Prime Minister (PM) James Marape is expected to meet with the Secretary-General of United Nations, Antonio Guterres at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Tonga this week. Mr. Guterres sent a request through the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Port Moresby to PM Marape for the special bilateral meeting which will be held on the margins of the PIF summit. In his letter, the Secretary-General commented positively on the Marape-led Government’s efforts in progressing the Bougainville peace process and acknowledged it as one of the best models of conflict resolution taking place in the world today. He also acknowledged Papua New Guinea as a leading forest nation, and a leading nation among the countries in the Pacific outside Australia and New Zealand, placing PNG ahead to engage in discussions with PM Marape on issues of local and global importance. PM Marape welcomed the opportunity to meet with Mr. Guterres, saying he looks forward to engaging in the discussions with the head of the United Nations. “PNG, as usual, will continue to advocate for our ocean and forest resources and for industrialized nations to honour their climate change mitigation commitments,” said PM Marape.

During the recent NCDC Secondary Schools Career Expo, the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) attended as an exhibitor from the 12th – to the 16th of August in Port Moresby. There were thirty (30) schools with a total of 5, 642 students that actively participated in the expo to visit booths set-ups of different institutions from around the country. On average, PNGUoT staff saw over a thousand students each day. PNGUoT's Student Administration staff highlighted the admission requirements, and processes to apply for both School Leavers (SL) and Non-School Leavers (NSL), Academic programs; including online programs. They further explained the processes and the need for the Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (Stat-PNG). The recent reorganization of the University’s academic structure which is aligned to the PNGUoT’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 was also covered. Jeff Vincent Jack, a grade 12 student from La Salle Technical Secondary School said, “It’s good that PNGUoT was here to set up because we see PNGUoT as a leading institution in PNG. It’s good to talk directly to them and clear doubts about the programs and the requirements to study at PNGUoT. I was satisfied after visiting the booth and thank the University staff that were present during the week to clear doubts”. PNGUoT’s Deputy Registrar (Academic), Naomi Wilkins said, the University has participated in so many of these kind of Expos in the past in different locations and will continue to participate. "The need to participate is to do awareness as there are continuous changes within the University and we need to inform interested students who are applying for our programs.” “Bulolo Forestry College, Lae School of Nursing, and Timber & Forestry Training College (TFTC) are merged with us so they have to market their programs as well and we do not expect all these students to apply and get into tertiary institutions”. Mrs. Wilkins said, PNGUoT hopes to participate in expos and events to market updated programs that are offered in the university.

CPL Group is proud to continue its unwavering support for the largest gathering of medical professionals in Papua New Guinea, reaffirming their dedication to healthcare in the country. The Medical Symposium, now in its 58th year, is an annual event hosted by the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea (MSPNG). This year’s symposium taking place from September 1st to 6th at the Sir Mara Haus in the city of Mt. Hagen in the Western Highlands Province focuses on the theme ‘Burden of Trauma and its Impact on Health & Socioeconomic Wellbeing,’ bringing together healthcare professionals from various disciplines to explore and discuss critical advancements and challenges within the health sector. As part of CPL Group's sponsorship, CPL is proud to provide support to five medical society meetings, as well as branded lanyards and bags plus raffle prizes contributing a total value of K100, 000. The symposium branded bags and lanyards were officially handed over by CPL’s Head of Pharmacy, Pradeep Panda, to the President of the Medical Society of PNG, Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, and other distinguished members of the MSPNG. Professor Tefuarani, along with members of the MSPNG, expressed deep gratitude for CPL Group’s continued support, noting that such contributions are vital in enhancing the impact of the symposium for healthcare professionals, researchers, and students alike. CPL Group will be represented at this year’s symposium by the CPL Medical & Lab Supplies (MedLab) and City Pharmacy Wholesale team.

