People in the northwest part of New Britain have been urged to stay alert after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit this morning at 6:05am, April 5th, 2025. According to a member of the West New Britain Provincial Disaster - Kimbe Volcano Observatory Officer in Charge Mr. Hereman Volele, they are still monitoring the situation at this time. He said, the earthquake shook Pomio and came down to northwest of New Britain, where the Ulawun station is. He said, after the earthquake that struck in the early hours of this morning, his team is very busy at this time as they are monitoring increased seismic activity around Mt Ulawun which is currently on Stage-One. “Stage-One means that you have to get yourself alert, meaning that you have to be prepared and get your emergency bag ready. Emergency bag contains water, you know, service card, school certificates and medical, things like utensils from the kitchen, beddings and such, and then you have to put yourself into, a situation that we are getting ready just about whatever comes in the event of fluctuation of the activity. And then we will let the communities to move in the events where you get stage two.” He said, in the event when anything strikes, either an earthquake or a volcano eruption, the people are already prepared. So far, no causalities and no damages have been reported yet at this time. He added that, there could be a tsunami warning, but his team are waiting on reports from the Geophysical Observatory in Port Moresby to give more updates. He said, “We identified that kind of earthquake as a natural earthquake because after it hit Pomeo, it came down to northwest of New Britain, where Mt Ulawun is.” He has called on the coastal communities living around a radius of 40 kilometers of New Britain not to go out to sea, especially fishing and urged parents to watch over their children during the holiday break and the Stage-One notice.

A group of vanilla farmers from Mandi Village, Wewak District, East Sepik Province, have successfully secured an export deal with a buyer in Singapore. Supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, over 200 farmers—including women and youth—are preparing their first shipment. Vanilla farming, one of the world’s most expensive spices, offers significant potential to boost rural incomes and strengthen PNG’s position in the global vanilla market. The farmers are benefiting from comprehensive support, including climate-smart agricultural training, healthy vanilla cuttings, and exposure to global trade shows. Through the Programme, Mongs AgTrade Services Ltd, which represents these farmers, received critical training in agribusiness, gender inclusion, and youth engagement. They also adopted new pollination techniques that have resulted in healthier, more productive vanilla vines, with increased resilience to heavy rainfall. This success culminated in an agreement with a Singapore-based company, guaranteeing monthly exports and generating PGK 100,000 (approx. USD 25,000) annually for the community. The farmers’ participation in the FHA Singapore Expo 2024, supported by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, showcased their high-quality vanilla and solar-drying method, leading to the partnership. Additionally, farmers have been trained in e-marketing and digital skills, allowing them to connect with international markets. The Programme’s emphasis on capacity-building, climate-smart practices, and innovative equipment has been instrumental in their success, positioning PNG as a rising player in the global vanilla trade. This achievement highlights the broader potential of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to drive rural development by integrating agriculture with digital innovation, empowering local communities to sustainably access global markets.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is set to expand its rural transformation strategy by adopting South Korea's successful Saemaul Undong (SMU) model, following a 13-year pilot in Eastern Highlands Province (EHP). This decision, announced by Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Eoe, will extend the model to five additional provinces. The SMU, or New Village Movement, is a community-driven development approach that helped transform South Korea from a war-ravaged, poor nation to a global economic leader. The model emphasizes self-help, cooperation, and community ownership, principles that PNG seeks to apply in empowering its rural areas. Launched in the 1970s, SMU transformed rural Korea by fostering a mindset of diligence, self-help, and cooperation, enabling communities to take ownership of their development. Today, PNG stands to benefit from this inspiring model as we seek to uplift our rural populations and bridge the urban-rural divide. Minister Eoe said this is more than a development program—it’s a mindset change. “The Saemaul Undong model teaches us that real progress begins when our people take full ownership of their future. It’s about empowering communities to identify their needs, harness their resources, and work together for lasting change. After 13 years of piloting in the Eastern Highlands, we’ve seen its potential firsthand, and now we’re ready to take it nationwide." The