AGP Executive Report

Trade Capacity Building: New Zealand backed Papua New Guinea’s trade negotiation skills with a Port Moresby workshop (4–7 Aug), led by PNG’s National Trade Office and NZ consultant Dr Tracey Epps, as part of the 2025 NZ–PNG Economic Plan of Action. Correctional Reform: Commissioner Noel Sarei says rehabilitation and reintegration will sit at the centre of PNG Correctional Service reforms, with a new welfare and rehabilitation role and a policy covering education, training, counselling and post-release support. Health Cooperation: During PNGDF’s Tamiok Strike 26, U.S. and PNG medical teams treated an extra 485 patients (valued at over US$250,000), boosting care and skills alongside local clinicians. Digital Transformation: Heineken’s Red Stripe rolled out a new “Digital Backbone” platform in PNG, linking production, inventory, warehousing, logistics and order management, while expanding AI use in procurement and supply chain. Environment & Wildlife: Scientists report the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Auwo) was scientifically confirmed again on Fergusson Island via camera traps, after no documentation since 1882—raising stakes for habitat protection. Marine Conservation: National Geographic Pristine Seas begins a Samoa expedition to survey biodiversity across newly protected marine areas, supporting ocean protection plans that cover 30% of Samoa’s waters. Security for Elections: PNG’s Police Minister Sir John Pundari outlined seven national security priorities, including a firearms amnesty, election security and El Niño preparedness. Energy & Industry Proposal: Gulf leaders are urging a feasibility study for an oil refinery at Orokolo Bay under the Papua LNG project to deliver long-term downstream jobs and energy security.

Wildlife & Biosecurity: A giant Papuan monitor lizard was verified in Italy’s Montichiari, triggering a month-long hunt using drones with thermal cameras and cage traps—raising fresh questions about how PNG’s wildlife can be protected when animals turn up far from home. Conservation Breakthrough: PNG’s black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Auwo) has been scientifically confirmed again after 140 years, with camera-trap footage from Fergusson Island—good news, but researchers warn logging and habitat loss could still threaten the remaining population. Climate & Health: A Pacific Pre-COP push is spotlighting climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable health systems, including work in PNG to strengthen primary care and healthier food and water systems. Education & Tech for Sustainability: PNG launched its first Integrated ICT Policy and EduNex AI-powered learning platform, aiming to connect schools and improve access to quality teaching across rugged regions. Health Promotion: PNG marked World Breastfeeding Week with a strong push for the “Golden Hour” after birth—skin-to-skin and early breastfeeding to improve survival and growth. Energy & Jobs Debate: Gulf leaders are urging PNG to consider an oil refinery at Orokolo Bay as part of the Papua LNG project, arguing downstream processing could deliver longer-term benefits and local employment. Governance & Reform: Commissioner Noel Sarei says rehabilitation and reintegration will be the cornerstone of PNG Correctional Service reforms, with education, vocational training and post-release support.

Pacific Response Group handover: New Zealand Defence Force has taken over leadership of the Pacific Response Group from Australia, keeping a multinational team ready for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief across the Pacific, including PNG. Health cooperation in Lae: During PNGDF’s Tamiok Strike 26, U.S.-PNG medical teams treated hundreds of patients and boosted local capacity through shared care and training. Corrections reform focus: Commissioner Noel Sarei says rehabilitation and reintegration will sit at the centre of PNG Correctional Service reforms, with new welfare and rehabilitation roles plus a national policy. Digital backbone for Red Stripe: Heineken’s Red Stripe went live on a new enterprise digital platform in PNG, aiming to improve supply chain visibility and data governance. Immunisation push in Western/South Fly: A province-wide catch-up campaign is using digital tools and tablets to track vaccinations and respond to outbreaks, including measles concerns in New Ireland. Biodiversity win: Scientists have confirmed the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Auwo) still survives on Fergusson Island, a major step after more than a century without scientific documentation. Education tech: PNG launched its first integrated ICT policy and AI-powered EduNex learning platform for schools. Cost-of-living debate: A call for long-term productivity and domestic production measures, arguing subsidies alone won’t fix rising prices.

Wildlife Update: A camera trap on Fergusson Island has provided the first scientific confirmation in 140 years that the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Auwo) still survives in Papua New Guinea, after researchers and local hunters guided the search in rugged forest habitat. Conservation & Biodiversity: The same week also highlights how species protection can hinge on practical action, from community knowledge helping locate rare birds to new approaches that reduce harm to wildlife. Agriculture & Food Security: Cocoa farmers in East New Britain received an orientation and appreciation workshop, with emphasis on nursery practices and inter-planting cocoa with coconut to boost productivity and land use. Climate & Resilience: Pacific leaders advanced climate finance ideas aimed at building climate-resilient education systems, tying long-term adaptation to how communities learn and prepare. Governance & Environment: Port Moresby’s housing debate continues, with calls for transparent, equitable development that treats customary landowners as partners—not just compensation recipients. Security & Environment: PNGDF intelligence training graduated 30 operators, strengthening the force’s ability to monitor and respond to risks that can affect communities and stability.