Papua New Guinea’s top hip-hop dance crew, Wan Squad arrived this afternoon August 21, 2024, to a warm and energetic welcome from families, friends and supporters that turned up at the International Jackson’s Airport to welcome the dancers after winning gold in Arizona, USA. The atmosphere was electric and emotional as the crew, who won gold with their exceptional dance performance, proudly brought their achievement back to the country. Their victory not only elevated their dance to new heights but also put PNG on the global map. The group's creative director Pyan Ng said it was not an easy win for the team and are thrilled to bring the gold back home. He said, the process to get to were they are today a challenge that tested them mentally and physically. It was not an easy journey for the team to get this win. "One of the first one was jet let." "We were sleeping at 3am and waking up at midday." "Other than that, the process on getting here was a challenge in terms of challenging ourselves creatively, mentally and physically and to get this win was not an easy journey for us and we're excited to bring the gold back home," said Pyan. "This year we took it upon ourselves to commit more." "We've done courses, learning to expand our knowledge in terms of understanding the rule book and requirements to win this competition." "We got to speak to international judges, international choreographers to give us more insight to understanding everything." "Other than that, the boys were 100% committed." "We had Mountain Dew and Indomie behind us 100% financially support us financially and without everyone coming together this year, we wouldn't be where we are right now." Joining the crew on the international stage were the two newbies, brothers Ajay Ravu and Joseph Ravu from the Central Province. With huge smiles, both brothers expressed excitement as this was a first-time experience for them and returning home with gold gave their families, friends and supporters outside the airport reason to celebrate with much electrifying emotion. Pyang said, hearing the PNG national anthem on the world stage was an iconic moment not just for the team but for the country as a whole. "Because as you all know, you will only hear your national anthem when you win gold." "And in history, this is the first time to see or hear the PNG national anthem on world stage, even the Pacific islands and we've beat many countries that have not heard our national anthem," said Pyan. Out of 55 countries who took part in the 2024 World Hip Hop Dance Championship, PNG' s very own Wan Squad qualified through all rounds and won god. Pyan encouraged young passionate dancers to continue. Meanwhile, Pacific Industries - Mountain Dew Brand Manager Nathaniel Lepani said they were thrilled with the achievement the boys accomplished with this win brining the tally up to four international wins for PNG. "We're esthetic and proud of the guys." "We know the hard work they've put in over the years." "This been the fourth year that they've gone and brought back the number title and gold medals." "We are just super proud."

Persons with special needs in the Western province have been empowered to contribute to the development of the districts and province at large. This was made possible through a five- day Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPD) capacity development and sensitization workshop that was held at the Peter Torot Centre in Kiunga in North Fly District last week, which provided necessary skills for change in this area in the province. Participants who attended the workshop came in from Delta Fly, South Fly and North Fly districts. The Provincial Division for Community Development and Welfare Services organized this training supported by development partners, Australian Doctors International (ADI) and World Vision to support provincial Disabled People Organization (DPO). PNG Assembly of Disabled Persons (ADP) National Secretary and Master Trainer, Ross Tito, explained that the workshop covered modules on structure of government, OPD constitution on governance issues, roles and responsibilities of executives, literacy, accountability, transparency including framework, and implementation. “Workshop helped government officers upskilled their work programs to include persons with special needs," he said. He further said current leaders and those coming in the near future should include OPD in any development so that disability and disadvantaged citizens receive services in the province and respective districts. Community Development Officers have been urged to better understand their roles to interact with persons with disability in terms of health, education and other services to participate for change.