expansion to five additional provinces reflects the government’s commitment to rural development as a national priority. By embracing SMU, PNG aims to replicate Korea’s success story, fostering self-reliance and collective action to improve livelihoods, infrastructure, and opportunities in rural areas. The model’s emphasis on community participation aligns with PNG’s vision of inclusive growth, where every citizen plays a role in building a stronger, more prosperous nation. Minister Eoe extended heartfelt gratitude to the Marape/Rosso government for its visionary leadership and unwavering support in championing this initiative. “On behalf of the people I wish to thank Prime Minister James Marape and Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso for their dedication to rural development and for recognizing the transformative power of the Saemaul Undong model." "Their approval through the NEC paves the way for a new era of progress in our provinces." This announcement builds upon PNG’s long-standing efforts to strengthen rural service delivery through community-driven development approaches. The Department for Provincial and Local Government Affairs has been at the forefront of such transformative initiatives, including the Rural Service Delivery Project (RSDP), which has successfully demonstrated how communities can lead and sustain their own development through active participation and ownership. Like the RSDP, the adoption of the SMU model reflects the government’s commitment to establishing effective mechanisms that reach rural populations, ensuring that development efforts are impactful and sustainable. As PNG embarks on this ambitious expansion, the government will work closely with local leaders, communities, and international partners, including the Republic of Korea, to ensure the successful implementation of SMU. This initiative promises to unlock the potential of our rural heartlands, fostering a future where every Papua New Guinean can thrive. Minister Eoe, who is also the Kikori MP says this announcement is especially meaningful as it coincides with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary. “As the nation celebrates half a century of sovereignty, the adoption of the Saemaul Undong model symbolizes a renewed commitment to self-determination and nation-building." “The golden jubilee of independence is not only a time to honor our past achievements but also a pivotal moment to chart an ambitious course for the future—one where empowered rural communities drive our National Vision of a meeting smarter, stronger, healthier, wealthier, and more prosperous Papua New Guinea by 2050."

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) has successfully completed the first two of five scheduled Basic Emergency Care (BEC) courses in Papua New Guinea (PNG), including two train-the-trainer programs. These sessions, conducted over four days at Port Moresby General Hospital, have trained more than 20 BEC facilitators, marking a significant step in strengthening emergency care capacity in the country. These courses are being delivered as part of the Regional Emergency and Critical Care Systems Strengthening Initiative (RECSI), which is funded by the Australian Government. NStJA is facilitating BEC course rollout in PNG alongside other stakeholders. The BEC course was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM). It is designed for frontline providers of emergency care and is intended to support a safe and structured approach to managing the acutely ill and injured. NStJA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mangu Kendino, said delivering these training courses was a milestone for PNG. “The BEC course is an important tool for up skilling frontline healthcare workers and building an effective emergency care system. This training will help improve outcomes for patients who are acutely ill or injured. “National St John Ambulance is delighted to be able to coordinate this training on behalf of the RECSI program, and with the support of the Australian Government. It has been a truly collaborative effort, which will help strengthen emergency healthcare provision across the country. We are particularly grateful to Port Moresby General Hospital for hosting this first series of training courses. This collaboration demonstrates the important connection between pre-hospital care delivered in the community, and facility-based care delivered in clinics and hospitals.” The BEC courses are being led by Papua New Guinean BEC Master Trainers Dr Frederick Koha and Dr Clementine Goimba from Mendi, who were themselves trained by the ICRC. The first cohort of participants includes 50 health workers from 13 provinces. Within Port Moresby, there are staff from Port Moresby General Hospital, Gerehu General Hospital and NStJA. Seven NStJA staff will complete BEC training, with NStJA nurses Idana Enai and Ipi Noppy to become Master Trainers. Along with the other clinicians completing the train-the-trainer course, they will be able to teach BEC throughout PNG to improve emergency care. To help lead and coordinate this effort, the National Department of Health’s Chief of Emergency Medicine, Dr Desmond Aisi, will also become a Master Trainer. More courses are planned to be delivered under the RECSI program in Mt Hagen (later in 2025) and Rabaul (in 2026). In the meantime, health workers trained through the initial series of courses in Port Moresby will be implementing the training within their own healthcare facilities. Congratulations to the recent graduates.