A newly Australian-funded initiative is now harnessing the power of storytelling to promote peace, empathy, and non-violence among Papua New Guineans of all ages.With grant funding under the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership, The Asia Foundation (TAF) is producing a series of locally inspired books that encourage peaceful conflict resolution and challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence. These stories, written and illustrated by Papua New Guineans, will be shared among children and adults to spark conversations about making better choices and building safer, more respectful communities. The Let’s Read for Peace and Justice Project will produce and distribute nearly 7,000 storybooks in Tok Pisin, Motu, and English, making them accessible to a wide range of communities. Beyond publishing these books, TAF will organize interactive reading sessions in schools, community centres, and churches, where both children and adults can participate in discussions about respect, tolerance, and peaceful ways to resolve conflicts. The initiative also features training workshops for local authors, illustrators, and educators, helping to build skills for ongoing, community-driven storytelling. This approach will increase public understanding of the justice services and resources available, empowering individuals to seek support and solutions through both formal and informal justice pathways. This initiative is part of Australia’s ongoing partnership with Papua New Guinea to promote peace, justice, and rule of law.

Power woes and load shedding issues in PNGs industrial heartland Lae city are about to be drastically improved.PNG Power Limited (PPL) on Thursday 23rd October 2025, announced a transformative progress in terms of an overhaul of its infrastructures to be able to deliver a more reliable, stable, and constant power supply to the second largest city of the country. “Lae is switching on to a new era of energy reliability,” said Paul Bayly, Chief Executive Officer of PNG Power Ltd. “From high-voltage transmission lines to upgraded substations and new gensets, Lae city’s power issues will be greatly eased.” This major infrastructure overhaul is part of a landmark upgrade to the Ramu Grid, jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Papua New Guinea. The initiative includes: • Construction of a second 132 kV transmission line from Singsing to Lae via Erap • Development of a new Singsing substation. • Installation of new transmission towers. • Rehabilitation of Taraka and Erap substations. • Completion of 132KV transmission line from Yonki to Taraka with Line testing and energization expected to be completed within 2–3 weeks. • Upgrades to capacitor banks at Milford Haven Substation. • Installation of 2nd Transformer at Milford Haven Substation. • And the completion of concrete pad at Taraka for 12MW genset relocation, with installation and control room integration expected within 2–3 weeks. These upgrades are designed to dramatically improve the quality and consistency of power delivery, significantly reduce outages, and introduce critical redundancy to the Lae network. CEO Bayly further added that this means that there will be faster fault recovery, enhanced operational stability, and uninterrupted service -even in the event of a fault on the primary line. “As Lae continues to grow, PNG Power remains committed to supporting its development with robust and dependable energy infrastructure.”

