The reopened Kapakapa Trail, an old-World War 2 (WW2) trail, received its first visitors today when Ten (10) American and Australian trekkers including the two authors of the acclaimed books” The Ghost Mountain Boys” and “In Search of the Flying Dutchmen”, embark on a weeklong journey on the trail. They departed this morning with filming crew aboard a Kobio Aviation Ltd (KAL) flight to Dorobisoro Village, Mt Koiari, to begin their historic trek along the Kapakapa Trail. Supported by the Australian trekking operator Getaway Trekking with logistics, the group will embark on a challenging 48-kilometre journey from Dorobisoro village, engaging with local communities along the way and providing essential medical supplies and help where it's needed. The PNG Tribal Foundation, in partnership with Central Governor Rufina Peter and Rigo MP Ano Pala, initiated the Ghost Mountain Expedition to not only revive wartime history and promote tourism, but also to deliver basic services to remote Central Province communities. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin said the eight-day trek would be demanding but rewarding, as trekkers retrace the footsteps of American soldiers from the 33rd Division, 126th Infantry Company, who fought alongside Australian forces against the Japanese forces in 1942 during the war. “We’ll be talking with local villagers to understand their needs, especially for schools and aid posts. Now that the track is reopened, it will bring more visitors, support local communities, and boost the economy of Central Province,” said Mr. Bustin. The trekkers are expected to complete the trail next week. Authorities are encouraging interested trekkers and international visitors to join future Ghost Mountain Expeditions, as the reopening of the Kapakapa Trail marks a new era for adventure tourism and community development in Papua New Guinea.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the National Disaster Centre, and Provincial Disaster Centres (PDCs) of Western Highlands Province and Jiwaka Province, has recently conducted a series of Solutions and Mobility Index (SMI) training sessions in the Highlands region of Papua New Guinea. The sessions, held in Mt. Hagen city in Western Highlands Province (29–30 September) and Banz in Jiwaka Province (2–3 October), brought together 48 participants (17 women and 31 men) from the government, Non-Governmental Organizations, civil society organizations, and local communities. The training was aimed to build the capacity of provincial stakeholders to understand and use the SMI for decision-making to help support attainment of durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs). The training introduced the SMI framework and its relevance to Papua New Guinea’s displacement context, strengthened participants’ ability to assess and interpret displacement data. It also promoted the use of SMI findings to inform Provincial Disaster Management Plans and Initiatives, relocation strategies, and resilience building programming, and facilitated coordination and shared analysis among provincial authorities, communities, and partners. By understanding how communities are living, the challenges they face, their future plans, and the progress made toward stability, local actors can make more informed decisions to support durable solutions for IDPs and host communities. Participants explored the displacement and human mobility context in their provinces, examining SMI indicators and how the framework connects key elements of durable solutions such as shelter, livelihoods, safety and security, access to essential services (including water, sanitation and hygiene, education, and health), and social cohesion. This helped them gain a clearer understanding of living conditions and identify priorities to support durable solutions for displaced populations. Ms. Diana Anis from Link of Hope gave insights to how she felt about the training, “Having accurate IDP data is important for planning and for finding durable solutions, like what happened with the families displaced by the Mulitaka landslide who have been displaced for quite a long time.” “I also realized how important it is to work with government and to listen to what the displaced people themselves are planning.” John Kupul, Jiwaka Provincial Disaster Coordinator, noted, that the SMI training complements the previous trainings provided by IOM, such as Displacement Tacking Matrix and Mass Evacuation in Disasters. “This holistic approach will help us to take action and assist displaced populations transition from displacement toward durable solutions.” The interactive sessions included group exercises, data interpretation discussions, and planning on how to integrate SMI findings into provincial development and disaster management plans. The SMI trainings conducted in Mt. Hagen and Banz were funded by the U.S. Government through IOM’s project, ‘Addressing the Drivers and Consequences of Disaster Displacement Through Enhancing Resilience in Papua New Guinea.

The Office of the Bougainville Electoral Commissioner (OBEC) is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 Bougainville General Election, with all 45 seats officially being declared. Speaking during a media conference in Buka on Friday 03rd October 2025, Bougainville Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai confirmed that the final count has been completed, and all winning candidates have been duly declared. “Today marks a proud moment for Bougainville,” said Electoral Commissioner Desmond Tsianai. “With the declaration of all 45 seats, we bring this electoral process to a close with gratitude, humility, and confidence in the will of the people." The Commissioner acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the elections across the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and for those living outside of Bougainville, thanking voters, candidates, polling officials, security personnel, media and observers for their roles in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process. “This election has been a powerful expression of democratic choice, and I commend the people of Bougainville for turning out in numbers, for respecting the process, and for contributing to the peaceful environment that made this election possible.” “To the people of Bougainville, your voice has been heard, your vote has shaped the leadership that will carry us forward,” Commissioner Tsianai said. “To the newly elected representatives, the responsibility now rests with you to serve with integrity and commitment to all Bougainvilleans.” “If there are any candidates or voters who may wish to dispute the results of the election, please note that you may still submit a petition to the Courts within one month of the declaration of the election.” “This is your right, and an important part of the electoral process.” The Electoral Commissioner also expressed appreciation to partners and stakeholders, including the Bougainville Police Service, civil society, community leaders, and technical advisors. “I thank our dedicated electoral officials, the tireless counting teams, and our local and international partners for their professionalism, neutrality, and unwavering support.” “With the election now concluded, it is important that all parties respect the results, uphold democratic principles, and work constructively within Bougainville’s institutions.” “The Bougainville Electoral Commission remains committed to supporting transparent and inclusive electoral processes into the future,” he added. The Bougainville Electoral Commission will return the writs to the Speaker of the House on 6th October 2025 and then initiate post-election reviews to further improve future electoral processes.

