More than 300 youths gathered yesterday, Saturday 19th July 2025 at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) for a full-day Youth Skills Day Workshop. The event was organized by UNICEF, UNFPA, and UNDP in partnership with UPNG, Digikesen, and the European Union, aims to equip Papua New Guinean youth with essential digital skills, career guidance in technology, and real pathways to entrepreneurship, mentorship, and training opportunities. During the final panel of the day two local entrepreneur whose voices resonated throughout the event is Klenneth Pombo, content creator (PNG for REALZ), and Wesley Roy, CEO of Brave Group International. Their speeches emphasized the value of authenticity, consistency, and purposeful use of digital tools, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to take ownership of their future. Klenneth Pombo, a leading content creator who built his brand PNG for REALZ from the ground up, encouraged participants to focus on being true to themselves and telling their own stories. He shared that success in content creation is not about appearance or popularity, but about consistently showing up and sharing real experiences. “Whatever that is — just be yourself. People can tell when you are being authentic, and they respond to that. Whether it’s through your storytelling, your truth, or your voice — that’s what builds connection,” he said. Pombo reminded youth that while digital tools like ChatGPT and smartphones can help with content planning, but it is consistency that builds momentum. “It’s easier now to grow a following — but only if you’re consistent. Just start, use what you have, and keep going.” Wesley Roy, a prominent entrepreneur and founder of multiple companies under the Brave Group umbrella, told participants that the most powerful skill they can develop is discipline through consistency. “Before you achieve anything in school, business, or content you need to be consistent. Make a plan, stick to it, and especially do it on the days when you don’t feel like it,” he said. Speaking on the rise of artificial intelligence and online platforms, Roy urged young people to view AI as a tool but not a replacement for hard work. “AI, social media, Google, etc. they are tools. They can help, but they will not do the work for you. You still must push yourself.” Roy added that self-awareness and personal responsibility are just as important as technology skills. “You need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Learn how to use the tools, but don’t let them use you.” The Youth Skills Day Workshop offered more than practical training — it gave young people across Port Moresby and nearby communities the opportunity to hear honest, grounded advice from local leaders. Both speakers showed that success in the digital age is not about shortcuts or luck. Instead, it is about understanding yourself, showing up every day, and using the tools available with purpose.

Cricket PNG’s national teams, the PNG Barramundis and PNG Lewas, made a landmark appearance at the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition on Saturday 19th July 2025, becoming the first sporting teams to visit the country’s premier mining and petroleum industry showcase that is currently hosted by the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE). The exhibition provided a unique platform for the players to engage directly with industry leaders and learn about the nation's key resource sectors and their broader impact on community development and sport sponsorship. For PNG Lewas Captain Brenda Tau, the experience was both exciting and enlightening. “Well, firstly, thank you to PNG CORE for giving us this opportunity to actually come to the Golden Resources Exhibition. It’s really good to be here. It’s actually my first time, including my team,” she said. Tau said the exhibition gave her team valuable insight into how the country’s resource sector supports national development, including sports. “You get to learn a lot about the resources and what they give back to our country, our people, and even to sporting teams. It’s just really good to be here to learn all about that,” she added. PNG Barramundis Captain Assadollah Vala said one of the highlights for him was learning about gold extraction and the science behind resource processing. “Obviously, I think the extraction—the work they were speaking about, how they go underground and extract all those golds and silvers, the process they go about, the amount of time they put in to get the gold out of the ground—it was something new that I learned today,” Vala said. The curator of the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition, Ms. Ruth Waram, expressed gratitude to Cricket PNG for making the visit possible. “On behalf of the PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy and the PNG Resources Golden Expo team, we sincerely thank Cricket PNG for bringing our two champion teams, the Barras and the Lewas, to the expo today. We’re really privileged to have them. They’re the first sporting teams to visit, apart from the general public and schools,” Waram said.

