PNG Haus Bung

Prime Minister James Marape has arrived in the United States of America to begin an important diplomatic week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.Flying in from Washington, DC, the Prime Minister was received by Papua New Guinea’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H.E Fred Sarufa at La Guardia Airport, New York, today at 12:49 PM (New York Time).Prime Minister Marape begins his packed New York itinerary tonight with a dinner hosted by President of the United States, Donald Trump in honour of the 81st UNGA.Moving away from standard diplomatic observation, the Prime Minister has a demanding schedule filled with key bilateral talks, specialized international summits, and corporate roundtables.This full itinerary will culminate on Friday, September 25, when Prime Minister Marape takes the global stage to address the 81st UNGA General Assembly and deliver the Papua New Guinea Country Statement (4:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, PNG Time).Prime Minister Marape and his ministerial delegation will depart New York on Sunday, 27th September.This intense week of legal, environmental, and corporate negotiation re-establishes Papua New Guinea’s standing as an active, solution-focused leader on the global stage.

The Australian Wheelaroos have named their 10-player squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, marking a major milestone in the team’s preparations to take on the world’s best on home soil. Following an extensive selection and preparation process, the final team brings together a strong combination of experience, skill, speed and versatility as Australia prepares to compete on the world stage. Wheelchair Rugby League Australia Chair Darren Gocher congratulated the players selected and said representing Australia at a home World Cup would be a significant honour. “On behalf of the Board, I congratulate the 10 players selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup,” said Darren. “Selection for the Wheelaroos is an enormous achievement and reflects the commitment, hard work and performances of these players throughout the campaign. “We are incredibly proud of the team that will represent Australia, and equally appreciative of every player who has been part of the broader Wheelaroos program and contributed to our preparations. “We also want people who watch this team to see Wheelchair Rugby League for what it is – Rugby League. It’s fast, physical, skilful and fiercely competitive, and these players are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to represent Austalia,” he said. “We want Australia to get behind the Wheelaroos as this team takes on the world’s best on home soil.” Wheelaroos Head Coach Brett Clark said finalising the team was an important milestone after months of preparation and competition for places. “Selecting a World Cup team is never easy and there were some very difficult decisions to make,” Brett said. “We’ve selected a group that we believe gives us the right balance of experience, skill, speed and versatility to compete against the best teams in the world. "Every player brings something different to this team, and we’re confident in the group we’ve selected. “The standards across the group have continued to rise and the players have pushed each other throughout the preparation period, which is exactly what we want heading into a World Cup. “There is still plenty of work ahead of us, but our ambition is clear – we want to be the best in the world and we’re excited about the opportunity to represent Australia in front of a home crowd.” The Wheelaroos will head into the Rugby League World Cup with the ongoing support of the NRL, alongside AtkinsRéalis (Presenting Partner), Advocates Online (Official Partner), Astris PME (Equipment Partner), Classic Sports (Official Apparel Partner). The team will continue its preparations over the coming weeks ahead of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Wollongong. Australian Wheelaroos 2026 World Cup team Cory Cannane Diab Karim Peter Arbuckle Adam Tannock Zac Schumacher Bayley McKenna Dan Anstey Liam Luff Toby Popple Stephan Rochecouste Head Coach: Brett Clark Source: NRL

Papua New Guinea weightlifting coach Konio Toua is in the United States to take part in an international coaching enrichment program at the University of Delaware.The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC), through Olympic Solidarity funding support, has sent Toua to the XVII International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP) in Newark, Delaware, USA, from September 17 to October 3, 2026.Toua, the younger sister of Olympic weightlifting legend Dika Toua, is a successful 2026 ICECP scholarship recipient.Together with her sisters Dika and Thelma, Konio is part of a family well known in PNG weightlifting. She currently coaches at club level, mentoring young and developing athletes.The 17-day program will give Toua access to international coaching education and a hands-on apprenticeship placement, with PNGOC expecting the knowledge gained to contribute to strengthening the sport and athlete development pathways in PNG.PNGOC Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu said Toua’s selection reflected the calibre of coaching talent coming through the country’s sporting federations.“Coach Toua's selection for ICECP reflects the calibre of coaching talent coming through our federations. We are grateful to Olympic Solidarity and the partnership they have with the University of Delaware to provide these opportunities for our coaches. Investing in coach development is central to building a sustainable high-performance pathway for sports.”Toua’s coursework at the University of Delaware covers anti-doping and clean sport education, sport psychology, biomechanics, athlete development and coaching leadership.She will also complete an individual coaching project from concept through to evaluation.From September 28, Toua will undertake a week-long practical apprenticeship placement before returning to PNG on October 3rd.Toua said being selected for the program was a great honour and an opportunity to learn from coaches around the world.“It gives me the chance to learn from coaches around the world and bring that knowledge home — to expand weightlifting into more provinces, identify young talent, and build a stronger pathway for athletes across the country, regardless of where they live in PNG.”The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee congratulated Coach Konio Toua on her selection and wished her every success as she completes ICECP XVII and returns home.