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Papua New Guinea has officially presented the draft Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy to the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA), marking a key milestone in PNG’s efforts to support displaced persons. During the handover ceremony, DPLGA Secretary Mr. Philip Leo emphasized that the IDP policy is designed to comprehensively address the immediate and long-term needs of internally displaced persons. “The situational analysis conducted by the DPLGA and its partners identified critical policy gaps requiring immediate attention. It revealed that a significant number of people within our communities is periodically displaced by various factors, becoming among the most vulnerable and marginalized citizens. Although these individuals remain within the borders of our nation, they are often excluded from essential social and economic services provided by the government, further exacerbating their challenges,” Secretary Leo said. He added that the policy identifies specific areas within existing legislation and related policies that require review and amalgamation to ensure practical and functional effectiveness. Internal displacement disrupts and separates people from their familiar environments, families, clan groups, cultural practices, and identities. It results in substantial losses of social and economic activities, sometimes lasting months or even years. IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. David Arnold, stated that once the policy is implemented, it will provide a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the multifaceted needs of displaced populations, ensuring long-term solutions, and promoting their integration into society. In 2015, the Central Agency Coordination Committee (CACC) mandated the DPLGA to formulate a national policy to address the needs of internally displaced persons. This directive was issued in response to the alarming increase in IDP numbers across the nation. Subsequently, DPLGA, working in partnership with IOM, and relevant government agencies, undertook a desktop review and a situational analysis, gathering data and information from 17 provinces to assess the various causes of internal displacement, including disasters, conflict, and development related displacements. The National IDP Policy was developed on the basis of these documents, supplemented by extensive consultations with stakeholders at both the national and regional levels. The drafting of the policy received financial support from the IOM Development Fund, facilitating its development and ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.

The much-anticipated Rigo Coast Super League soccer competition kicked off on Saturday 29th March, at Kaparoko village in the Central province. Competition President and Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) Vice President for Southern Region, Mr. Morea Vavine, has gathered teams from the Rigo coast to participate in the competition that will run for 5 months with 11 teams, to prove themselves as the top teams to take part in the PNGFA-sanctioned regional club championships, under the affiliation of Koupa Soccer Association. He said the competition started on Saturday and soccer being a dominant sport in the Rigo coast, a lot of people are looking forward to the matches to come. "So, most of the clubs or associations are not affiliated with PNGFA, only Koupa Soccer Association. I got them in, and my objective is to encourage the youth and all that, to expose their talent. To be exposed to, like, PNGFA sanctioned competitions and other programs,” said Mr. Vavine. Mr. Vavine stated that from yesterday’s first round of matches, he was impressed with the teams fielding young players who displayed great football techniques and a promising future for players like them. He said, this great opportunity paves the way for the best team in the competition to go under the Koupa Soccer Association and take part in PNGFA-sanctioned competition, the regional club championship like the club championships in November-December. He added that, apart from the club championships, the winning team will be exposed to other pathways like the BESTA tournament or even PNGFA-sanctioned tournaments like the Premier Soccer League (PSL) or the National Soccer League (NSL). Mr. Vavine said they will introduce the women’s and Under 17 girls’ teams next week or the week after that. “We only kicked of the men’s competition yesterday with 4 games and the women’s games will kick off next week or the week after that. All the games will be played on Saturdays only. Sunday is reserved for church. But when the women’s and girls' teams start playing, we will have them play on Thursday’s and the rest of the games on Saturday.” Furthermore, Mr. Vavine gave the updates from Saturday with Papaka defeating Hula 2-1, Kaparoko defeated Makerepu 4-2, Kemo drew 1 all with a development team, and Kamali defeated Kalo 1-0.