Prime Minister James Marape has launched the landmark “Reset PNG@50” blueprint, calling on Papua New Guineans to reflect on the past 50 years of independence and unite in building a stronger nation for the next 20.PM Marape acknowledged national leaders Charles Abel and Arthur Somare for leading the Reset PNG@50 Review Committee, noting their acceptance of the role was not politically motivated but driven by national duty. “They were not looking for jobs; they were happy in their own time. We reached out to them and asked them to help us assess where our country stands after 50 years, and to look ahead from an independent perspective,” he said. Dr Osborne Sanida and the National Research Institute were also commended for coordinating over 50 stakeholder consultations involving academia, churches, government agencies, development partners, and civil society. PM Marape reminded the nation of humble beginnings in 1975, when the population was approximately 3 million and there were fewer than 1,000 high school students. “Our land is vast — larger than South Korea, Israel, and even the main island of Great Britain. Yet we came together from 800 languages and countless tribes to form one nation under one Constitution.” He labelled the founding generation the “greatest generation” and described the 1975 formation of PNG as “the greatest miracle of modern human civilization.” PM Marape emphasized that national reform begins with personal change. “We must reset our hearts before we can reset our systems,” he said. “Our positions are a gift from our people. We must serve with integrity.” He highlighted a recent appointment where a candidate failed to report use of funds over five years: “Even though he was a friend, I could not support his reappointment. Accountability comes first.” The latest census figures reveal PNG’s population has risen to 10.18 million as of 16 June 2025. “Our population grew faster than our economy — over 3% annual population growth, while our economy grew at less than 3%,” PM Marape said. “That is not sustainable.” He reiterated the call he made in 2019: “Our number one focus must be economic growth — to generate the revenue needed for services like education, health, and infrastructure.” The Five Reset Priorities The Reset PNG@50 blueprint identifies five key priorities: Uphold the Constitution · Restore integrity in governance · Strengthen parliamentary systems · Limit terms and introduce accountability reforms Advance Human Development · Universal access to education, healthcare, electricity, and communications · Support for maternal health and rural connectivity Evidence-Based Governance · Stronger oversight committees · National identity system · Improved data collection and financial accountability Smart and Sustainable Growth · Private sector–led economy · Reform SOEs · Unlock customary land for housing and agriculture · Support SMEs and job creation Delivery and Accountability · Overhaul bureaucracy · Link spending to outcomes · Strengthen monitoring and project implementation PM Marape challenged all citizens to reflect on the future they are helping to shape. “In 20 years, most of my generation will be gone. What will we leave behind?” he asked. “You don’t need to be Prime Minister to contribute. Wherever you are — in your job, in your home — do your part.” He urged young people to get involved: “This reform is about your future. Don’t wait. Start building the country you want to live in.” Calling the next 20 years “our most important window,” PM Marape drew on both biblical and demographic reasoning. “Psalm 90 says 70 years is a full life. If we are lucky, we may reach 80. This generation — those born in the 60s and 70s — must now lead.” He noted South Korea and Israel as examples of small nations that progressed rapidly through discipline and reform. “South Korea overtook us in 1975. Today, their per capita income is US$33,000. Ours is just past US$4,000.” A PM Marape said the Reset PNG@50 is not just a document. “This is not the Ten Commandments — it can be improved. But it is our national mirror and our roadmap.” He called for citizens to uphold the law and vote wisely in 2027: “Don’t take money. Vote with your conscience. That is how you build the nation.” He concluded by calling for all public servants to review their performance: “Simple things — like financial reporting — matter. If you can’t manage the basics, you can’t be entrusted with more.”

The human population of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has shot up past the 10 million mark since independence 50 years ago, a significant concern for the government because it exceeds the economic growth of the country.This was revealed by Prime Minister (PM) James Marape at the launch of the Reset PNG@50 blueprint at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby city on Thursday 23rd October, where he said the census data was a sobering reminder of the country’s rapid demographic expansion — and a critical call to action for all sectors of government and society. Marape revealed that PNG’s population has officially reached 10,185,363, according to the 2025 national census figures recorded as of 16 June 2025. “In 1975, we were a nation of about 3 million people,” the Prime Minister said. “Fifty years later, we are more than 10.1 million strong — that is a massive increase, and it must change how we plan, budget, and deliver.” He disclosed that out of the current total population, 4,357,922 are under the age of 18, highlighting the youth-heavy nature of PNG’s demographic structure. “This tells us something very important — the majority of our people are young. That’s a lot of mouths to feed, schools to build, teachers to train, and jobs to create,” he said. PM Marape warned that while the population has grown by over 3% annually, economic growth has lagged behind, averaging below 3%. “That is not sustainable,” he said. “If our population is growing faster than our economy, then we are stretching limited resources thinner and thinner. This is why growing the economic basket is not optional — it is critical.” PM Marape urged all public servants and leaders to take the census data seriously and to shift from paper planning to performance delivery. “You see money, you report it. You deliver. You show results,” he said. “The size of the population is no longer an estimate — it’s a fact. So now we have no excuse not to plan properly.” He also said the National Monitoring and Coordination Authority would be empowered to track how funds are used and whether outcomes match population needs. The PM said with more than 4 million citizens under 18, the future of PNG rests on the decisions made today. “This census isn’t just a statistic — it’s a warning and an opportunity,” he said. “We must reset how we think, plan, and work. Ten million people is a big house to manage — and we must rise to the challenge.”