The office of Moresby North- East District has already rolled out the payments for all 50th Independence celebrations. Moresby North- East Events Coordinator Mr. Jefferey Bomai has highlighted that all Police and Defense personals involved in providing security over the cause of the Independence programs in the district have been paid last week. “The security and our Independence Volleyball games hosted in the wards were all sorted out and paid already.” “Our main focus for payments now is the 21 locations that hosted the mini shows during the 50th Independence celebrations.” Mr. Bomai stated that Reports have been submitted into the events committee for confirmation and payments, however payments have been held back by the district office because most reports submitted in failed to capture the expected summary of the mini shows held. “This week, as of today we will pay the ones who have done a proper summary report of their mini show, others we have advised their show committee and chairpersons to go back and do proper report and submit for payments”. “Starting today 8 locations were paid, 14mile Tapiani, 9mile Vitis, 9mile Cemetary, Erima Total Service station, Erima Mambu, 2-4 Saraga 6mile, Korobosea Village and ATS- Saiwara 1 and Saiwara 2”. “We do not want rough reports, reports should capture the number of traditional singing groups including how many dancers in each traditional group plus the expected amount to be paid to these traditional singing groups, the same goes for all creative dances and performance.” Mini Show Chairpersons must also indicate the live band performance, and services providers to must be included, clearly stating the type of service and how much is expected to be paid to them, thus this will give a clear picture of how much is to be paid to each mini show. “Proper summary report submission is vital for filing, accountability, transparency and fair distribution of payments”. “Hopefully all reports are done properly and submitted so we can finish all the payments next week”, said Mr. Bomai. A K3million is budgeted for the payment for these 21 mini independence shows that were held over the 50th Independence anniversary. The K2million budgeted for the people of Moresby North- East for Independence celebrations were from the funds allocated by the National Government for individual districts and K1million was allocated by the Moresby North- East District office itself.

Receiving of Briberies is one of the main reasons why many Sorcery Accusation and Related Violence cases never reach National Court trials.A police officer attached to Banz Police Station allegedly receiving bribery on major Sorcery Accusation and Related Violence (SARV) cases had attempted several times to stop cases from reaching National Court trials.Three major ongoing SARV cases for PNG Tribal Foundation in Jiwaka Province has been disturbed and attempts have been made to scrap off the matters going into National Court trial, this is because of a police officer (named) who is the arresting officer dealing with the cases.The matter has been reported to Banz Police Station regarding the misconduct of the officer who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Laimo Asi, has been made aware of the incident and confirmed yesterday that he has given directives to his Officer-in-Charge CID for a report to further investigate the complaint raised by PNG Tribal Foundation.It was alleged that last week, the policeman received K3000 from the mother of the perpetrator of a SARV case that happened seven years ago in Golo Dop village, following a death now leaving 10 victims under the support of Tribal Foundation while battling the case in court.The officer who received the money wrote to the National Court to withdraw the case but was unsuccessful. The state prosecutor has advised to put forward the matter for trial on October 17th, after eyewitnesses were interviewed.Another SARV case in Kombulno village, North Wahgi in Jiwaka, that happened in July 2023, where the same officer allegedly received K1900 from the suspect’s relatives, and also wrote a withdrawal letter to the court, and had 11 suspects released from police cells on November 13th, 2023.Another major SARV case happened in Kamal village following the killing of a six-year-old child on March 6th, 2024, in Banz, Jiwaka. The officer allegedly misplaced reports of the case presented to court; however, another CID officer took over the case before it was dismissed in court.Assistant Commissioner of Police Internal Investigation Unit (IIU) Emil Alpha is being made aware today (Wednesday) of the ongoing practice by officers to further investigate it.PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin said they have spent more than K200,000 prosecuting these cases.“We cannot allow a corrupt police officer to benefit personally off the suffering and death of these are victims.”“We know this officer well and we are fully expecting the police and justice systems to deal with him swiftly and with the full force of the law,” Mr. Bustin said.Jiwaka OIC CID detective James Kami confirmed the incident stating that they will try their best to reinvestigate the cases.He also stated that the officer was suspended previously for other allegations.The alleged officer is from East Sepik and served Banz police station.Police in Banz have given assurance of a full investigation into the incident.In September this year, Tribal Foundation, through their support program, assisted more than 10 eyewitnesses and police officers with logistics in the Highlands region attending National Courts and police stations.In Kundiawa District, two perpetrators of a SARV case were successfully convicted in National Court, serving eight (8) years each in Bawaragi Prison in Simbu.Chuave CID officers thanked Tribal Foundation for the continuous support, and the movement of the eyewitnesses attending court resulted in the conviction of the two suspects.Tribal Foundation confirmed more than five SARV cases are listed for National Court trial this month and will continue throughout the remaining months.