The 2024 Santos Cup Round 3 matches saw a lot of movements on the ladder as teams shifted into their 3rd consecutive week of play and travel. The Lae Snax Tigers have taken over the top spot on the 2024 Santos Cup ladder, proving too strong for the East New Britain Agmark Gurias in Lae with a 16 - 6 victor on Sunday 18th August. On Saturday 17th August, the Port Moresby Vipers caused an upset for the Central Dabaris, 16 -12, registering their first win of the competition. Dabaris were first to get points on the board five minutes into the game through a solo eighty meter run by Marie Biyama. Biyama followed through with another try early in the second half, with both tries successfully converted by Sherida Philip. However, this was not enough to keep the Vipers at bay who replied with three tries from Naomi Modowa, Joyce Hobert and Freda Waula, with two successful conversions from Lila Malabag. In Minj in Jiwaka province saw the first ever Santos Cup match held with the Goroka Lahanis ladies secure their first win in the competition after defeating the Mt. Hagen Eagles 12 - 10 in a close match, with tries by Egi John, Seroge Sabumei and Yolanda Taute. The Mt. Hagen Eagles, Tier 1 players, Lyiannah Allen and Talitha Kunjil (c) scored with Talitha continuing to register points as the competition’s current Top Try Scorer. Meanwhile in the Pawa Meri round, which celebrates and acknowledges the contribution of women to the game, the Port Moresby crowd witnessed another stellar performance from Lae-based female referee Jacintha Jack, officiating her third match this season at the Santos National Football Stadium, ably assisted by fellow female touch judge Anita Genia. Results and standings attached following Round 3 of the 2024 Santos Cup on Saturday 17th August in Port Moresby are listed below:

The Somare Institute of Governance and Leadership on Friday presented a cheque of K350,000 to the landowners of Kagamuga of Western Highlands Province who have held off their land for the purpose of service delivery to establish the first ever SILAG Highlands Regional Centre. CEO of SILAG, Mr. Michael Barobe thanked and acknowledged the landowners for agreeing to sell their land to SILAG, which will be used for a greater cause for the country. He said the management has been looking for land to permanently set up a SILAG campus in the Highlands Region, and it is a relief that they have finally secured land in Mt. Hagen. Mr. Barobe said the agreement to initially purchase the land took place back in 2006, however due to change of management and government, it took SILAG 18 years to finally pay off the landowners of the Yamka tribe in the WHP. “We have about four regional training centers and three of these have their centers up and running." "For the NGI region its up in Kokopo, for Momase region its in Madang and Southern is in Port Moresby." "But one that is missing is the Highlands region since 2006.” The Mt. Hagen Campus is the Highlands Regional Training Centre, where all the public servants in the Highlands are expected to undergo training at this campus. The main agenda is to bring SILAG to your doorstep, and that has been further made possible by the recent announcement of all SILAG programs to be delivered online. SILAG Chairlady Ms. Taies Sansan said there is a greater need for public servants at the provincial level and district level to be trained, and that is why SILAG is keen on setting up campuses throughout the country. She said government services are not reaching rural areas because public servants at the district levels lack the knowledge in proper planning and aligning district plans with the government’s plans. The Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance’s role is to provide training where there is specific need, and that includes proper planning at the district levels up to the national level of government. She said establishing the Highlands Regional Training Centre is part of the government’s plan to push public servants back into the districts and provinces to work, while only 20% of the public servants are supposed to be working in the urban centers. The Kagamuga Landowners representative, Mr. Willie Wanaga thanked the SILAG and its management for choosing to establish the Highlands Regional Training Centre on their land. He said his people and the community back home will be willing to help out and put things together on ground once construction phase starts. Though it a long time, he acknowledged the past and current SILAG management for coming through with the payment for their land. To conclude, the SILAG CEO called out to all the provincial governments of the Highlands provinces to partner with SILAG to deliver the long-term and short-term courses to their staff based on their needs. The programs offered by SILAG vary from long-term courses to short-term courses, which has contributed immensely to public sector capacity building. He further called on the people of the Western Highlands Province to work in partnership with the SILAG management during the establishment phase of the Highlands Regional Training Centre.