The VAVA Gold Men have been crowned champions of the 2026 National Open Volleyball Championship after defeating NCDVA Gold 3–2 in a nail-biting Grand Final over the weekend.The match went all the way to a deciding set, with VAVA Gold showing experience, determination, discipline and composure to claim the championship title.The VAVA Gold Men were guided by current and former PNG representatives and volleyball veterans Junior Harold Gima, Walter Henao, Junior Momo Taeara and John Soi Jnr, who played key leadership roles throughout the competition.Their experience, knowledge and composure on the court helped steer the team through to the Grand Final victory.Meanwhile, the VAVA Women’s Gold Team also displayed tremendous courage and fighting spirit in their Grand Final against Fairfax 1.Although they fell short of securing the championship, the women fought strongly until the final point and finished the competition with a commendable performance.Led by volleyball veterans Clara Vele and Aileen Gima, the Women’s Gold Team demonstrated the strength, resilience and unity that VAVA volleyball is known for.VAVA President Lawes Rabura congratulated both teams on their performances, saying the village was extremely proud of their efforts.“We congratulate our Men’s Gold Team on winning the championship and commend our Women’s Gold Team for the courage and determination they displayed in the Grand Final. Our veteran players provided valuable leadership, while our younger players stepped up and showed great promise. Both teams represented VAVA with pride.”VAVA also acknowledged its sponsors and partners, including Hon. Thomas Opa, Hon. Sir Ano Pala, Hon. Turaho Morea, Juice Bar, Love & Light Events, GoldRing Media, Mr Jack Lindsay, Mr Darren Ali and Kuti Sox.The association also thanked its coaches, team managers, officials, families and supporters for their contribution throughout the competition.The results highlight Vabukori’s proud volleyball tradition and VAVA’s continued commitment to developing the next generation of players through the guidance of experienced volleyball veterans.VAVA Gold Men are the 2026 National Open Volleyball Champions, while the VAVA Women’s Gold Team finished with a strong Grand Final performance.

For communities living around the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project in Madang province, the development of the mine has brought employment, skills training and support for schools, health, agriculture and basic infrastructure over the past two decades.The impact of the project was highlighted during Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited’s Independence luncheon in Madang on September 15, as the company reflected on its contribution to communities and national development.Community Affairs General Manager Eric Kuman said the project had created opportunities for Papua New Guineans through jobs, training and business activities since construction began in 2006.The project moved into production after construction was completed in 2012 and has since developed into a major mining and processing operation, with the mine at Kurumbukari and refinery at Basamuk.Mr. Kuman said Ramu NiCo had also supported communities in areas including education, health, agriculture, roads, water supply and financial literacy.The company has provided school infrastructure and school fee assistance, while some of its programmes have focused on women and disadvantaged members of communities.Mr. Kuman said these forms of support were particularly important in areas where government services could be difficult to reach.The project has also provided royalties, with Mr. Kuman saying these are distributed annually among 22 local-level governments across Madang Province to support development activities at district and local levels.He acknowledged the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare for supporting the development of the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt Project in Madang.Mr. Kuman said the project would continue to provide opportunities for communities living along the project corridor for the remaining life of the mine.Ramu NiCo Vice-President Meng Deyong also congratulated Papua New Guineans on the country’s 51st Independence anniversary and acknowledged employees working at the Kurumbukari Mine, Basamuk Refinery and the company’s other offices.The luncheon brought together employees and management to mark Independence and reflect on the project’s role in Madang and Papua New Guinea.

