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Australia’s enduring commitment to Papua New Guinea’s economic reform has been reaffirmed by Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs. Speaking at PNG Investment Week on 9 December in Sydney, McDonald highlighted what he described as a relationship “joined at the hip,” emphasising Australia’s deep commitment to PNG’s economic progress, stability and long-term development. McDonald said it was a great honour to join PNG Investment Week, noting that the event demonstrated PNG’s economic promise and the strength of partnerships that underpin stability and growth throughout the Pacific. He also referenced the significance of the opening of the week, marked by the historic appearance of Anthony Albanese and James Marape. Reaffirming Australia’s long-standing support, McDonald emphasised: “You can count on Australia’s continued presence in PNG to support improved economic progress, security and regional development. Australia’s efforts create lasting benefits for investors, businesses, and communities for future generations.” He highlighted Australia’s backing of PNG’s IMF-led economic reform programme, stating: “We have provided more than 3.1 billion in budget support to back in the program that Papua New Guinea has embarked on with the International Monetary Fund. The budget deficit has decreased from just over 8 per cent of GDP in 2020, to 1.1 per cent of GDP in the 2026 budget. And there have been major improvements in relation to foreign exchange related challenges.” Growing Business Confidence and Investment Flow McDonald noted Australia’s long history of commercial activity in PNG, including the presence of Australian banks since 1910. Along with other major Australian companies, he said these businesses have invested deeply in PNG’s growth and prosperity. Together, they employ an estimated 55,000 people and contribute to skills development across the country. Investment is accelerating in multiple sectors, with McDonald stating: “Investment is accelerating in key sectors like energy, mining, agriculture, digital services, tourism, and infrastructure. And our bilateral trading relationship continues to grow.” PNG exports to Australia grew by 56 per cent in value in the last financial year, and he said Australia is ready to help PNG diversify beyond primary commodities. McDonald also highlighted labour mobility as a major driver of economic opportunity. In the 12 months to October 2025, PNG’s labour mobility numbers grew by 30 per cent—the fastest of any country. Australia is opening new sectors as well, including a pilot programme to recruit PNG early childhood educators. “There are no caps or country quotas in the PALM scheme,” he added. Investments in Education and Human Capital McDonald outlined Australia’s new support for PNG’s education system, saying: “We announced new investments totaling more than AUD150 million in education spanning early childhood through to tertiary education and technical and vocational education and training.” He said these investments will lay the foundation for the next generation of Papua New Guinean leaders. He stressed the importance of education for business growth: “For business leaders, this means a growing pipeline of skilled PNG talent and a stable environment for investment which is proof that when we invest in education, we invest in PNG’s future.” “A healthy population underpins a productive workforce, reduces the burden of preventable disease, and ensures communities can participate fully in economic life. A strong health systems give businesses confidence, knowing that essential services, emergency response capacity and disease surveillance are in place to protect both workers and supply chains,” he added. Major Infrastructure Projects to Drive Growth Australia’s infrastructure programme remains the largest in the region, McDonald said. The AIFFP-funded PNG Ports Infrastructure Investment Program is the largest initiative in the AIFFP portfolio, with more than AUD620 million committed to upgrading ports in Kimbe, Oro Bay, Daru, Kavieng and Lae. The Kimbe Port upgrade alone will create about 300 local construction jobs. On telecommunications, he highlighted critical upcoming investments, noting that Australia is offering three new undersea international cable connections. These are projected to increase internet coverage in PNG by 16 per cent and could add up to PGK3.4 billion to PNG’s GDP by 2028, supporting the country’s ambition of becoming a 200-billion-kina economy by 2030. The new Pukpuk Mutual Defence Treaty elevates PNG–Australia cooperation to match the trust and strategic weight of the relationship. On policing, he said: “Major infrastructure projects are underway to house new recruits,” and upgrades at Bomana “will soon allow training for more than 500 recruits each year.” The Bomana Regional Centre of Excellence is now a flagship for Pacific policing cooperation, hosting training for 11 Pacific nations. Reflecting on PNG’s 50th independence anniversary, McDonald said the Australian campaign Yumi Stap Wantaim captures a partnership that began long before independence. He recalled Marape’s description of the two nations being “joined at the hip,” and echoed Albanese’s words: “We are mates, we are equals, we are allies.” “There is no challenge we cannot face. And no opportunity we cannot seize. Side by side and step by step.”