Conservation Deed: Torricelli clan leaders in PNG signed a legally binding “conservation deed” to ban commercial logging and mining, and to protect threatened species like the tenkile and weimang tree kangaroos—renewable every five years and built through free, prior and informed consent. Wildlife Update: A camera trap on Fergusson Island delivered the first scientific confirmation in 140 years of the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Auwo), with researchers crediting local guides and community knowledge—while warning logging and habitat loss could still threaten the remaining population. Marine Protection: Pacific governments are pushing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, linking large marine protected areas across PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands to safeguard migration routes and spawning grounds. Climate Policy: PNG’s CCDA suspended the K50 Green Fee at Jackson International Airport, citing a need to review the collection system after criticism over consultation and transparency. Food & Farming: New Ireland committed K1 million to a partnership with the Fresh Produce Development Authority to boost commercial agriculture, cut post-harvest losses, and improve food security. Biodiversity & Community: Cocoa farmers in Gazelle received orientation support from Coconut Product Limited and the Cocoa Board, with a focus on nursery practices and inter-planting to raise productivity.

Maritime & Energy Investment: Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina welcomed China Railway Construction Corporation’s push to expand in PNG beyond construction into ship and boat building, slipways, mining and petroleum, urging feasibility work that creates jobs and transfers skills. Climate Policy & Tourism: PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority suspended the airport “K50 Green Fee” for departing non-citizens, citing a review of how the fee is collected after tourism stakeholders raised concerns about consultation and visitor impact. Biodiversity Protection: A new “conservation deed” in the Torricelli Mountains legally protects rainforest and threatened species, including the tenkile and weimang tree kangaroos, banning commercial logging and mining on clan lands. Marine Conservation: Melanesian governments are advancing plans for a connected network of ocean reserves, including PNG’s proposed western Manus no-take sanctuary, aiming to safeguard migration routes and spawning grounds. Agriculture & Food Security: New Ireland committed K1 million to a three-year partnership with the Fresh Produce Development Authority to boost commercial horticulture, cut post-harvest losses and raise rural incomes. Mining Watch: Great Pacific Gold began diamond drilling at the Magiabe target in East New Britain as part of its Wild Dog project, adding more exploration pressure to a sensitive region.

Defence & Security: Papua New Guinea Defence Force intelligence capacity was boosted after 30 operators graduated from an Intelligence Operators Course, training them to collect, analyse and report information for commanders. Election Readiness: PM James Marape says PNG will request 200 defence personnel from Timor-Leste to help supervise the 2027 election, as part of a planned 1,000-strong multinational election security and observation team. Conservation Deeds: A new legally binding “conservation deed” in the Torricelli Mountains protects rainforest and threatened species, including tenkile and weimang tree kangaroos, by banning commercial logging and mining and restricting hunting. Marine Protection: Melanesian governments are moving toward a connected network of marine reserves, with PNG, Vanuatu and others planning large protected areas to safeguard biodiversity and migration routes. Climate Policy & Fees: The Climate Change and Development Authority has suspended PNG’s K50 Green Fee for departing non-citizens at Jacksons International Airport while it reviews the collection system after tourism concerns. Biodiversity & Wildlife Impacts: A report on Adelaide’s Rundle Mall says thousands of tree martins were injured or died after street-tree netting pushed birds out of roosting areas; the birds also travel annually from PNG and Indonesia. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Gazelle cocoa growers attended an orientation workshop with the Cocoa Board and Coconut Product Limited, focusing on nursery practices and innovation like inter-planting cocoa and coconut. Education & Resilience: PNG and Australia have launched a three-year secondary education partnership to improve teaching, school leadership, and safe, inclusive learning environments. Tourism & Development: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites officially opened under Marriott’s Sheraton brand, adding major conferencing and event facilities in the capital.

