Police Minister Sir John Thomas Pundari, CMG, KBE, MP, recently officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the new National Forensic Laboratory at Gordons, describing the project as a major milestone in the modernization of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and a tangible outcome of the strong policing partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.Sir John acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Australian High Commission, the Australian Federal Police, and senior leadership of the RPNGC, noting that the mix of PNG and Australian officers “signifies the depth of cooperation” between the two nations.He paid tribute to the long-standing historical ties between PNG and Australia, saying the shared sacrifices of past generations continue to underpin this security cooperation.“On the back of that history, we have built powerful bilateral arrangements that are delivering real, tangible outcomes for our people.”The Minister confirmed that the Gordons facility will be complemented by additional forensic hubs in the Highlands, Momase, and New Guinea Islands regions, forming a nationwide network to strengthen evidence-based policing and improve justice outcomes.To maximize this infrastructure, Sir John called for aggressive investment in forensic science training, emphasizing that modern facilities must be matched with highly skilled officers.“A well-capacitated, strengthened and modernized RPNGC means justice for our people and contributes to regional security, especially as we face increasing transnational crime.”He highlighted the importance of proper evidence collection, preservation, and analysis, stressing that successful prosecutions begin with well-trained frontline officers.“Commit yourselves, be faithful, be diligent. The results of your training must be reflected in the work you do.”During the ceremony, Sir John also thanked Assistant Commissioner Jamie Strauss of the Australian Federal Police for five years of distinguished service in PNG, acknowledging his leadership and the visible results of the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership across the country.The Minister reaffirmed that the forensic facility would serve not only PNG but the wider Pacific region, supporting efforts to combat drugs, firearms trafficking, organized crime and other cross-border threats.“We are together in securing our region. This investment benefits Papua New Guinea, Australia and our Pacific neighbors.”Sir John went on to commend Police Commissioner David Manning and the RPNGC leadership for ongoing reforms, noting improvements in policing visibility, discipline, and operational outcomes.He encouraged officers nationwide to maintain high standards and avoid complacency.“To the criminals out there long gone are the days when confessions alone will determine your fate. Evidence will find you out. PNG is modernizing, and the law will catch up with you.”The Minister concluded by thanking the Australian government and reaffirming the Marape-Rosso government’s commitment to strengthening the Constabulary through record investments in infrastructure, training and capability development.

Prime Minister (PM) and Pangu Pati Leader James Marape has launched the party's "Pangu Next Generation" vision, calling for a nationwide membership drive while reaffirming the Government's ambition to grow Papua New Guinea's (PNG’s) economy to K200 billion by 2030.Prime Minister Marape has outlined an ambitious roadmap for both Pangu Pati and PNG’s economic future, unveiling the "Pangu Next Generation" initiative as the party's guiding theme moving forward.Addressing party members at the 28th National Pangu Pati Convention in Port Moresby city last week, PM Marape called for a nationwide membership recruitment campaign aimed at strengthening Pangu Pati's presence across the country and building stronger grassroots structures."The colour green must continue. Membership recruitment must continue. The next generation conversation is why we are here," he said.Marape said Pangu Pati's vision extends beyond election cycles, with a focus on building a sustainable political movement capable of serving Papua New Guinea for decades to come."The reason why I picked Pangu in 2019 was because Pangu had structure, had history and had a foundation. We must sustain Pangu from 2027 to 2047 and beyond," he said.Marape also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to achieving a K200 billion economy by 2030, describing the target as both realistic and attainable through strategic investments in key sectors.He identified major resource projects, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, downstream processing, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) as critical drivers of future economic growth.The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of progressing major resource developments, including the Papua LNG Project, Wafi-Golpu Project, Frieda River Project and Porgera Gold Mine, while ensuring greater returns for Papua New Guinea from its natural resources."These projects must help carry our economy beyond K200 billion and eventually towards K300 billion and K500 billion," Marape said.The Prime Minister's address signals a dual focus on strengthening Pangu Pati's long-term political future while driving economic expansion through major investments and resource development projects.