Rising Kumul star Cooper Bai is set to make his long-awaited international debut this weekend, proudly wearing the red, black and gold of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Championships opener.At just 18, Cooper Bai – son of Papua New Guinea great Marcus Bai – seems born for this stage. Despite having only one NRL appearance for the Gold Coast Titans, he has already captured the hearts of fans across the nation. No matter where the Kumuls have travelled in Port Moresby this week, crowds have flocked toward one player above all Cooper Bai. The excitement reached fever pitch when the Kumuls touched down on Sunday, with hundreds of fans surrounding the team bus at Jacksons International Airport and chanting “Cooper! Cooper! Cooper!”. The same electric energy followed the squad to Gordon’s Market on Monday, where supporters once again flocked to catch a glimpse of the teenage sensation. Amid the growing hype, Bai has kept his feet firmly on the ground, recognizing that his journey is only just beginning and that there’s still plenty to learn from the experienced players and coaches around him. “I guess everyone knows my last name with Dad,” Bai said. “Dad had a really wonderful career and the amount of support and help that he and the family – all my family – have had for me is immense. “Starting to build my own name and my own thing is probably a big thing for me, but also; not just build on my own thing, but to continue the legacy of the Bai last name.” Bai’s selection to face the Cook Islands caps a stunning season of rapid progression for the young forward. Starting the year in the Under-19 Mal Meninga Cup, Bai quickly progressed to represent Queensland Under-19s before making his NRL debut in Round 27, following a series of standout performances with the Tweed Seagulls in the Hostplus Cup. “It was a bit of a rollercoaster to be honest, from starting off this year,” Bai said. “I started off in the Under 19s and then got my chance in the Queensland v NSW game and got to play that, then got lucky enough to get a picked by Tweed Seagulls to play in the Cup and then after that, got the chance to make my NRL debut. “It was all pretty quick and it's still sinking in to be honest.” Bai experienced the pride of donning the red, black and gold Kumuls jersey earlier this month, taking to the field in Port Moresby for the Prime Minister’s XIII clash against Australia’s PM’s side. Papua New Guinea erupted as he entered the field wearing his signature green headgear, with coach Jason Demetriou granting the young talent 46 minutes to experience the thrill firsthand. “It was amazing just to finally put on that Kumuls jersey and to be able to run out with all the boys there after a really good week we had together; all the coaches putting countless efforts in just to get us on that field and putting us together in a good line-up,” Bai told NRL.com. “The Aussie boys put it up to us and we just (couldn't) hold on there, but still, it was an amazing experience, and all the boys should be really proud. It's still very exciting and new … coming back now (to PNG) and just feeling everything, it's so great and I'm still trying to let everything sink in,” said Bai.

Members of the Brisbane Broncos’ premiership-winning NRL and NRLW teams have kicked off a special trophy tour, bringing their 2024 silverware to fans during this weekend’s Pacific Championships in Papua New Guinea.The club confirmed that while the full details of the tour are still being finalized, several Broncos stars will take part in the first leg of celebrations. Representing the NRL premiership side are Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, and Ezra Mam, while Romy Teitzel, Jada Ferguson, and Shenae Ciesiolka will appear from the NRLW grand final-winning team. The players are in Papua New Guinea for a three-day visit that includes community engagements and appearances at the Pacific Championships. A highlight of the trip will see the Broncos contingent take a lap of honour with the NRL and NRLW trophies at halftime of the PNG Kumuls v Cook Islands Aitu match at Santos National Football Stadium on Saturday, October 25. The tour marks the beginning of the Broncos’ wider celebrations following a historic season that saw both the club’s men’s and women’s teams crowned NRL champions.

Four people have died, and more than 18 others were injured in a fatal road accident along the Sir Bruce Jeffcott Highway near Udini, Bahor, in Madang on Monday morning.Police say the crash happened around 8:30AM when two Isuzu trucks were speeding towards town. One of the trucks, driven by Baigi Kauke and owned by Ben Kaia of Balama Village in Ambenob LLG, hit a pedestrian, 56-year-old Lucy Sed from Bugati, who died instantly after being dragged by the vehicle. The truck then went off the road and fell off the Calvet Bridge at Drai Diwai Creek, killing three passengers — 25-year-old Doris Akarfi from Warames Village in Bogia, 35-year-old Alvis Yandan from Yawar Village in Bukati, and Kimberly Kivens from Rai Coast. More than 18 passengers were rushed to Modilon General Hospital with serious injuries. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, condemned the accident, saying drivers continue to ignore road safety messages. “Our traffic officers are wasting their time doing awareness on road safety, drink driving, overloading, and driving with care and attention,” PPC Baim said. “Drivers and people are so ignorant. Passengers’ lives are in your capable hands — you will still reach your destination, so why speeding?” He reminded drivers that “there is no first prize for speeding” and urged PMV operators to drive responsibly. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Passengers accessing the Jackson International Airport in Port Moresby city will find ease of movement to the terminals now that there is a shuttle service being provided by the National Airport’s Corporation (NAC).The NAC took on this initiative to improve services and provide better passenger experience. The Minister for Civil Aviation, Wake Goi has welcomed the NAC's introduction of this new airport shuttle bus service, stating that it is part of the efforts to improve the airport facilities and the services. “The shuttle service is now operational, following successful trials by the NAC over the weekend. The shuttles are provided between the Domestic, International, and APEC Terminals. This is part of a broader effort by the National Airports Corporation (NAC), to streamline inter-terminal movement, reduce transfer times, and ensure more efficient use of airport resources,” Minister Goi said. Minister Goi said the initiative reflects the NAC’s commitment to delivering improved services for travelers and aligns with the government’s vision to improve aviation services in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In addition to the shuttle buses, two electric carts (Buggies) are now in service to assist passengers with mobility needs. These environmentally friendly buggies, offer a safe and accessible option for navigating terminal areas for passengers with reduced mobility. Meanwhile, a regulated Taxi Service will soon be introduced at the airport through a partnership with a private operator. The service will operate from designated pick-up zones at both the Domestic and International Terminals, providing arriving passengers with a reliable and secure transport option directly from the terminal frontage.