“As a woman displaced and living in a tent, I feel like my needs as a woman are SEEN when I go through the content of this Dignity Kit (DK).” This sentiment was shared by 25-year-old Josika Aron, an 8-month-old pregnant young woman who lost her family home during the Mulitaka Landslide that hit the area in May this year. The Dignity Kit contained sanitary pads, towel, slippers, bath soaps, underwear, flashlight, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a waist cloth also known as a laplap. All these items are to help women and girls maintain their dignity during a humanitarian crisis. “I am due to give birth soon and sanitary pads and underwear are important items for me. But I cannot speak up about my needs because it is taboo in my culture.” “I am grateful for my DK.” UNFPA with the support and partnership from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) successfully distributed 174 Dignity Kits to young women and girls between the ages of 15- 29 years old. Prior to this distribution, 90 DKs were distributed at the end of May 2024 by the Enga Provincial Health Authority to women and girls affected by the landslide in Mulitaka and 12 DKs on 5 August to those living in Pokalip. In this recent distribution, six women were pregnant, including Ms. Josika Aron and there was one young girl by the name Christie Lara who was a person living with disability. Local women community leader Ms. Annette Jack who helped facilitate the distribution expressed her gratitude and appreciation to DFAT and UNFPA on behalf of the affected women in the community. “During this tough time in my community, our focus has been more on food and shelter, and as a woman, I have forgotten that I have basic needs too and I have a responsibility to take care of myself and my dignity.” “The nearest shops for a woman to go to get supplies especially like menstruating pads is in Wabag town, a three-hour ride away and bus fare that will cost PGK60 to go and return.” “This DK makes me happy, and I know it has put a smile on the faces of all the women and girls who have received it.” “Thank you UNFPA and DFAT.” UNFPA also supported the Mulitaka Health Center and Pokalip Aid Post with five DFAT-prepositioned Reproductive Health Kits to ensure safe deliveries of babies during this time of crisis.

The Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has taken a significant step forward in improving maternal care with the purchase of 101 new beds, which consists of 25 electric delivery beds and 76 standard hospital beds. This investment was made possible through CPL and marks a notable advancement in the hospital's efforts to provide quality care for mothers and newborns. The beds were officially issued to PMGH on July 31st and have since been installed by the hospital's biomedical (Biomed) team. Nurse Unit Manager for Labour Ward, Sr Mary Sitaing, said that 13 of the electrical delivery beds are currently in use. The remaining will be installed soon, while the 76 ordinary hospital beds will be distributed to the different sections of the hospital accordingly. The introduction of these electrical delivery beds is a significant upgrade as this is the first time for such beds to be used in PMGH's labour ward. These beds are rechargeable with a handheld control and can be adjusted to provide optimal comfort and support during labour and delivery. Other features include height adjustment, attached IV pole, removable waste bin, and many more. Sr. Sitaing mentioned that the labour ward had been using wooden beds for the past 3 years. The installation of these new beds marks one of the many milestones in achieving PMGH's ongoing journey to enhance quality patient care.

The Department of Education recently hosted the Provincial Education Advisors (PEA) Consultation Conference, a pivotal event in the lead up to the Regional Public Consultations for the Papua New Guinea Education Transformation Vision 2075 (PNGETV 2075). These consultations will be held around the country from the 17th of September to the 1st of October 2024. The workshop brought together 22 PEAs to discuss and refine the strategic roadmap for transforming education in PNG for the next 50 years. The PNGETV 2075 is a comprehensive 50-year plan aimed at overhauling and reconstructing the general education system to ensure that by 2075, PNG will have qualified, educated and smart population. This vision aligns with the National Goals and Directive Principles of the National Constitution, PNG Vision 2050, and the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), focusing on quality education and skilled human capital. The key objectives of the workshop was to engage stakeholders and partners by facilitating meaningful discussions among the PEAs, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders to gather insights and feedback on the PNGETV 2075. The workshop also provided a platform for strategic planning where they reviewed and refined the strategic initiatives outlined in the PNGETV 2075 document to address prevailing challenges and leverage opportunities for educational reform. The one-day workshop was also aimed at preparing the PEAs for the upcoming regional public consultations in September, ensuring a cohesive and inclusive approach to gathering public input. Speaking ahead of the start of the workshop, the Secretary for Education, Dr. Uke Kombra said, “The Provincial Education Advisors Consultation Workshop is a crucial step in our journey towards transforming education in Papua New Guinea. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from our people in the provinces and regions, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education system that will benefit future generations.” The PNGETV 2075 is committed to cultivating a dynamic and inclusive educational ecosystem that reflects the aspirations and needs of all Papua New Guineans. The PNGETV 2075 regional public consultations are a vital step towards realizing this vision and ensuring that the education system evolves to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