Students from Port Moresby National School of Excellence (POMSOE) had a strong showing at the PNG Schools Resource Debate, they’re heading into the semi-finals ranked No. 1 out of the top six teams, scoring an impressive 745 points in the preliminary rounds. They now advance with confidence, strategy and a whole lot of teamwork. But this wasn’t just about winning. For these students, debating is about finding their voice, learning real-world issues and showing Papua New Guinea, that young people have something powerful to say. According to Mrs. Masere, the Head of the English Department, the debate is about much more than public speaking. It’s a full-team showcase. “We’re preparing them for the outside world,” she said. "We have three different streams; science, humanities and STEM and the English department connects them. These debates are how we market our students.” Mrs Masere added that her selection wasn’t just based on grades, but on how well students could connect with an audience. “I picked students who don’t rely too much on notes. They speak naturally and engage the room. The other students were researchers which they gathered the facts and gave the content to the final speakers,” said Mrs. Masere. On the day of the debate, POMNSOE’s original opponent didn’t turn up. With only minutes to spare, the school formed an opposition team from within their own student group. Despite the surprise, both sides were ready to speak about what they had originally researched to argue for. “We were prepared to be the affirmative,” said Angelina Ageva, the first speaker of the opposing team. “But when we had no opponent, we flipped sides and debated our own team. It was a fun challenge.” The affirmative (government) team included, Tiriman Masi, - First speaker, who is from mainstream Science, Dago Morea, 2nd speaker from the humanities stream, Raychamal Urai, 3rd speaker from STEM stream. The newly formed opposition team featured Caleb Orape, 3rd speaker, from STEM science, Ephraim Anaibere, 2nd speaker, and finally Angelina Ageva from the science stream as the 1st speaker. In response to why debate is important, Caleb said, “Many young Papua New Guineans don’t know how to express themselves. That can lead to frustration. Debate helps us speak up peacefully.” Ephraim agreed. “We’re not just learning how to talk, we’re learning how our country works.” Angelina added, “It’s not about showing off who’s smart. It’s about being heard and being ready to lead.” Mrs Masere said the school was proud to represent all National Schools of Excellence, especially with this year marking POMSOE’s 30th anniversary. “Some top schools weren’t here, so we stood in for them too,” she said. “Our hope is that the students are seen, not just by judges, but by recruiters, policymakers and future employers.” The team is now preparing to face Kopkop College in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 23. The motion will be: “Establishing a stand-alone sovereign wealth fund would enhance transparency, peaceful stability and intergenerational equity compared to relying on state-owned enterprises.” The grand final is set for Friday, July 25 during the Golden Resource Exhibition. As the top seed, all eyes are now on POMSOE.

After a fierce preliminary round at APEC Haus, six schools have advanced to the semi-finals of the Emstret Schools Debate, held during the second week of the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition. The event, themed around resource and energy governance, saw nine Port Moresby secondary schools compete, with six now moving forward to the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 23: Port Moresby School of Excellence Kopkop College Paradise College Port Moresby International School Jubilee Catholic Secondary School Tokarara Secondary School Semi-Final Matchups and Motions Match 1 Affirmative: Port Moresby School of Excellence Opposition: Kopkop College Motion: “Establishing a stand‑alone sovereign wealth fund would enhance transparency, peaceful stability, and intergenerational equity compared to relying on state‑owned enterprises.” Match 2 Affirmative: Paradise College Opposition: Port Moresby International School Motion: “In light of ongoing rural crime and land disputes, which security reform—expedited judicial processes, community policing, or economic alternatives—would most effectively boost investor confidence?” Match 3 Jubilee Catholic Secondary School vs Tokarara Secondary School Motion: “Should mining companies be mandated to allocate a fixed percentage of their annual profits to community development and environmental restoration?” Judges will assess teams on argument structure, relevance of PNG-based examples, team coordination, creativity, rebuttal strength, and clarity of conclusions. Preliminary rounds praised confident presentation but flagged a need for deeper policy-oriented recommendations. According to PNG CORE’s statement, the event is more than a contest of rhetoric—it is a platform for building future resource policymakers who recognize that governance must be reflective of people, community, and long-term vision. The release highlighted how the debate “serves as more than just a contest of words” to inspire engagement with Papua New Guinea’s economic backbone. The debate was officially launched by Mr. Richard E. Kassman OBE, Senior Vice President of PNG CORE, who linked the event to the nation’s 50-year celebration of its resource sector. “When you walk through PNG CORE’s Golden Resources Exhibition, you will indeed join us in commemorating the 50 years of operations for the Resource sector. And there is much to celebrate and be proud of.” Mr. Kassman also emphasized the importance of public speaking, saying students were “elevating debating to a higher stratosphere,” skillsets critical not only for academic success but for long-term career development. Winners of the semi-final matches will compete in the grand final on Friday, July 25, to be crowned champions of the 2025 PNG Golden Resource Exhibition debate series. Organizers confirm that the coming week will feature additional schools and enhanced industry engagement, offering students more opportunities to engage with Papua New Guinea’s resource and energy sectors.

The Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant has officially welcomed East New Britain Province as the newest addition to its national program following a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony held recently. The Miss Bird of Paradise East New Britain Pageant becomes the fifth provincial pageant to sign on this year, adding momentum to the national vision of representing all 22 provinces at the upcoming Golden Jubilee event. The East New Britain committee is led by Chairperson Joachim Lolok, Deputy Chairperson Elizabeth Wong, Secretary Veronica Lako, and Otto Benjamin Mitil Jnr. Michaelyn Marum, a former contestant in the 2024 Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant as Miss BNN Foundation, joins the team as Treasurer. MBOP PNG National Chairperson Anna Bais congratulated the East New Britain team for their commitment to advancing the pageant's goals and fostering provincial representation. “Bringing together all 22 provinces to crown a national queen has always been part of the MBOP strategy. After two successful years, my committee and I are looking forward to welcoming all provinces in December for a historical pageant that will also commemorate PNG’s Golden Jubilee,” Bais said. The MBOP PNG executive committee has extended its best wishes to the newly established East New Britain team as they prepare to crown the province’s first ever Miss Bird of Paradise representative.

A milestone in education and healthcare has been reached with the official opening of the Balimo College School of Nursing — the first Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST)-accredited nursing school in Western Province. The initiative, funded by the PNG Sustainable Development Program (SDP) in partnership with Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) and Divine Word University (DWU), will offer a four-year Bachelor of General Nursing, the first tertiary qualification of its kind in the region. The opening marks a critical step forward in addressing the shortage of health professionals in the province. With 33 pioneering students enrolled in the inaugural cohort, the program aims to strengthen local healthcare services and improve access to tertiary education. Speaking at the event, Dr Brad Shaw, Chair of the Balimo College Governing Council, said: “This is a momentous day. We are incredibly proud to officially open the School of Nursing at Balimo College — Western Province’s first accredited tertiary institution — fully funded by SDP. This milestone marks a major step forward for education and health in our region. Through our partnership with Divine Word University, we are thrilled to be offering a Bachelor of General Nursing right here in Balimo, helping to grow a skilled and qualified local health workforce for the future.” Also present at the launch were key figures including Western Governor Taboi Awe Yoto, Delta Fly MP Agena Gamai, Dr Miriam Bogo of the Western Provincial Health Authority, SDP CEO Ms. Lesieli Taviri, DWU Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor Iwona Kolodziejczyk, and local leaders and members of the college’s governing council. The School of Nursing offers facilities unmatched by any other health training institution in the province, including an IT lab, a simulation lab for clinical training, four lecture halls, dedicated tutorial rooms, dormitories for both female and male students, and a library. Acting Principal Stella Agat expressed her optimism. “With the opening of the Balimo College School of Nursing, I have great hope that we will empower our student nurses with the skills and knowledge to improve health outcomes across Western Province.” The student cohort has already completed its first semester, including a two-week clinical placement at Balimo Hospital. All students have successfully progressed to their next semester subjects. Balimo College’s new nursing school represents a powerful investment in Western Province’s future — building capacity, expanding opportunities for local students, and laying the foundation for a stronger, healthier PNG.

In a powerful display of intellect and youth engagement, nine schools in Port Moresby city converged at APEC Haus for the Emstret Schools Debate preliminary round on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, as part of the second week of the PNG Resources Golden Exhibition. The annual debate, organized by Emstret Holdings and supported by PNG CORE and other resource-sector partners, spotlighted students debating issues critical to Papua New Guinea’s resource future and challenged them to tackle complex motions on governance, sustainability, security, and gender inclusion in the country’s resource industries. Marienville Secondary School, a regular contender, was absent this year after its training camp was cancelled, opening the field to fresh competitors and reshuffled matchups. “The debate, themed around Resources and Energy, aims to foster critical thinking and civic dialogue among young minds on the nation's vital resource and energy sectors,” PNG CORE stated in its media release. Debate Round Results Round 1: Jubilee Catholic Secondary (671 points) lost narrowly to Kopkop College (712 points) in a well-argued opener. Round 2: Port Moresby International School (675) defeated Koiari Park Secondary (615) with a decisive 60-point margin. Round 3: Paradise College (680) edged Tokarara Secondary (661) in a tightly contested exchange. Round 4: Gerehu Secondary (611) overcame De La Salle Secondary (493). Round 5: Port Moresby National High School (School of Excellence) delivered a dominant performance, with both affirmative and opposing teams earning a standout 745 points. Judges evaluated teams on originality, local relevance, structure, and teamwork. Emphasis was placed on strong introductions, logical rebuttals, and PNG-specific examples. One judge told students, “All the examples in the world are right here in front of us. We want them to dig deep into their own communities and experiences.” Officially opening the debate, PNG CORE Senior Vice President Mr. Richard E. Kassman OBE connected the event to national progress. “When you walk through PNG CORE’s Golden Resources Exhibition, you will indeed join us in commemorating the 50 years of operations for the Resource sector. And there is much to celebrate and be proud of,” he said. "To all our student debaters, this is your stage.” Mr. Kassman described the debate as more than a contest—calling public speaking an invaluable skill that elevates debate to a “higher stratosphere,” critical not only for academic performance but also for long-term careers. While many teams showed confidence and knowledge, judges encouraged clearer conclusions and actionable recommendations—elements that will be essential in the upcoming semi-finals. The Top Six Schools Progressing to Semi-Finals (July 23) are, Port Moresby School of Excellence Kopkop College Paradise College Port Moresby International School Jubilee Catholic Secondary Tokarara Secondary School The semi-finals, open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, July 23, again at APEC Haus. The winners from each match-up will proceed to the grand final on Friday, July 25, concluding what has become a powerful platform for youth voice and national reflection.