The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) has received a timely donation recently from the Rotary Australia, a 40-foot container filled with lifesaving medical equipment’s.The donated items include Medical Equipment, IT Equipment, furniture and other materials as requested. Through the collaborative efforts of the NCD PHA’s Chairman, Rotary Boroko and Rotary Australia, the procurement and shipment of the requested items was possible. The Rotary Australia representative Mr. Dickson Ken acknowledged the people who contributed to making this donation a success. Mr. Ken was the Rotarian who dedicated his time and resources to help schools and hospitals in Papua New Guinea. “A few months ago, members of the Rotary Club of Brisbane together with NCDPHA leadership team inspected Gerehu Hospital to identify urgent needs and develop a clear wish list,” said Mr. Ken. “My dream is to ensure that schools and health facilities in PNG will be properly equipped and tools that will enable the continuity of the service provided to my fellow country men and women”. Mr. Ken further acknowledged the Rotary Australia Repurposing Equipment Northern Region (RARE) for making this possible through their incredible generosity and partnership. “It is a charity work that I do as a proud citizen under the Rotary Club of Brisbane for the people of National Capital District to receive the health services that they deserve”. A fellow Rotarian and Community leader Mr. Petere Pelepa expressed his gratitude towards his colleague for aiding the Gerehu Hospital through charity to support the health services in Port Moresby. CEO for NCD PHAS Dr. Robin Oge further acknowledges Mr. Ken and Rotary Boroko for these timely donations made to Gerehu Hospital.  “The medical equipment donated will be put to greater use”, said Dr Oge. Dr Oge added that the NCD PHA’s management are doing their best to ensure that better health services are being delivered to the people in the National Capital through collaborative efforts of its partners, NGOs and the National Government. “The NCD PHA remains committed to our course to serve the people with the health services they deserve.

Significant steps are being taken to advance Papua New Guinea’s (PNG's) climate resilient and green development agenda.Recently, Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Papua New Guinea handed over a new Information Technology (IT) equipment to the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), made possible under the Australian Government’s Climate Finance Initiative for Resilience and Sustainable Transition (Climate FIRST) Project. This contribution enhances the Climate Finance Unit’s ability to serve as the Secretariat of the Climate Finance Steering Committee (CFSC) to coordinate, manage, and mobilize climate finance aligned with PNG’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plan (NAP). “With the support of the Australian Government and GGGI, we are building the right mechanisms to strengthen governance and coordination of climate finance in Papua New Guinea — ensuring resources reach where they are needed most,” said CCDA Acting Managing Director Debra Sungi. Mohammad Ali Shaikh, who is the GGGI PNG Country Representative, stated also that they are not only providing hardware support like IT equipment. “We are also investing in software — building the skills, knowledge, and capacity of the Climate Finance Unit team. This is just the starting point, not the end.” The handover follows a successful Climate Finance Capacity Building Workshop held in July, which strengthened technical and institutional readiness for climate finance in PNG.

In support of this year’s Pinktober campaign, Seviiann’s Kona Printing & Tailoring donated at total of 42 pink printed T- shirts to a private hospital and an institution in Port Moresby city.The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) donated 30 pink printed T-shirts to Paradise Private Hospital and 12 pink printed T-shirts to New Generation Christian Academy to help raise awareness about breast cancer. The local small business, established in 2023, is committed to empowering single mothers and widows through training in tailoring and printing. Through this initiative, Seviiann’s Kona aims to promote hope, unity, and awareness among breast cancer patients, hospital staff, students, and the wider community. The pink shirts serve as a visible symbol of strength, support, and the fight against breast cancer, reminding everyone of the importance of early detection and collective action in saving lives. Seviiann’s Kona continues to demonstrate how small businesses can make a big impact, standing as a driving force for positive change and empowerment in Papua New Guinea.