Huon Gulf Member and Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion Jason Peter, recently launched the Morobe Local Level Government (LLG) Genset Power Restoration Project after over two decades of the station operating without a reliable power source for operations.The station, which had a faulty generator, had caused setbacks in service delivery for approximately 25 years.With funding support from the Huon Gulf DDA, the existing gen-set was repaired, thus restoring electricity to the station and enabling efficient government administration.Present to witness the launch was Andrew Tera, Morobe Province’s Deputy Governor and President of Morobe LLG alongside Kusak Meluk, Human Resource Manager for Morobe Provincial Administration, Inspector Adam Busila, Rural Patrol Police Inspector, ward councilors, community leaders, and representatives from different government organizations.Minister Peter emphasized his commitment to delivering services not just by word but by action.“Development is not about promises; it is about delivering results that directly improve the lives of our people.”The restoration is expected to improve office activity, systems of communication, public service, and overall government presence within the LLG.Other projects launched included the construction of two new police houses, transport provision for Zaka Health Centre, bicycle distribution for wards, K200, 000 Disaster Relief Assistance, as well as the introduction of a CCTV Surveillance and Video Conferencing Connectivity Initiative.

The Head Teacher of Nabuapaka Primary School has met with Minister for Energy and Member for Kairuku, Peter Namea Isoaimo, to finalise arrangements for the official opening of the school's newly constructed double classroom.The meeting was held at the Minister's office in Port Moresby and focused on confirming the opening date and coordinating preparations for the upcoming ceremony.The new classroom facility marks a significant milestone for Nabuapaka Primary School and reflects ongoing efforts to improve educational infrastructure within the Kairuku District.During the discussions, both parties emphasized the importance of ensuring all stakeholders are well coordinated to deliver a successful opening event and celebrate the achievement with students, teachers, parents, and members of the local community.The double classroom project is expected to provide a more conducive learning environment for students while helping to address classroom space needs at the school.Minister Isoaimo reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education development throughout the district, highlighting the critical role that quality infrastructure plays in improving educational outcomes."Investing in schools is investing in the future of our children and the future of Kairuku District," he said.He added that improving educational facilities remains a priority and that the district will continue to support initiatives that create better opportunities for students to learn and succeed.The official opening date is expected to be announced following the completion of final preparations.

Climate change is placing millions of children across Papua New Guinea at increasing risk, with one in three children exposed to at least two overlapping climate hazards, according to a new report released by UNICEF.The Children's Climate Risk Report (CCRR) 2026, launched on Monday, reveals that approximately 1.5 million children in Papua New Guinea are facing multiple climate-related threats, while more than 305,000 children are exposed to three overlapping hazards, significantly increasing their vulnerability to illness, food insecurity, displacement and interruptions to education.The report paints a concerning picture of the growing impact of climate change on children's wellbeing, highlighting how environmental hazards are compounding existing challenges in health, nutrition, education and child protection.According to the report, more than 2.6 million children are exposed to drought, while over 1.8 million face frequent and severe heatwaves. More than 600,000 children are vulnerable to tropical storms, nearly 200,000 are exposed to riverine flooding, and close to 150,000 are at risk from frequent fires.Perhaps most alarming is the finding that almost four million children in Papua New Guinea are exposed to malaria, a climate-sensitive disease that remains one of the country's most significant public health threats.UNICEF says Papua New Guinea's status as a Small Island Developing State, coupled with ongoing development challenges, leaves children particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks."Climate change is not only an environmental challenge in Papua New Guinea. It is increasingly a health challenge, an education challenge, a nutrition challenge and, above all, a child rights challenge," said UNICEF Papua New Guinea Acting Representative Vikas Singh."Children are already living with the impacts of climate change, while many communities continue to struggle with poverty, malnutrition and limited access to essential services. Protecting children requires investing now in climate-resilient systems that can withstand future shocks and continue delivering the services they depend on."The report highlights that climate change is worsening existing vulnerabilities. Less than half of Papua New Guinea's children receive routine immunisation, while one in four children experiences severe food poverty. Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services also remains limited in many communities.UNICEF warns that climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, storms and extreme heat can disrupt healthcare services, damage schools, contaminate water sources and reduce access to essential services, further exposing children to disease, malnutrition and interrupted learning.To address these challenges, UNICEF is working alongside the Government of Papua New Guinea and development partners to strengthen climate resilience in sectors critical to children's wellbeing. These efforts include supporting climate-resilient health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation services, improving climate information systems and strengthening community preparedness for climate-related emergencies.Among the initiatives currently being implemented are the Climate Action for the Last Mile programme and climate-resilient WASH projects funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as well as the Smarter, Safer Schools programme funded by the Australian Government, which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness in schools across six provinces.UNICEF noted that Papua New Guinea has already made important progress in addressing climate risks, but said continued investment in climate-resilient services and child-focused adaptation measures will be essential to protect future generations.The organisation says strengthening resilience today will help ensure children can continue to survive, learn and thrive despite the growing impacts of climate change.Key FindingsAround 1.5 million children are exposed to at least two overlapping climate hazards.More than 305,000 children face three overlapping climate hazards.More than 2.6 million children are exposed to drought.Over 1.8 million children are exposed to severe heatwaves.More than 600,000 children are vulnerable to tropical storms.Nearly 200,000 children face riverine flooding risks.Close to 150,000 children are exposed to fires.Almost four million children are exposed to malaria.The report underscores the urgent need for climate action that prioritises children's health, safety and development as Papua New Guinea confronts the growing realities of a changing climate.

Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has encouraged a group of aspiring Papua New Guinea Defence Force officers to remain committed to serving the nation as they prepare to graduate later this year.Sir Bob welcomed 31 cadets from the Joint Forces Academy at Igam Barracks in Lae to Government House, where they were given a tour of the facility and briefed on the roles and functions of Government House and the Governor-General as Head of State.Addressing the cadets, Sir Bob commended them for choosing a career in the military, describing it as a profession that requires dedication, sacrifice and service to the country."You have chosen to pursue a special career unlike any other, one that requires sacrifice and your life and service to the State," Sir Bob said."Whilst our nation is not involved in a war right now, we must at all times be prepared, as I know you are, to defend our country."The Governor-General also told the cadets he looked forward to attending their graduation ceremony in August.The 31 cadets have undergone intensive military training as part of their preparation to serve as officers within PNG Defence Force establishments across the country.The visit provided the future officers with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the role of Government House while reinforcing the importance of leadership, discipline and service to the nation.

Financial abuse in Papua New Guinea has moved into sharper focus following the launch of the Empower Finance Kibung by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), an initiative aimed at strengthening how financial institutions prevent, identify, and respond to the misuse of financial products.The initiative was formally launched on May 14, 2026, and continues this week through structured engagements between BPNG and financial institutions nationwide.These sessions include a national survey on financial abuse and the development of a voluntary code of practice covering financial capability, literacy, safety, counselling, and consumer protection.The Kibung, derived from the Tok Pisin term for a ‘formal gathering’, brings together banks and financial institutions to build a shared understanding of financial abuse and strengthen coordinated responses across the financial sector.BPNG says the Empower Finance Kibung is designed as a community of practice that reframes financial abuse not only as a social issue, but also as a systemic risk within the financial sector.The program focuses on how financial products and services can be misused within personal and family relationships, and how institutions can respond more effectively through prevention, awareness, and internal policy development.It includes workshops, peer learning sessions, and institutional action plans, alongside a voluntary financial abuse code that participating organizations are encouraged to adopt and implement.Speaking at the launching, BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia, said financial abuse has wide ranging impacts across individuals, families and communities.“It affects people in very real ways. It limits independence and creates significant harm within families and communities,” Genia said.She said financial abuse is not limited by gender, noting that while women are often more affected, men, organizations and family units can also be impacted.“This is not only a woman’s issue. It is something that can affect anyone, organizations as well as individuals and family groups.”She further stated that financial abuse falls directly within the regulator’s mandate in relation to consumer protection, financial safety, and inclusion.HOW THE KIBUNG WORKS:The Empower Finance Kibung is structured through workshops that build a shared understanding of financial abuse, distinguishing it from fraud and scams while positioning it as a systemic financial issue requiring coordinated institutional response.The sessions focus on:Building a shared definition of financial abuse and how it differs from fraud and scamsClarifying the role of financial institutions in prevention and responsePeer learning through regional and practical experienceDevelopment of institutional action plans over timeA voluntary financial abuse code for financial institutionsStrengthening cooperation across the financial sectorThe first workshop also encouraged institutions to examine how financial systems, products and technologies can be misused within personal relationships, and what that means for customer protection and accountability.NEXT STEPS:The Empower Finance Kibung marks the beginning of a broader series of national engagements led by BPNG to strengthen coordination on financial abuse prevention and consumer protection.Future sessions will refine the voluntary code, deepen institutional commitments, and support the rollout of practical tools for financial education, counselling, and risk identification across the banking system.As PNG’s financial sector continues to modernize, the initiative signals a shift toward stronger consumer protection frameworks, placing financial safety and dignity at the centre of banking reform.