Team PNG’s Taekwondo team of two athletes arrived safely yesterday afternoon Wednesday, 14th August, at the Jacksons International Airport after representing the country at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both athletes, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman debuted in their divisions with Gibson being the first Papua New Guinean to win a round in his division. Kevin Kassman said representing the country at an Olympic level was nothing he had ever experienced before and meeting some of the top athletes from other countries and being amongst them was a very good experience and exposer for him. “It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, and I had fun and most of the time spent there was just fun. Getting to know athletes from other countries and just being around them.” Kassman said that being up on that big stage and seeing a big crowd watching him made him nervous but knowing that his fellow countrymen and family were backing him, gave him the courage to stand and represent his country with pride. Meanwhile, Gibson Mara expressed amazement at the high-level of standards at the Olympics and said that with their hard work and preparations put in to get them ready for the Olympics, really paid off. “One challenge too that I faced was knowing that everyone is watching us and that they put their trust that we can make it. And yeah, we did our best and we fell short and that’s maybe with our experience, but we made it.” Upon their arrival, both athletes expressed how grateful and thankful they are for all the support to represent the country at the Olympics and encouraged the upcoming young athletes to keep pushing and striving and to never give up on training. “For up-coming athletes, keep pushing, keep striving. Nothing is impossible, use the negatives and turn them into positives. Cause that’s what you need. They are like steps for you. It took us 2 years and now look at us, its mind blowing,” said Kassman. Mara also expressed similar sentiments. “They must not wait for the competition to come and then start training after a week. Always keep their heads high and keep training hard.”

People in the Milne Bay province travelling to and from Esa’ala Island and back to the mainland don’t need to worry about sea piracy with a recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Esa’ala District Development Authority (EDDA) and the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) of PNG Limited for the provision of rural airstrip services in the district. The MOA was signed in Port Moresby on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, and shall be in force and effect for a period of five (5) years from the commencement date. The MOA was signed by the Acting District Administrator for Esa’ala District, Mr. Sale Nop, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG Limited (RAA), Mrs. Kim Opiti and witnessed by the Chairman of the EDDA and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina and RAA Legal Officer, Ms. Bernadette Cherake. Mr. Maladina said it is important to partner with the RAA to re-construct and re-open the Salamo and Sehulea airstrips so that the flying doctors and people have access to these vital airline facilities and service. EDDA will provide an initial funding of K135,000.00 for RAA to conduct the airstrip survey, design, and scope of works. Additional funding and support will also be provided by the EDDA for the subsequent airstrip works which includes restoration and maintenance upon invoices by RAA and the presentation of survey reports and scope of works of the airstrips. “We look forward to re-opening this important mode of transport for the people of Esa’ala District because of the remoteness of the islands from the mainland Milne Bay and Alotau town,” Mr. Maladina said. “As the Member for Esa’ala District, I see this as a vital initiative that supports our strategies and vision to boost agriculture, access to health services (faster way to Alotau General Hospital), education and tourism development in the Esa’ala District.” “RAA looks forward to working with Esa’ala District in rehabilitating its prioritized airstrips." “Such partnership and collaborative approaches are important in achieving our shared goals and ensuring our people living in the rural communities have equal opportunities to essential government services and economic opportunities,” the CEO of RAA said.