Marine Protection: Melanesian governments are pushing the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, a multinational Indigenous marine protection network linking PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands, with no-take and sustainable-use rules aimed at safeguarding coral-rich biodiversity and migration routes. Conservation Deed: In PNG’s Torricelli Mountains, clan leaders signed a legally binding “conservation deed” to ban commercial logging and mining and protect threatened tree kangaroos and other wildlife, renewing every five years. Climate Finance for Education: Pacific education and climate leaders met in Fiji to develop concept-ready proposals to unlock climate finance for climate-resilient schools as cyclones, flooding and sea-level rise disrupt learning. Green Fee Scrutiny: PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority suspended the K50 Green Fee at Jackson International Airport, citing a need to review collection methods after tourism stakeholders raised concerns about consultation and transparency. Youth & Environment Resilience: The Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force endorsed a new youth framework for 2025–2028, explicitly linking youth leadership and skills to democratic, economic and environmental resilience. Agriculture & Food Security: New Ireland committed K1 million to a three-year partnership with the Fresh Produce Development Authority to expand commercial horticulture, cut post-harvest losses and boost household incomes. Biodiversity & Culture: Researchers and communities helped shift a rare cockatoo ceremony to use naturally shed feathers, showing how tradition can protect endangered wildlife.

Conservation Deed for Tree Kangaroos: Clan leaders in PNG’s Torricelli Mountains have signed a legally binding “conservation deed” to ban commercial logging and mining, and to protect threatened species like the critically endangered tenkile and weimang tree kangaroos—renewable every five years and built through free, prior and informed consent. Ocean Protection Push: Pacific governments are moving toward one of the world’s largest linked marine protection systems, with a Melanesian Ocean Reserve corridor connecting protected areas across PNG, Vanuatu, Fiji and Solomon Islands to safeguard migration routes and spawning grounds. Climate Finance for Schools: Pacific education and climate leaders are drafting concept-ready proposals to unlock climate funding for climate-resilient education systems, responding to cyclones, flooding and sea-level rise that disrupt learning. Green Fee Suspended: PNG’s CCDA has suspended the K50 Green Fee at Jackson International Airport for departing visitors from other countries, citing a need to review collection methods after tourism stakeholders raised concerns. Agriculture Investment: New Ireland will invest K1 million with the Fresh Produce Development Authority to expand commercial horticulture, cut post-harvest losses and strengthen food security and rural incomes.

Enga Peace & Firearms: Governor Sir Peter Ipatas urged the national government to strengthen policing in Enga and backed the National Gun Amnesty, while asking for clear rules on whether it’s purely voluntary surrender or includes buy-backs and support for people handing in illegal guns. Ocean Conservation: Melanesian governments moved to create the Melanesian Ocean Reserve, a multinational Indigenous marine protection framework spanning Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, PNG and New Caledonia, focused on sustainable use and safeguarding major coral and reef fish biodiversity. Education for Learning Quality: PNG and Australia launched a three-year PNG Secondary Education Program to improve teaching and learning, strengthen school leadership, expand quality materials, and support safe, inclusive school environments. Security Capacity Building: UN officials launched a Pacific-focused UN Police Peacekeeping training course in Australia, bringing mission-ready officers from PNG and other Pacific states to strengthen regional peace operations. Diplomacy Footprint: PNG began building a permanent chancery in Vanuatu, expanding its diplomatic presence and pledging continued cooperation on climate, fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Community Recognition: Commonwealth Youth Award runner-up Phillie Julai Marai was recognised for SDG work through the Senisim PNG Programme, including rural health leadership.

Education Partnership: Australia’s Papua New Guinea Secondary Education Program (PNG SEP) has officially kicked off, backing safer, more inclusive schools and stronger teaching, leadership and STEM learning. Finance Policy: A new policy debate is comparing PNG’s superannuation market with Australia’s, warning that PNG’s smaller, less liquid funds and local withdrawal needs mean “copy-paste” reforms could backfire. Security & Guns: Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has backed the National Gun Amnesty, urging voluntary surrender while calling for clearer implementation and stronger policing capacity. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: PNG and Australia are also moving to deepen education and security links, while PNG expands its Pacific presence with a new diplomatic mission in Vanuatu. Energy & Environment Watch: TotalEnergies’ Papua LNG operator change is being lined up, with ExxonMobil expected to take over—raising fresh questions for landowners and project impacts. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Research on Guam’s brown tree snakes suggests their DNA helped them thrive after introduction, underlining ongoing risks to wildlife in the region. Community & Youth: A PNG youth leader, Phillie Julai Marai, has won a Commonwealth Youth Programme award for work tied to sustainable development goals. Governance: A commentary argues PNG needs fact-based disciplinary action and stronger compliance systems as the country heads toward the 2027 election.