Cronulla halfback Nicho Hynes has declared fans should brace for an immediate response from Panther's star Nathan Cleary after last week's State of Origin disappointment. In a wide-ranging interview, Hynes opened up on the challenges facing NRL halfbacks as they navigate the pressure to perform amid extensive social media criticism. The Sharks playmaker has developed a close friendship with Cleary throughout the past few years and turned to the Penrith No.7 for advice on how to thrive under pressure last season. Cleary has borne the brunt of the criticism following the Blues' loss to Queensland in last Wednesday's State of Origin decider. The halfback responded by starring for the Panthers in Sunday's win over the Eels. It's a performance, Hynes said, that should have opposition teams concerned. "He’s a four-time premiership winner in a row, he’s tactically probably the best player in our game," Hynes said. "I think [Cam] Munster’s the best football player we’ve had for a long time in the game but Nathan’s tactically so good and Queensland just lifted the other night. "They lifted, the whole state lifted and the whole team did for Munster and it just goes like that sometimes. As a halfback, you do wear a lot of it and that just comes with being the No.7 on a rugby league team, it’s like the quarterback in the NFL. I know he strives for perfection and there are days sometimes it just doesn’t turn out. He’s going to come back better for it. "I’m scared for the competition now, how he’s going to bounce back." Cleary has been handed a rest this week and will sit out Friday's clash with the Rabbitohs, but is set to return in Round 21 with plenty of added motivation. Having borne the brunt of extensive criticism in recent years, Hynes can relate to what Cleary has endured in the past week. The Sharks playmaker experienced a rapid rise to fame in 2022 when he joined the Sharks on a lucrative contract and won the Dally M Medal. With the increased profile, however, came big expectations and the blame for Cronulla's underwhelming finals performances in 2022 and 2023 was placed on Hynes. The halfback was also criticised for his performance in last year's State of Origin opener, despite the fact NSW played 73 minutes with 12 men after Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i was sent off. The Sharks have long bristled at the conversation surrounding Hynes, with few playmakers facing as much external criticism as the 29-year-old. Despite the constant focus on his performances, the playmaker leads the league in line-break assists and has already exceeded his try assist tally from last year. Hynes readily admits the pressure got to him earlier in his career but he has now found a way to turn down the outside noise. "I don’t go on social media anymore," he said. "I’ve got a private Instagram account that I still use to check on my mates and see what they’re doing when they’re travelling. "You need your social media fix and to have some fun, you need to switch off and have a scroll. But the amount of hours I used to spend on my phone to now is crazy. "I don’t need external validation anymore. The only validation I need is people around me that I love and my teammates and coaches. I don’t need to be on there searching for things people are saying about me, negative or positive. "I’m just staying neutral, living my life. I’ve got a good life. I can go to sleep every night happy, whether we win or lose because being a good human comes first and there’s more to life than rugby league." Hynes is preparing to go face to face with one of the league's most promising halfbacks when the Sharks host Sam Walker and the Roosters on Friday night. A highly touted junior who shot to fame with a breakout rookie season, the 23-year-old endured plenty of criticism throughout a challenging 2023. Walker came out the other side with a superb 2024 campaign before it came to a shuddering halt when he tore his ACL on the eve of the finals. A thumb injury delayed his return to the field and he eventually made a successful comeback in last week's win over the Dragons. While he's largely tuned out of the discourse, Hynes still hears plenty of noise regarding his fellow playmakers. While he's largely tuned out of the discourse, Hynes still hears plenty of noise regarding his fellow playmakers. Much of it, he fears, lacks the nuance necessary to properly judge the performances of players as they navigate the ups and downs of a rugby league career. "In our game there is only one winner and at the end of the day in October only one halfback wins it every year," he said. "Nathan Cleary’s been that one. "People coming at me, are they saying every other halfback’s a failure in this competition? There’s only one person who gets to win it, one No.7 wins it every year so all of us other halfbacks are chasing that. "Are they calling Mitchell Moses a failure? I don’t think so because he’s a great player, won an Origin series last year and he hasn’t won a comp yet. "We’re still learning, we’re still trying to strive for that. I’m going to keep fighting to do that and hopefully there’s a new No.7 that wins it this year, hopefully it’s me. At the end of the day I don’t see it as failing, I see it as learning and lessons and I could be better in some areas and I feel like I’m playing some good football this year. "It’s a team sport and our team’s doing the best they can to deliver performances and we haven’t done that for the last couple of weeks. [Last week] is the right step and we’ll continue to work hard this week."