Turubu landowners near Wewak in East Sepik Province are seeking a judicial review of permits issued for the Momase Large-Scale Integrated Agriculture Project on their land. The land portion 144C covers an area of 116,840 hectares was a subject of the inquiry into Special Agriculture Business Lease between 2014 and 2017. The landowners are demanding transparency and justice and seek answers to why these permits were granted without community consent. Speaking on behalf on the landowners, Mr Eugene Mondu Director of Mojirau Wildlife Management Area said, “The Supreme Court revoked the Special Agriculture Business Lease (SABL) in 2017 and ruled that the logging and agriculture activities there be ceased.” Mr Mondu said, despite this ruling the Momase Large-Scale Integrated Agriculture Project (MLSIAP) continues to operate under the Forest Clearance and Environmental Permit. “The court ruling clearly affirmed that landowners must give their consent for such developments. Clearly there was no free prior informed consent process with the landowners.” he said. In August 2016 the Supreme Court upheld the National Court Ruling of 2014 and declared Turubu SABL was illegal. A few months later in March 2017 then Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announces cancellations of all SABLs and declared them illegal. They question why relevant government authorities; the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and the PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) are not monitoring compliance and are allowing unchecked logging and deforestation. The landowners said their struggle is not only to protect their environment but also their culture, their autonomy and way of life. They demand that the promises of development be genuine, focused on empowerment, improved livelihoods and sustainable practices.

Prime Minister James Marape met with executives of the Wellington Phoenix Football Corporation during his recent trip to New Zealand to discuss pathway development for young Papua New Guineans through a football academy training program there. Prime Minister Marape met with General Manager David Dome of Wellington Phoenix Football Corporation, who is keen to work with Oceania Football Confederation nations, including Papua New Guinea, to help football development in the country. Mr. Dome informed Prime Minister Marape and his visiting delegation that the academy will benefit PNG in terms of developing upcoming Papua New Guinean players. “There are three ways of how we will conduct this academy program. Firstly, we will go to PNG, and by using your contacts, we’ll select the best players and bring them to Wellington. We will then put them in school and train them. These young Papua New Guineans will come out with English based education and provide a proper training program, " he said. He added that a second option is to bring players or teams from PNG, a week at a time, to play while they train under the academy. “Our final option is to go to PNG and set up a satellite academy and train your coaches to be at our academy level to develop your players in PNG,” he said. Impressed with Mr. Dome’s presentation, Prime Minister Marape said whilst the country is predominantly known for rugby league, football (soccer) footprint is almost 70 percent. “We have a semi-pro competition in PNG, which is doing well but not well enough, so it would be nice to have, at the ground level, the academy. I’m sure that thousands of kids will be funneled through this program for development. Your assistance is welcome,” the Prime Minister said. Also sharing the same sentiment with Prime Minister Marape was Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and Sports, Kinoka Feo. Minister Feo who expressed great interest in the program, highlighting that PNG lacked such a program and he was looking forward to working with the facilitators.

In a major step toward raising awareness and advocating against violence, NRL PNG’s Cathy Neap led a powerful Voice Against Violence workshop in Enga Province, in partnership with the Regina Sagu Foundation and supported by the Australian Government through the Team Up Program. The workshop engaged Enga Mioks rugby team players, who participated in group activities and discussions aimed at addressing domestic violence, gender equality, and respectful relationships. “Rugby League is more than just a game; it is a platform to influence lives positively,” said Cathy Neap. “Through programs like Voice Against Violence, we hope to inspire players to become advocates for change in their communities and work towards reducing domestic violence and violence in general. Violence should never be used as a solution to any problem.” The Enga Mioks players actively engaged in discussions and role-playing exercises, reflecting on how social norms contribute to gender-based violence in their communities. They expressed a strong commitment to making a difference both on and off the field and pledged to take three key actions: · Community Awareness in Schools – Educating students on respect and non-violence. · Being Positive Role Models – Leading by example both in sports and daily life. · Social Media Advocacy – Using their platforms to raise awareness and stand against violence. One player remarked, “This workshop opened our eyes to how our actions impact others. As players, we now understand that we have a responsibility to be role models and promote respect and equality.” Collaboration for Social Impact The Regina Sagu Foundation played a key role in the workshop, shedding light on domestic violence statistics in Papua New Guinea and discussing the importance of community support systems. The foundation also generously offered to conduct free financial literacy programs for the players and management. The success of this initiative highlights the power of sports in driving social change. By equipping players with the knowledge and tools to advocate against violence, the Voice Against Violence program aims to create lasting, positive transformations throughout Enga Province and beyond. With continued support from the Australian Government, NRL PNG, and local organizations, Cathy Neap and her team are committed to expanding the Voice Against Violence initiative, fostering safer and more respectful communities across Papua New Guinea.