PNG diplomacy: Papua New Guinea breaks new ground in the Pacific with a permanent chancery in Vanuatu, backing climate cooperation and pledging support for fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Energy & environment: Operator talks are heating up for Papua LNG, with TotalEnergies potentially handing over to ExxonMobil—raising fresh questions about timelines, landowner issues and regulatory hurdles. Biodiversity on the global stage: Pacific nations push their priorities at Nairobi meetings ahead of CBD COP17, focusing on monitoring, protected areas, marine biodiversity and sustainable wildlife management. Conservation education: Bautama’s mangrove boardwalk opens to promote conservation learning—small infrastructure, big habitat value. Agriculture for resilience: PNG’s agriculture push continues with partnerships aimed at jobs and commercial farming, including AgriConnect and renewed research links for climate-resilient crops. Wildlife science: New genetic research on Guam’s brown tree snakes highlights how invasive species can spread fast and worsen risks to wildlife and residents—relevant for PNG biosecurity planning.

Pacific Diplomacy: PNG is expanding its diplomatic footprint after joining Vanuatu in launching construction of a permanent PNG chancery in Port Vila, with leaders linking the move to deeper cooperation on climate, fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Energy & Industry: A major operator change is being lined up for the multibillion-dollar Papua LNG project, with TotalEnergies potentially handing over operations to ExxonMobil—an update that could reshape timelines and risk management for the project. Biodiversity & Oceans: Pacific nations are pushing their priorities at the global biodiversity process ahead of CBD COP17, focusing on monitoring, protected areas, marine and coastal biodiversity, and sustainable wildlife management. Food Security & Agriculture: PNG’s agriculture push stays front and centre, with government and partners backing agribusiness and value-chain efforts aimed at jobs, rural incomes and nutrition resilience, including the AgriConnect partnership and renewed focus on research and climate-resilient crops. Conservation Education: A mangrove boardwalk in Bautama has opened to promote conservation learning—small infrastructure, big message for coastal ecosystems. Wildlife Invasives: New research highlights how Guam’s brown tree snakes spread despite a small founding population, underscoring ongoing threats to wildlife and the need for stronger biosecurity.

Energy & Industry: Operator talks are heating up for Papua LNG, with TotalEnergies (since 2015) potentially handing over to ExxonMobil after legal steps are completed—an important move for PNG’s multibillion-dollar gas future. Governance & Accountability: A PNG call for disciplinary action to be fact-based and fair is tied to wider reform needs, including a stronger national compliance and performance system ahead of General Election 2027. Food Security & Agriculture: The government is pushing agribusiness partnerships to create jobs and boost commercial farming, with AgriConnect framed as a World Bank-backed step to strengthen rural incomes and sustainable growth. Biodiversity & Oceans: Pacific priorities are being pushed at the CBD COP17 pathway in Nairobi, as countries argue the world is still off track on biodiversity goals and demand better monitoring and wildlife management. Invasive Species Watch: New research on Guam’s brown tree snakes highlights how genetic factors may have helped the invasive boom—an environmental warning relevant to PNG’s wildlife risks. Education & Tech: PNG launches EduNex, an AI-powered ICT-in-education platform aimed at improving learning and school administration, especially in remote areas.

Food Security as Emergency: A call to treat food security as a national emergency, linking climate change to higher risks for rivers, farming and nutrition, and urging faster action beyond “grow on disused land.” Governance and Accountability: PNG’s push for fact-based disciplinary action and stronger compliance/performance systems aims to prevent crises and protect rule of law as the 2027 election nears. Marine Protection: Solomon Islands joins PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji’s Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a big transboundary marine biodiversity move—though details on enforcement and community input are still thin. Biodiversity Priorities at COP17: Pacific nations press for implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, warning global targets are off track. Food Systems and Agriculture Partnerships: DAL and partners back agribusiness and value chains to create jobs and improve nutrition, with World Bank-linked momentum and calls for stronger research and multi-sector delivery. Invasive Species Science: New genetic work on Guam’s brown tree snakes highlights how invaders can spread despite “founder” expectations—relevant to PNG’s biosecurity worries. Electricity and Environment: A look at how independent power producers now supply most grid power in PNG, shaping the country’s energy transition and infrastructure choices.

Remote Access, Real Conservation: JAARS aviation is helping Bible translators reach PNG’s most isolated communities, where rugged terrain and hundreds of languages make “the last mile” the hardest part. Illegal Fishing Crackdown: A new Our Ocean pact signed by PNG and others targets illegal fishing with tougher vessel transparency, but China stayed out—raising fresh pressure on regional enforcement. Marine Life Protection: Solomon Islands has joined PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji’s Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area aimed at safeguarding biodiversity—if management and community buy-in hold. Biodiversity Win: Camera-trap footage has gone viral after researchers rediscovered the black-naped pheasant-pigeon (“Auwo”), a species unseen by humans for over 140 years. Agriculture & Food Security: PNG’s agriculture push continues with World Bank-backed AgriConnect and renewed partnerships, as officials link farming to jobs, nutrition and rural resilience. Power & Environment: Independent Power Producers are generating most grid electricity in PNG, shaping how the country expands cleaner, reliable supply.