In a partnership aimed at improving financial inclusion for smallholder growers and employees of New Britain Palm Oil Ltd (NBPOL), the NASFUND Contributors Savings & Loans Ltd (NCSL) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kimbe, West New Britain province. The agreement marks a new chapter in accessible financial services for thousands of growers and staff across the region, with the introduction of digital banking solutions, fee-free savings, and affordable loan options. The MoU was signed by NCSL Chief Executive Officer Mr. Frans Kootte and witnessed by NCSL Chief Member Services Officer Mr. Maranuf Tataeng. Representing NBPOL was Mr. Tan Tee Ung, Head of Oil Palm Operations, and Mr. Witfred Tangole, Head of Small Growers. In his remarks during the ceremony, Mr. Kootte emphasized the importance of digital financial inclusion, stating, “We recently introduced an app for smartphones so our members can access financial services directly from their devices, without the need to visit a branch. We've also increased our savings rates to ensure members enjoy better returns on their contributions.” The NBPOL General Manager Mr. Azhaza Aziz, through his representative Mr. Tan Tee Ung, praised the initiative and NCSL’s commitment, saying, “We look forward to the successful rollout of this initiative and the positive impact it will have on the lives of our growers, their families, and the wider community.” The rollout includes future financial literacy awareness programs targeting growers and employees, aimed at equipping them with essential knowledge for better financial decision-making. NCSL, in partnership with Nasfund, currently operates offices in Kimbe town, Bialla, and most recently, at the Hargy Corporate Office to ensure support is within reach for its members. This partnership is expected to not only boost financial access and education but also foster long-term economic empowerment for the rural agricultural workforce of Papua New Guinea.

“I don’t want to die. I want to live for my wife and my two sons. I want to raise them, and I want to give back. And now, because of all of you, I believe I can.” Those were the heartfelt words of Samuel Somne (33), a father, husband and tribesman, following a successful corporate fundraising dinner held on Saturday, July 12 at Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, which gave him a renewed chance at life. Diagnosed with a brain tumour, Samuel knew from the beginning that he was not only fighting for himself, but for his wife Florence and their two young sons. Now, with overwhelming support from his family, friends and fellow tribesmen from Injua Village, Nipa, in the Southern Highlands Province, Samuel is preparing to travel to India on July 25, 2025, for the urgent brain surgery he needs. The fundraiser brought together close friends, colleagues, in-laws and community members who gave generously and stood by him in unity. “I was holding on to this one hope,” Samuel told the crowd. “Seeing all of you here and with some giving from what little they have, that leaves me speechless.” At the heart of it all were his people, including fellow tribesman and master of ceremony for the night, Mr. Luke Mongolap, who spoke proudly of Samuel’s role in their community. “In our village, we do not have many educated men. There is only just a few and Samuel is one of them,” Luke said. “Even if it means spending our last to help him, we will. He is worth it.” The night’s guest speaker, Mr. Wapu Sonk, Managing Director of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd, reminded the guests of the importance of helping people while they are still alive. “We must help people when they are alive, not when they are dead. This is the moment to show we care,” Mr. Sonk said. Samuel’s health issues began in 2021 when he started experiencing seizures in his sleep. By 2023, they worsened, and he began collapsing at work. A scan at Port Moresby General Hospital confirmed the presence of a tumour. He was advised to seek treatment overseas immediately. “Many of you I do not even know personally,” Samuel said. “But you gave. You believed in my life.” As he now prepares to leave the country, Samuel carries not just medical records and hope, but the strength and love of a community that rallied to keep him alive. His story is a reminder to all of us that we must not come together only in death, but when someone is still fighting to live.