A primary school in Markham District, Morobe province is being prepared for a major change, with the near completion of a new classroom block that could see it take its first Grade 9 students next year.The four-in-one classroom building is being constructed at the Waritzian primary school with K200,000 funding from the Markham District Development Authority. The new facility is expected to provide the space needed for the school’s planned transition to junior high school.The expansion could create a new opportunity for children from Waritzian and surrounding communities to continue their education without having to leave their area after primary school.Local carpenters and workers have been engaged to build the classrooms, keeping the construction work within the community while giving local tradespeople an opportunity to apply their skills.School officials are now looking towards 2027, when the first Grade 9 intake could begin if construction is completed and the necessary approvals are granted by education authorities.The planned expansion is also expected to increase access to secondary-level education for children in nearby communities, particularly those who may otherwise have to travel further from home to continue school.The new classroom is therefore not only adding infrastructure to Waritzian Primary School but also creating the space for the school to serve students beyond primary education.

Indonesian and Chinese nationals have been put in the spotlight following a human trafficking raid conducted by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).Commissioner of Police David Manning announced the disruption of an alleged international human trafficking operation in Port Moresby city, with four Chinese nationals detained as police prepare a range of serious charges.Acting on intelligence developed by the RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at a downtown Port Moresby residence this morning and located 39 Indonesian victims—five women and 34 men—confined inside a three-bedroom property.It is alleged that the 39 individuals were approached through social media with false offers of employment and subsequently held against their will as part of a complex people-smuggling enterprise.Commissioner Manning condemned the criminal enterprise which sought to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people.“There will be no leniency for those who traffic and exploit people. RPNGC Investigators are committed to ensuring that every offender identified through this investigation is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of these crimes,” Commissioner Manning said.“Investigators are tracing the movements and connections of the alleged traffickers, including members of the network operating both within Papua New Guinea and overseas. We expect this work to lead to further arrests.”Commissioner Manning said the safety, welfare and dignity of the victims remain the immediate priority, with the Papua New Guinea Government working closely with the Embassy of Indonesia.“Consular support has been provided to all 39 victims. Papua New Guinea Government agencies, including health professionals and the Department of Foreign Affairs, are also providing the necessary assistance.“It is deeply disturbing that such alleged crimes could occur in our country. At the same time, we commend the professional RPNGC investigators that located these victims and brought them to safety.“Papua New Guinea is founded on Christian values, respect for the law and, above all, respect for the dignity of every person.”Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, who led the operation, said the outcome marked an important success against the serious threat of transnational crime.“Initial inquiries indicate that those detained may be connected to a wider transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” DCP Yamasombi said.“The RPNGC will work closely with international policing partners to support efforts to identify and dismantle any offshore components of this criminal network.”“Human trafficking is a grave crime that police agencies around the world take seriously. The RPNGC will continue working with international partners to identify offenders, dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable people.”The investigation remains ongoing. Further information will be released at an appropriate time.

For 18 years, communities in Rai Coast District in Madang province have gathered to celebrate the dances, traditions and cultural knowledge passed down through generations at the Kangal Festival.The annual festival at Sidor Government Station brings together people of different ages to showcase traditional dances, cultural attire and customs, with Rai Coast performances continuing into the night.Organisers say the festival is an important opportunity for younger generations to learn about and appreciate their cultural heritage.Ramu NiCo has supported the festival for the third consecutive year, providing financial assistance on Thursday, September 10, 2026.Ramu NiCo Community Affairs General Manager Eric Kuman said the company was pleased to support an event that helped communities maintain their cultural identity.He said the company, as part of the Rai Coast community, remained committed to supporting activities that brought people together and helped preserve local traditions.Kangal Festival chairman Kevin Murray thanked Ramu NiCo for its continued support, saying partnerships were important to ensuring the festival continued to grow.The Kangal Festival remains a major gathering for Rai Coast communities, giving people an opportunity to celebrate their identity while passing cultural knowledge to the next generation.