The Australia Awards In-PNG Scholarship Program proudly celebrated the 2025 Somare-Whitlam scholars at recent ceremonies in Madang and Mt. Hagen, marking the beginning of their academic journey. The In-PNG scholarships provide Papua New Guineans with opportunities to study education, nursing, and midwifery at 12 higher education institutions across the country, directly addressing critical workforce shortages. The program also supports women in the maritime industry by offering cadetships that create new career pathways. This initiative plays a vital role in strengthening PNG’s workforce, particularly in remote areas where graduates often serve as teachers, nurses, and midwives. The extension of the Somare-Whitlam Award name to the In-PNG scholarships reflects the enduring partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia and the shared commitment to education and national development. With this announcement, the Somare-Whitlam Award now applies to both in-Australia and in-PNG scholarship recipients under the 2025 Australia Awards program. Australia Awards Scholarships are prestigious international awards offered by the Australian Government to support the next generation of global leaders. These scholarships provide study opportunities in Australia and PNG, helping to address critical workforce gaps and offering short-term professional development opportunities. For further information on the Somare-Whitlam Award, visit australiaawardspng.org.

Prime Minister James Marape, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing tangible opportunities for youth empowerment through education, overseas employment, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). At a press conference held at the APEC Terminal in Port Moresby city after returning from his New Zealand trip on Friday, Prime Minister Marape highlighted his government’s efforts to build clear pathways for youth engagement and development, acknowledging that many young people across Papua New Guinea (PNG) face unemployment or lack access to formal education. “For the first time since 1975, my government is taking the issue of youth employment seriously. We have established new pathways for education and work, including flexible open distance education and strategic partnerships with countries like Australia and New Zealand,” Prime Minister Marape stated. He highlighted the success of the New Zealand workforce scheme, which has provided employment opportunities for Papua New Guinean youths earning up to K52,000 annually. Prime Minister Marape encouraged young people to actively pursue such opportunities. “The solution to unemployment is not solely about finding paid jobs. It’s about creating your own opportunities. We want our young people to understand the pathways that exist for them to progress and succeed,” he emphasized. The Prime Minister also outlined his government’s commitment to developing SMEs in various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and other essential industries. He underscored the importance of education by mandating all schools, colleges, and universities to include basic business skills in their curricula to prepare students for entrepreneurship. “From agriculture to fisheries to urban enterprises, SMEs are critical pathways for youth empowerment. We are working to simplify lending processes and improve access to capital, making it easier for young entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses,” he said. Prime Minister Marape also recognized the role of sports as a viable career path, citing PNG’s interest in participating in the NRL. “Sport is a growing industry that offers promising career pathways for our youth, and we are committed to supporting their potential in this area,” he added. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) programme as a significant pathway for youth empowerment. He also extended commendations to private sector entities and government agencies actively participating in youth empowerment initiatives such as National Youth Resource Week 2025. He acknowledged that many youths have been running around not knowing where to go after exiting school at various stages, which is why his government has been establishing clear pathways for them. In the last five years, the government has focused on providing pathways to return to school through FODE, SME encouragement, employment opportunities under initiatives like the Connect PNG programme, and overseas employment through labour mobility schemes. Prime Minister Marape highlighted that over 30,000 youths have been engaged through the Connect PNG programme, contributing to the economy with many becoming members of national superannuation funds like Nasfund and Nambawan Super, with record new members in the last two years. He summarized these pathways; education, SME participation, employment opportunities in-country and abroad, and sports, as viable career options. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his view that employment is not only about finding fixed jobs but also about being productively engaged in various sectors to progress and improve their lives. FODE offers school dropouts an opportunity to matriculate back and complete Year 12, providing them with a recognized certificate that opens doors to higher education at colleges or universities. This initiative, according to Prime Minister Marape, is aimed at ensuring that no young person is left behind due to barriers to formal education. “Our youths deserve every opportunity to better themselves and contribute positively to our country’s future. This government is committed to providing those opportunities and supporting them to reach their full potential,” Prime Minister Marape said.