More than 2,000 students at Tokarara Secondary School now have access to clean, chilled and filtered drinking water following the official handover of new outdoor water fountains funded by BSP.The K30,000 project, delivered through BSP Financial Group's Retail Strategic Business Unit, addresses a long-standing need at the Port Moresby school, where students and staff previously relied on standard garden taps for their daily water supply.School Principal James Hape welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major improvement to the school's infrastructure, health and hygiene standards."Our students have shown incredible resilience over the years, lining up at basic garden taps just to cool down during hot afternoons," Mr. Hape said."These new fountains are a massive step forward for our school's infrastructure, health and hygiene. Seeing our students able to fill their bottles with cold, filtered water will completely change the energy on the students, keeping them focused on class and healthy on the sports field."The project was led by BSP Retail Transformation Specialist Leroy Edmund, a former Tokarara Secondary School student who said the initiative was especially meaningful to him."As a former student, I stood in those same lines at the same water taps. I know firsthand how tough it is to stay focused when it's hot and you can't get a decent drink of cold water," Mr. Edmund said."Being able to come back years later and deliver this for the next generation of Tokarara students is a true honour."The official handover ceremony was attended by school management, teachers, students and BSP representatives led by Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal.Mr. Dayal said the project was an investment in the wellbeing and future of the school's students."Healthy hydration builds healthy minds, and we are proud to invest in the future leaders sitting here today," he said.With the fountains now fully operational, the school is expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water, supporting student health, wellbeing and learning outcomes while creating a more modern and hygienic campus environment.

The government is rolling out a new national digital learning platform, known as EDUNEX, supported by Starlink satellite internet technology and strict online safety measures for protecting students and teachers.Acting Minister for Education Kinoka Feo announced that the Department of Education is deploying Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, including Starlink Gen 3, as part of efforts to improve access to digital learning across the country.Minister Feo said ensuring safe, secure and education-focused internet access remains a top priority as schools begin connecting to the new platform."We recognize that many of our teachers and students are engaging with online technologies for the very first time.”"While Starlink provides the high-speed connectivity needed to overcome our country's rugged geography, it also introduces exposure to online risks."To address these concerns, the government will require schools to meet strict internet security standards before being approved to use the system.Enterprise-grade secure gateways will be installed at participating schools to enforce safe browsing practices, monitor digital usage, and block access to social media platforms and harmful online content.The EDUNEX platform is an artificial intelligence-powered national digital learning ecosystem designed to modernize the delivery of education throughout Papua New Guinea.The system will provide teachers with structured digital teaching tools while offering students personalized and interactive learning experiences.According to Minister Feo, this will finally address long-standing educational challenges, particularly in remote and rural communities where access to reliable electricity, internet services and educational resources has been limited.Details of the Starlink and EDUNEX rollout have been communicated to provincial education authorities and schools through Secretary's Circular Instructions issued recently.Minister Feo has called on provincial education authorities, school boards and school leaders to cooperate fully with the directives outlined in Ministerial Policy Statement No. 02/2026 and related departmental circulars."By combining high-speed Starlink connectivity with strict safety filters, we are creating a world-class, secure digital environment that improves the quality of education while leaving no child behind.”