A 1-megawatt Buin Solar Farm was officially launched last Friday in Buin Town, marking a major milestone in Bougainville’s renewable energy journey. The project, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), will deliver clean and reliable electricity to homes, schools, hospitals and businesses across Buin and its surrounding communities — reaching nearly 80 percent of the population. In his welcoming remarks, Chief Albert Nukuitu reflected on the community’s determination to keep Buin powered through difficult years. “In 2018, we formed Buin Power — a community-driven effort that ran 22 hours a day without government funding,” he said. “These young people gave their lives to serve the community and deserve recognition as Bougainville Power moves forward.” The solar farm now transforms that legacy into a regionwide power solution, integrating solar panels, battery storage and backup generators to ensure a constant energy supply while cutting fossil fuel dependency. President Ishmael Toroama, in his keynote address, commended the people of Bougainville for their resilience and unity, describing the solar project as a milestone in the region’s journey towards self-reliance. “What we have achieved today is not by chance,” he said. “It is through our own hands, our pride and our unity as Bougainvilleans. Peace is here to stay.” The President expressed gratitude to development partners for their continued collaboration and encouraged communities to take ownership of projects that contribute to Bougainville’s growth. “We must take ownership of our land, our power and our future,” he said. “When we work together, we strengthen our journey towards independence.” Japanese Ambassador Hisanobu Mochizuki reaffirmed Japan’s support for Bougainville, describing the project as a reflection of long-standing friendship and cooperation. “This solar farm will help stimulate the local economy by improving access to clean energy,” the Ambassador said. He also highlighted Japan’s ongoing assistance to Bougainville, including the construction of 15 coastal bridges, support for the 2019 Bougainville Referendum and the building of new school facilities. UNDP Resident Representative Nicholas Booth noted that the event coincided with United Nations Day, marking 80 years since the UN Charter came into force and 50 years since Papua New Guinea joined the UN. “Bougainville once knew the scars of war, but today it stands for peace,” Booth said. “This solar farm represents renewal — linking peace, equality and sustainable development.” He added that the project will reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent, deliver steady power to essential services and directly benefit more than 200 households. Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei also acknowledged the continued partnership with Japan and UNDP, describing the initiative as a vital step towards Bougainville’s energy independence. “Bougainville Power will manage generation and distribution across Buin, Arawa and Buka,” he said, adding that upcoming government initiatives — including plans for a new hospital, teachers’ college, market facilities and major road improvements — will also be supported by this project. The Buin Solar Farm will expand its network to nearby villages and missions, including Piano, Tokaino, Tabago and Kangu, covering a 48-kilometre radius.

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) has officially sworn in its new Board members during a ceremony at Kwalimu Haus in Port Moresby, marking a key step in strengthening governance and oversight across the nation’s tourism sector. The appointments complete TPA’s legal requirements under the TPA Act 1993, ensuring the Authority operates with proper governance and accountability. The new Board includes ex-officio members such as the Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, the Head of the Department responsible for Finance and Planning, and the Chief Executive Officer of TPA. Other members represent key segments of the tourism industry, including tour operators, the national airline, hoteliers, tourism attractions, third-level airlines, banks and financial institutions, and the tourism industry association. This diverse composition is designed to ensure broad and balanced representation of the sector. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Belden Norman Namah, congratulated the new board members, describing their appointment as timely. “The board’s leadership is vital for building tourism infrastructure, strengthening community participation, and forging a sustainable public-private partnership framework for tourism development in PNG,” he said. TPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Eric Mossman Uvovo, emphasised the significance of the swearing-in. “This is more than a procedural requirement. It marks a renewed commitment to stronger governance, effective policy implementation, and better collaboration across the tourism sector,” he said. The newly constituted Board is expected to lead TPA in strengthening tourism governance and oversight, enhancing partnerships with provincial authorities and industry stakeholders, and supporting sustainable tourism development that benefits local communities and businesses. It will also ensure that policies translate into real, positive outcomes for tourism operators, including SMEs, while promoting Papua New Guinea’s cultural and natural attractions globally.

State-owned enterprises, businesses, companies, and key government departments in the nation’s capital have joined a unified campaign to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Papua New Guinea, with the Governor of the National Capital District acknowledging that the government itself has been the major missing link in adequately tackling this crisis. The Department of Community Development and Religion, in collaboration with the National Capital District Commission, UN Women, the European Union, the Government of Australia, the Government of the United States of America, and development partners, convened a joint press conference on November 25 to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls. This was part of the 20 Days of Human Rights Activism launched on November 20 in Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province. This year’s global theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” focuses on addressing rapidly increasing online and technology-facilitated violence, including cyberbullying, harassment, and non-consensual image sharing. PNG’s national theme, “It’s My Responsibility – Let’s Work Together to Prevent All Forms of Violence,” links this effort with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary, emphasizing shared responsibility across all sectors and communities. The conference highlighted the EVAW and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign that runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). Throughout the 16 Days, partners also mark World AIDS Day (December 1), the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3), and other key observances with joint advocacy, digital campaigns, human rights trainings, sign language training, film festivals, and youth-led actions that reinforce the message of dignity, equality, and safety for all. Hon. Jason Peter, MP and Minister for Community Development and Religion, said: “We join the world in marking the International Day for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Violence against women and girls remains one of our greatest human rights and development challenges, and