The prime minister is currently in the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this week where he intends to talk more about the country and the region in light of geopolitical tensions.Prime Minister James Marape is attending the 81st Session of the UNGA in New York, where he will represent the country and address issues of national, regional and global importance.The 81st United Nations General Assembly General Debate will be held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 22–26 September and conclude on 28 September 2026.Marape said Papua New Guinea (PNG) would use the global forum to contribute its voice on major international issues while advancing matters important to the country and the Pacific region.“We will speak on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, our Pacific region and the wider global community, while contributing Papua New Guinea’s perspective to discussions on the major challenges facing the world.”Prime Minister Marape said Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will serve as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.“Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso will once again hold the fort as Acting Prime Minister while I am away representing our country,” he said.

A truck carrying passengers crashed into the bush along the Madang-Ramu National Highway at Ono village in Madang province, killing seven people and seriously injuring 17 others.The crash happened at about 7:00 PM on Sunday as the Isuzu truck, registration MAJ:316, was travelling from Bogia to Mutzing in Markham following a church service.Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed the crash and stated that the exact number of passengers travelling in the truck was unknown.PPC Baim said 17 injured passengers were admitted to the hospital and seven people died, bringing the total known number of people involved to 24.Other injured passengers who were not hospitalized continued their journey to Mutzing.Police reported that the truck was travelling downhill and negotiating a curve when it ran off the road, knocked down roadside barriers, and travelled approximately 150 metres into the bush before landing head-on.Six people died at the scene, while another died later in the hospital. Baim stated that the truck was registered and had been in good condition.He noted that police would investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the overload of passengers contributed to the incident and whether the driver had undergone the required testing prior to receiving a license.The driver was also injured and admitted to the hospital. PPC Baim explained that police would interview the driver once he was well enough to speak, which was expected to be within two to three days.Furthermore, he called on new drivers to undergo proper testing through traffic officers before obtaining driver's licenses.“There are no shortcuts,” PPC Baim stated.

The Digicel PNG Foundation has announced the appointment of Valda Kilangis-Kereu as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing mission to support communities across Papua New Guinea.Valda joined the Foundation in December 2021 as Program Manager and was promoted to Head of Programs in 2022, demonstrating her dedication and leadership within the organization.Following the departure of the previous CEO, Valda was appointed Acting CEO, where she successfully guided the Foundation through a transitional period, ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of vital programs and services to communities nationwide.Chair of the Digicel PNG Foundation Board, Susil Nelson-Kongoi, expressed confidence in Valda’s leadership, stating that her appointment reflects the Board’s trust in her capabilities and unwavering commitment to the Foundation’s mission.“Valda has demonstrated strong leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. During her time as Acting CEO, she has effectively steered the organization through an important phase while maintaining a focus on delivering sustainable development outcomes across Papua New Guinea,” Ms. Nelson-Kongoi said.She added, “Her appointment is a testament to her dedication, capability, and the positive impact she has already made within the organization. The Board is confident that under her leadership, the Digicel PNG Foundation is well-positioned to continue expanding opportunities and improving lives throughout the country.”Expressing her gratitude, Valda Kilangis-Kereu said she was honored to be entrusted with leading the Foundation into its next chapter.“Digicel PNG Foundation has a proud history of supporting communities and creating opportunities for Papua New Guineans. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by the Board and look forward to working alongside our partners, stakeholders, and team members to continue delivering sustainable and meaningful outcomes for communities across the country,” she stated.In addition to her leadership role, Valda is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration through Digicel PNG’s Further Education Assistance Program, demonstrating her commitment to professional development as she leads the Foundation’s efforts to drive positive social change across Papua New Guinea.The appointment signals a new era for the Digicel PNG Foundation, with a focus on strengthening community programs, fostering partnerships, and expanding opportunities for development throughout the nation.     

Australia has appointed Jamie Isbister as its next High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea.Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced the appointment today, saying Australia and PNG have never been closer.She said the Pukpuk Alliance reflects the deep trust between the two countries as neighbours, partners and friends.Isbister is a senior career officer with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Deputy Secretary of the Development, Multilateral and Europe Group.He has more than 30 years of experience in foreign, humanitarian and development policy.His previous roles include Australia’s Ambassador for the Environment, Australian Government Humanitarian Coordinator and Minister Counsellor for Development in Africa.Minister Wong also thanked outgoing High Commissioner Ewen McDonald AM for his contribution to advancing Australia’s interests in Papua New Guinea.