The New Guinea Islands (NGI) Region was honored over the weekend at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium in Port Moresby city as thousands gathered to celebrate its historical role in shaping Papua New Guinea’s path to independence and nationhood. Hosted as part of PNG Story Month, the event is one of several regional celebrations leading to the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary on September 16th, 2025. NCD Governor Powes Parkop delivering the keynote address, reflected on how the New Guinea Islands through movements such as the Paliau Movement in Manus, the Mataungan Association in East New Britain, and Bougainville’s independence activism—played a defining role in the national conversation on identity, unity, and self-governance. “These efforts laid the foundation for our nation’s freedom,” Governor Parkop said. “We are the descendants and manifestation of that historic decision to unite over a thousand tribes and 860 languages into one country.” The Governor called on young Papua New Guineans to reflect on the lessons of the last 50 years and take ownership of shaping the future. “We can’t change the last 50 years, but we can shape the next 50,” he said. “That is your challenge and your opportunity.” The crowd, estimated at over 20,000 city residents, enjoyed a full-day program of cultural dances, traditional singings, string-band performances, and SME stalls showcasing food, art, and stories from Manus, Bougainville, New Ireland, and East and West New Britain provinces. In a symbolic conclusion to the event, student representatives from each NGI province at the University of Papua New Guinea presented traditional gifts to Governor Parkop, including shell money, mats, carvings, and island delicacies. Each one is a proud expression of identity and appreciation. Governor Parkop thanked the students, performers, and organizing team for bringing the regional story to life, adding: “Today, we are all New Guinea Islanders—because we are one people, one country, and one future.” As PNG Story Month continues through July, August, and September, the spotlight now shifts to the Highlands Region, which will be celebrated this Saturday, July 19.

A historic Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on Wednesday, 9th July 2025 between Miss Bird of Paradise PNG (MBoP PNG), the West Sepik Provincial Administration, and the Vanimo Green River District Administration, marking the official launch of the Miss Bird of Paradise Sandaun Pageant. The agreement paves the way for a strategic collaboration aimed at elevating cultural identity, empowering young women, and positioning Sandaun Province as a vibrant hub for cultural tourism in celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary Golden Jubilee. The pageant will be coordinated by the Commerce and Tourism Division of the West Sepik Provincial Administration, led by Director Mr. Ian Tonte, in support of Mrs. Chrissilla Kabe Talis, the official MBoP Sandaun Pageant Organizer. Anna Bais, Founder and Chairlady of MBoP PNG, commended the momentum in Sandaun, stating: “The ecosystem of empowerment being built here across designers, artisans, dancers, performers, photographers, and videographers will be showcased to the rest of the country.” Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr. Albert Mutumap, who officiated the signing on behalf of the Acting Provincial Administrator, confirmed the full support of the West Sepik Provincial Administration, describing the initiative as a timely platform for unity, inclusion, and cultural pride. Echoing the enthusiasm, Mr. Kida Ambakua, District Administrator for Vanimo Green River, reaffirmed the district’s commitment, noting the pageant’s potential to promote tourism, inspire youth leadership, and boost regional visibility. The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Member for Vanimo Green River Electorate, and Patron of Miss Bird of Paradise, Belden Norman Namah, is a key champion of the program and has expressed unwavering support for the rollout of 22 Provincial Pageants. “Having 22 Provincial Culture and Tourism Ambassadors will be a powerful symbol of national identity and pride. Each young woman represents a story, a people, and a culture worthy of the world’s attention,” he said. The Miss MBoP Sandaun Pageant will be held in Vanimo from 25th to 31st August 2025. The crowned winner will go on to represent Sandaun Province at the National Miss Bird of Paradise PNG Pageant, alongside winners from all 22 provinces, each serving as a Culture and Tourism Ambassador for Papua New Guinea. The Sandaun Pageant is part of the VGRE 50th Anniversary Celebration Plan, which features four signature events: - Miss MBoP Sandaun Pageant – 25 to 31 August - VGRE Pikinini Culture Show- 12 to 14 September - VGRE Musical Festival – 15 September - Sandaun Selkambang Show – 16 September Together, these events create a meaningful platform to honor the nation’s Golden Jubilee by celebrating cultural diversity, empowering communities, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.