The Central Provincial Government is hosting of the Papua Governor’s Dialogue 2025: Shaping the Next 50 years, starting today in Port Moresby city. Central Province Governor Rufina Peter said in partnership with the Governors of the Papua Region, the 2025 Papua Governors' Dialogue (PGD) is running for three days starting today Wednesday 26th and ending on the 28th of March. Under the theme "Papua Our Land, Our People, Our Future", in Motu "Eda Bese, Eda Tano, Eda Vaira Maurina", this significant gathering marks a milestone in Papua New Guinea's history, aligning with the nation's 50th Independence Anniversary. “I’ve put my hands up to host this event together with this administration is that 50th independence anniversary is an important milestone event. But it calls upon the leadership of today in terms of what contributions do we make as we reach 50 years? And so the responsibility falls on the political leadership of today to give that hope and confidence to the region,” said Governor Peter. It serves as a pivotal platform for leaders and stakeholders to reflect on progress, address challenges, and lay the foundation for the next 50 years of development and unity in the Papua Region. “How do we address these issues that confront us today and deal with emerging issues. And also, what are the challenges that are present to us where we can work collaboratively to enhance those opportunities for the betterment of our people.” The 2025 PGD will convene Governors, Members of Parliament, national leaders, civil society representatives, youth advocates, church leaders, business stakeholders, and community representatives from across the five provinces of the Papua Region. The discussions will focus on fostering inclusive development, strengthening governance, and maximizing the region's economic and social potential. Key Highlights of the 2025 PGD: · Plenary and panel discussions featuring high-level dialogues on economic equity, governance reform, human capital development, and workforce advancement. · Focus on customary land ownership, resource benefit-sharing, and infrastructure development as catalysts for economic transformation. · Cultural showcases, SME markets, and traditional performances, celebrating the region's rich heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. · Signing of the 2025 Port Moresby Papua Accord, a landmark declaration outlining a collective vision for regional safety, unity, resilience and progress. Governor Peter stated that while the Prime Minister is away on duty travels, the Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, will officially officiate the opening of the event. Other distinguished leaders including Rufina Peter, Governor of Central Province; Chris Haiveta, Governor of Gulf Province; Garry Juffa, Governor of Oro Province; Gordon Wesley Governor of Milne Bay Province, Toboi A. Yoto Governor of Western Province, Powes Parkop Governor for NCD, and Sir Puka Temu and MP Member for Abau, will be making presentations during the Conference. “The last session will be for all the governors to present our vision for our provinces, region and also as a country. As leaders of today, the question is, what is our vision for our region and going forward as a country with the ultimate goal to keep the country united as one nation.” Governor Peter further mentioned that the outcome of the three-day dialogue is to have a. 1 2025 Port Moresby-Papua Accord, and 2 To set an institutional structure/framework to coordinate the implementation of what is captured in the accord. As Papua New Guinea commemorates five decades of independence, the 2025 Papua Governors' Dialogue is a momentous opportunity to shape the country's future. This event will set a clear path toward a stronger, more inclusive, and economically empowered Papua Region.