In a historic move marking Papua New Guinea’s 50th anniversary of independence, Parliament has launched its first-ever inquiry into the well-being of children and youth, signaling a national commitment to stronger oversight, accountability, and investment in the next generation.Opening the inaugural session of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Children and Youth Well-being, Committee Chair and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop called on the nation’s leaders to act with urgency and vision. “Now is the time for all of us to think about our children,” Governor Parkop declared. “They are the generation that will take this country to 2075 when our nation turns 100 years old.” The two-day inquiry brought together Members of Parliament, Provincial Governors, key government departments, and development partners including UNICEF. Discussions focused on child health and nutrition, education, child protection, water and sanitation (WASH), and provincial governance — with an emphasis on results-driven collaboration. The session established a new framework for parliamentary accountability and cross-sectoral coordination, setting the stage for evidence-based policy reforms to improve children’s lives nationwide. Health took center stage during the inquiry, with Acting Health Secretary Ken Wai underscoring the Department’s life-cycle responsibility — “looking after a human being from the womb to the tomb.” While acknowledging gains in life expectancy, the Committee raised concern over low immunization coverage, with national rates at 47% and some provinces such as Madang as low as 22%. Governor Parkop urged swift action: “We cannot continue to normalize poor child health outcomes or accept malnutrition as routine. Poor nutrition is robbing our children of their potential and our nation of its future.” In response, the National Department of Health (NDoH) committed to key reforms, including finalizing amendments to the Provincial Health Authority Act, fast-tracking approval of the Village Health Assistant Policy by 2026, and conducting a National Nutrition Survey in 2026. Education emerged as another critical focus area. Data presented to the Committee revealed that while more than 80% of children enter primary school, only 5–10% progress to tertiary education. “Education is the great equalizer — but only if every child is able to stay in school, learn, and thrive,” said Governor Parkop. The Department of Education outlined progress on the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Policy, which includes two years of pre-primary learning (K1–K2) under the national 1-6-6 reform. However, challenges remain, including unpaid ECE teachers and insufficient provincial funding for early learning centers. The Committee recommended that ECE teacher salaries be included in the 2026 National Budget and urged finalization of a national ECE expansion plan, addressing teacher registration, curriculum rollout, and improved WASH facilities in schools. The Committee expressed concern about the slow implementation of the Lukautim Pikinini Act (2015) and limited capacity within the National Office of Child and Family Services (NOCFS), where only 60 of 130 approved positions are currently filled. “Every day a child faces abuse, neglect, or violence, we fail in our duty,” Governor Parkop stated. “Protection must be at the heart of government responsibility.” In response, NOCFS committed to expanding its workforce to 180 child protection officers by 2025, reactivating the National Child and Family Services Council by early 2026, and establishing provincial councils across the country. The Committee further directed the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR) and NOCFS to submit a reform and staffing plan by end-2025 to strengthen institutional accountability. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services were identified as another long-standing gap. The inquiry noted that the National WASH Authority Bill has been delayed for nearly seven years, impeding consistent service delivery despite K106 million allocated between 2019 and 2025. The Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) announced that a 10-Year National WASH Master Plan (2026–2035) is being finalized in collaboration with UNICEF, the World Bank, and other partners. The Committee urged DNPM to expedite the Bill’s approval and improve funding transparency to ensure that every child has access to clean water and sanitation. Provincial leaders and civil society groups shared examples of innovation despite limited resources. Governor Noah Kool of Simbu highlighted partnerships with churches and NGOs to expand early childhood centers and maternal health outreach programs. Representatives from Magna Carta and ChildFund called for stronger government–NGO collaboration, predictable funding, and greater community participation in accountability efforts. UNICEF’s Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms. June Kunugi, praised the Committee’s leadership, reaffirming UNICEF’s continued partnership to advance child rights and well-being in PNG. The Way Forward: A National Call to Action · Concluding the session, the Committee adopted a national action plan that includes: · Presenting its report and recommendations to the next Parliamentary session; · Conducting quarterly departmental and provincial progress reviews; · Advocating for increased fiscal prioritization for children in the 2026 Budget; and · Promoting whole-of-government coordination for integrated child and youth services. Governor Parkop closed with a message of unity and purpose: “This Committee is not just about oversight. It’s about building a nation where every child survives, learns, and is protected. The next 50 years must belong to our children — and the time to act is now.”