ending it is both a national priority and a shared responsibility that begins with each of us." He added that the government, with the strong support of our development partners, NGOs, and community leaders, is taking practical actions to end violence. "On this special day, I call on families, schools, workplaces, men and boys, and leaders at all levels to promote respect, equality, and responsibility as we work together to make our country (PNG) safer and fairer for all women and girls," he said. Hon. Powes Parkop, MP, Governor of the National Capital District, said: “Let us all stand together to take a stand to end violence against women and girls at home, in the workplace, in public places, and in cyberspace.” For his part, Mr. Richard Howard, UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, said that violence against women and girls in Papua New Guinea remains a major barrier to equality and development. "This year’s call to unite to end digital violence against all women and girls reminds us that safety must reach every space, including the online world where many still face abuse and intimidation. Real change needs leadership, accountability, and a shift in attitudes among men and boys. Together with the government, civil society, and partners like Australia, the EU, the Republic of Korea, and the United States, we can support a country where every woman and girl lives with safety and dignity, both online and offline," he said. Ms. Elizabeth LeBas, Minister Counsellor, Australian High Commission to Papua New Guinea, said that Australia stands side by side with PNG in calling for an end to all forms of violence against women and girls, including online.  "Empowering and ending violence against women and girls is a key priority of the PNG-Australia Partnership – in all that we do and everywhere we work. We recognize that safety is important online and offline. Australia’s Online Safety Act of 2021 and the introduction of a social media ban for under-16s place Australia at the international forefront in the fight against online harm," she said. LeBas said taht Australia will continue to work with PNG partners to address, respond to, and prevent violence – including gender-based violence (GBV) and sorcery accusation-related violence (SARV) – and empower women and girls through PNG Women Lead and Law and Justice Partnership. Her Excellency Erika Hasnoz, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union to PNG, said that the European Union is a strong global defender of the human rights of women and girls and opposes all forms of gender-based violence, including online and technology-facilitated. "In Papua New Guinea, the EU is funding several programs that empower women and girls. For example, we support GBV referral pathways for survivors, are revitalizing the Village Court System, and develop digital skills for women and girls. This is made possible by the engagement and determination of PNG authorities and all stakeholders," Hasnoz siad. U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Ann Marie Yastishock, said: “The United States takes every opportunity to defend and promote women and girls across the world. Gender-based violence undermines stability and prosperity. When women and girls are safe, nations are stronger, and communities can reach their full potential.” The Department (DFCDR) and UN Women acknowledged the longstanding leadership and support of the European Union Delegation, the Government of Australia, the Government of the United States of America, NCDC, and the GBV Secretariat in advancing gender equality, strengthening GBV prevention systems, and enabling community-driven change across Papua New Guinea. The awareness programs were hosted by Hon. Powes Parkop in conjunction with the 20 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Community awareness programs were run by the National District Commission from November 20–30 at different locations across Port Moresby, especially in urban settlements and busy suburbs. The program included free movie screenings, awareness talks, community cleanups, and community mobilization for change. Governor Parkop Leads as Businesses and Companies Commit to Support and Combat GBV Governor Parkop, as Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, secured commitments from administrative heads of SOEs, including Air Niugini, PNG Ports Corporation, and the National Development Bank, alongside representatives from the United Nations and disciplinary forces, to actively join the campaign with the Redvember End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Walk on November 30, 2025. This program strategically focuses on the active participation of the government in NCD as an essential first step, with all Secretaries of Departments, Chairmen of Boards, CEOs, and MDs of state-owned enterprises and other agencies signing a pledge to take all steps to end GBV in their departments, organizations, and lives. Governor Parkop said that while the NCD Commission, as the municipal government of Port Moresby, has taken the lead in becoming the gold standard organization with zero tolerance for GBV at the workplace, in communities, and at homes, NCDC alone cannot succeed unless all other government organizations in the city also join NCDC’s efforts. “The success of the National GBV Response and Prevention Strategy requires all levels of government in the city to take leadership and walk the talk. Otherwise, all our efforts and resources will continue to fail. NCDC and all national government departments and agencies have to take ownership and implement the strategy before we call on our people to follow suit.” To highlight this commitment, two major awareness events were scheduled: The Corporate EVAW Walk: Organized by the corporate sector on November 21. The Whole-of-Government Redvember EVAW Walk: Led by Governor Parkop and involving government departments, state agencies, and SOEs on November 30. Redvember 2025, ‘A Sea of Red’ Businesses, companies, and government organizations came together in a national stand as part of the 16 Days of Activism on Sunday, November 30, for the Walk to End Violence, especially against women and girls. Governor Powes Parkop acknowledged the thousands of people who participated in this year’s Redvember Walk, calling the massive turnout a significant moment and a tipping point in the campaign to eliminate violence against women and girls. The turnout was described as a “sea of red” stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers, temporarily stopping traffic along the Poreporena Freeway for up to two hours from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. The day’s program included secretaries and CEOs signing a pledge to take concrete action and integrate the GBV strategy into their corporate plans, codes of ethics, and contracts of employment across all government departments, SOEs, and state agencies. Governor Parkop specifically acknowledged participation from 23 government departments, Members of Parliament, State Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, SOEs, agencies of state, and city residents. He also recognized the commitment of the private sector, civil society organizations, and community groups, including Active City, Amazing Port Moresby, and Men of Honor from the Digicel Foundation. “When government starts to make and take the pledge and walk the talk, that’s when real change starts to happen. This leading action in Port Moresby will create a ripple effect, ultimately contributing to efforts across the country to end GBV and violence against women.”