Kina Bank has strengthened its commitment to community development and rehabilitation through a donation to Bomana Correctional Service under its Strongim Komuniti Grant program.The bank officially handed over seven grass cutters and a lawn mower on Monday, April 27, 2026, to support the maintenance and cleanliness of the correctional facility and its surrounding environment.The equipment was received by Chief Superintendent and Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Service, Yelly Oiufa, who welcomed the support and described it as both timely and impactful.“We are very grateful to Kina Bank for this donation. We were surprised to receive more than two grass cutters along with the lawn mower, which was beyond our expectations,” Chief Superintendent Oiufa said.“These tools will greatly assist us in maintaining the cleanliness of the prison and its surrounding environment, while also engaging inmates in productive activities.”The donation was facilitated through Kina Bank Compliance Risk Officer Leonie Gesa, a recipient of the Strongim Komuniti Grant who identified the need through her direct connection to the Bomana community.“Living in the community allowed me to see the real need at Bomana Correctional Service,” Ms. Gesa said.“Through the SKG program, I wanted to give back in a small but practical way that supports both the facility and the inmates who use and maintain the grounds every day.”The donated equipment will be used to improve general maintenance across the correctional facility, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more structured environment for staff, inmates and the surrounding community.The Strongim Komuniti Grant program, introduced in 2023, empowers Kina Bank employees to lead grassroots community projects and deliver practical support to the communities in which they live and work.

The next generation of Pangu Pati loyalists was one of the topics discussed at the recent Pangu Pati Convention in Port Moresby city where the focus was to build the political party’s next generation of leaders.In that Convention, Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Parliamentary Leader James Marape has called on Pangu Pati members to focus on building the party’s next generation of leaders, strengthening grassroots membership and advancing a long-term vision for Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development. Addressing delegates at the conclusion of the Pangu Pati National Convention in Port Moresby on Friday, 12 June 2026, Prime Minister Marape said the party’s responsibility extended beyond the 2027 National General Election and must focus on building a stronger political movement capable of serving Papua New Guinea for decades to come. “This convention is not just about endorsing candidates,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It is about party structure, party laws, party policies and party membership. “Pangu today must not just be about the 2027 election. It must be about Pangu Next Generation.” Prime Minister Marape said Pangu Pati, which led Papua New Guinea to Independence in 1975, now carried the responsibility of helping deliver economic independence and prosperity for future generations. “Pangu delivered political independence in 1975. In 2019, we said Pangu must deliver economic independence in our generation. The next 20 years must be about transforming this country into what it is supposed to be.”

Prime Minister James Marape, who is also the Leader of Papua New Guinea's Founding Political Party- Pangu Pati, is ready to vacate the party leadership and let the party members to decide on the best candidate to take lead.He made this announcement last week Friday, during Pangu’s two days Convention held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, as he left the meeting to take up his Sabbath rest. Marape said, the Party’s President and General Secretary together with him as the leader are leaving the party convention to decide on the leadership, as part of the due process and requirement of the party’s constitution. “With a lot of negativities in the public space and if you feel there’s a better person to take over from me, then, I let it be. I will be a team player as a Pangu, all the way through for the rest of my life,’ said Prime Minister. He added that, as part of the party’s reform, he has inserted a clause in the party’s constitution that a leader has no automatic right for continuity should his or her term is up as party leader. And it is always up to the party convention to decide. This is a mature system that I’ve helped set up for the party now, and I hope going forward the party has a policy that is independently and organically funneled through,” he said. Marape also added that the two-day convention was also about confirming the party’s policies to take to the 2027 National General Election, as well as their policies for the next phase. These are all based on Pangu’s Ministers and Members report on their achievements, to go through to the Presidents Report. Based on these reports the President then takes the Report to the Council Meeting where the set policies will be announced to take to the next election (2027 NGE) and beyond. “There’s a lot of things happening in Pangu Pati and I am happy with the outcome of the meetings. Although I left as they were going through the meeting’s resolution, I should indicate to all on the final outcome of the meeting on Monday afternoon,” said Marape. Prime Minister also spoke about the announcements of a few exciting new policies that really indicate a clear growth happening, whilst admitting that there are still many outstanding works that remain.