwater storage tank to improve access to safe and reliable water.The program has now delivered its first round of roofing materials to all 65 wards in Huon Gulf District, benefiting 2,730 families.A further two rounds of distributions are planned, with the program expected to support 8,190 families across the district by 2027.Later in the day, Jason Peter travelled to Lababia Village, Ward 7, where another teachers’ house was opened at Lababia Primary School.Jason Peter said improving teacher accommodation, education infrastructure and supporting families through practical community programs remain key priorities for Huon Gulf District.He said the projects are part of his Bottom-Up Planning approach, which focuses on identifying community needs at the grassroots level and delivering targeted development support.Additonally, his vision is for Huon Gulf District to become the “Morning Star” of Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea through strong education, infrastructure, community development and service delivery.The HGD-DDA will continue working with communities, schools, churches and development partners to deliver projects aimed at improving living standards across the district.

The ABG Department of Education has received a K100,000 from the Office of the National Member for South Bougainville and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Timothy Masiu, to support the 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference (SEOC) in Bougainville.ABG Minister for Education, Thomas Pa’ataku, when receiving the cheque, acknowledged Minister Masiu for his timely and generous support towards the national event. “I am honored to be able to get a positive response from the Minister because we made it our business to write to our National Members of Parliament to support this conference as it was a national event,” he said.Minister Pa'ataku said the conference would bring Provincial Education Advisors and senior education officials from across Papua New Guinea to Bougainville, providing an opportunity for the Autonomous Bougainville Government, through the Department of Education, to showcase Bougainville's values, culture and progress as it advances its preparations for independence.“Today we are hearing a lot being said about the Bougainville issue and through this national event, I believe in us portraying our values, who we are and this can be another way to tell Papua New Guinea that we are ready for independence – we must host a memorable event in the region,” Minister Pa’ataku added.Minister Pa’ataku reiterated that education remains one of the fundamental institutions for transforming society, and he was thankful to the Member for South Bougainville for his support towards Education initiatives in the region. “I am thankful to Timothy Masiu in that we are portraying education as one of our number one priority that can change our society to make it better for our generation tomorrow,’’ he said.Presenting the cheque on behalf of Minister Masiu, Second Secretary, Mr. David Itanu encouraged the Committee to ensure that the funds given will support the successful delivery of the Conference.  “As we’re preparing for independence and Papua New Guineans are coming into Bougainville, I also want to encourage the grounds committee and Bougainvilleans to ensure that we look after the officers that are coming to Bougainville,” Mr. Itanu said, adding that these are people who are going to make comments and decisions on how Bougainville progresses as it prepares for independence.Mr. Itanu added that National Member for South Bougainville is committed to work with ABG to ensure such events are a success and portrays Bougainville’s preparations for independence. Vice Chairman of the Conference Grounds Committee, Mr. Felix Sarimu also expressed appreciation for the contribution and assured the Member that the funding would be used responsibly to support the successful delivery of the conference.“I wish to express our gratitude to the Member for South Bougainville for the gesture and support on behalf of the Chairlady for the grounds Committee Ms. Mary Remi, and I want to assure you that these funds will be used to cater for the various activities planned for the duration of the conference. The 35th National Senior Education Officers Conference will be held in Bougainville from the 11th to 18th July, with participants expected to begin arriving this Saturday.