The Papua New Guinea Red Cross Society (PNGRCS) and the Australian Red Cross (ARC) reaffirmed their longstanding partnership during a three-day Partnership Strategy Co-Design Workshop held from the 26th-28th of August 2025 in Port Moresby. The workshop marked a key step in aligning strategic priorities under ARC’s new eight-year International Program, launched in January 2025. The program is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and emphasizes long-term, flexible, and partner-driven approaches. Papua New Guinea (PNG) is one of nine National Societies currently part of the program, with Tuvalu set to join later this year. PNGRCS Secretary General, Ms. Gellie Akui, expressed gratitude to the Australian Red Cross for facilitating the workshop and ensuring PNGRCS’s priorities were central to the partnership strategy. “We are deeply thankful to the Australian Red Cross for creating this opportunity to capture our priorities in the partnership strategy.” “This workshop comes at the right time, as we prepare for the mid-term review of our strategic plan, and it will help us address key issues within our Society while strengthening our ability to serve communities across PNG.” PNGRCS and ARC share a deep history whereas the PNG Red Cross Society was first established in 1951 as a branch of the Queensland Chapter of the Australian Red Cross, before becoming a National Society following independence in 1976. Since then, ARC has remained a consistent partner, supporting PNGRC’s mission to serve communities across the country. Building on this legacy, the new International Program focuses on long-term, flexible support to strengthen sustainability, community trust, and locally led humanitarian action. Meanwhile, Portfolio Manager for Pacific Programs at the Australian Red Cross Claire Hallas, said that the overarching goal of Australia’s International Program from 2025 to 2032 is to ensure National Societies are more sustainable, effectively fulfil their auxiliary role, and strengthen community trust. Having a shared partnership strategy is the first step forward. Following the workshop, the Australian Red Cross and PNGRCS committed to documenting the discussions and developing a draft shared partnership strategy. This strategy will capture the agreed priorities and serve as a guide for implementing initiatives over the coming years. Both organizations will collaborate on refining the strategy, with a draft expected by November 2025. Moreover, PNGRCS National Council Chairman, Mr. Oscar Pidian, also stated that as a National Society in a rebuilding stage, they have begun implementing their National Society Development Roadmap. “With this long-term support, we are confident the PNG Red Cross will grow stronger, more sustainable, and better able to serve communities across our country.” “On behalf of the PNG Red Cross, I also want to sincerely thank the Australian Red Cross and the Australian Government for their long-standing support.” The workshop has set a clear direction for the next phase of the partnership, ensuring the Papua New Guinea Red Cross fulfils its mandate and auxiliary role to the Government of Papua New Guinea.