The SENISIM Pasin Program that is run by the PNG Tribal Foundation will now be integrated into the education department’s revised Behavioral Management Policy 2019, which is now under review by education services.National Capital District (NCD) Senior School Inspector Mr. Christoper Goiobu, said the behavioral management policy launched in 2021 is now going into review by NCD Education Services with partnership with PNG Tribal Foundation through a trainers training workshop at Kokoda Trail Motel, in Central Province this week. The training this week is focused on preparing for the National In-Service Training, which is scheduled for next year, when it will introduce the revised Behavioral Management Policy into schools across NCD. “The purpose of the workshop brings together school inspectors, guidance officers, and training officers from NCD Education Service to compile a comprehensive training package, including a training book, a facilitator’s manual and a participants’ workbook.” “Our partnership will equip teachers with effective strategies to manage student behavior in schools, while also embed values and approaches led by the Senisim PNG program.” This year, the Education Department partnered with PNG Tribal Foundation on the leadership program called Senisim PNG which teaches good values and servant leadership from the Maxwell Foundation’s book. This partnership will be a five-year partnership and under this partnership, seven secondary and junior high schools have had this program rolled out in their schools recently which was highlighted by Senisim PNG Education Coordinator Manasseh. “Two schools including Jubilee Catholic Secondary and Marianville Secondary completed eleven weeks transformation table graduated and certified facilitators.” “Other schools included De La Salle Secondary, Waigani Christian College, Ororo Junior high, Bavaroko Junior high and Tokarara Junior high school have started off the transformation table.” Meanwhile, Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin said Senisim PNG programs is about more than awareness, it is about transformation. “We want to inspire individuals to shift their mindset, embrace leadership, and take action of the betterment for their communities.” Furthermore, Senisim PNG National Coordinator Phillie Marai stated that there are currently four other programs under Tribal Foundation that is still under development and will be rolled out to schools targeting primary schools, elementary and early childhood learning in the future.

Central Bougainville Regional Women’s seat now has a new member, Ms. Theresa Baranangko who was officially declared the Member-Elect for the Central Bougainville Regional Women's Seat.Ms. Baranangko won by a landslide victory of 23,303 votes after the final exclusion. The Returning Officer Mr. Tonny Moera made the declaration at 12.12amBST at the Tupukas Primary School Hall in Arawa over the weekend on Saturday morning. Out of the five female candidates that contested the Women's seat, Theresa maintained the lead, collecting over 16,000 votes in the primary count across the ten Constituencies of Central Bougainville and the ballots from the BIBs and BOBs voters, and later picked up more than 7,000 votes in the elimination round to finish off with 23,303 votes. Second runner up was the sitting member, Geraldine Yolanda Paul who finished with 14,000 votes. Speaking at the declaration, Ms. Baranangko vowed to work with all stakeholders including fellow candidates, and citizens of all ten Constituencies of Central Bougainville to deliver Bougainville's aspiration for independence.

After addressing the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister James Marape issued a powerful appeal to world leaders and industries to take urgent action to preserve the planet, warning that Earth is fast approaching a “boiling point” due to human-induced climate change.He stated that science is clear that the anthropogenic impacts of industrialization and fossil fuel use are pushing the planet toward an irreversible tipping point. “We have inherited a liveable planet from our ancestors; we must pass on a liveable planet to our descendants.” “There is no other planet in the observable universe with the properties to sustain life like Earth, thus God has made this one planet for human beings—why destroy it?” Prime Minister Marape urged the G20 nations and global industries with the largest carbon footprints to invest in conservation partnerships with forest-rich nations like Papua New Guinea (PNG). “If you are not yet transitioning fully away from coal and fossil fuels, then assist nations like PNG to preserve our forests and oceans, and to reforest and regenerate nature.” “These are global assets—oxygen providers—that keep Earth in balance.” PNG, as a major tropical forest and ocean nation, contributes significantly to the global carbon sink and Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed PNG’s willingness to use its vast forest, ocean, and biodiversity resources as part of the solution, but called for genuine international support. “Our forests are a solution and in Articles 5 and 6 of the Paris Agreement talk about saving forests, and PNG offers our resources sustainably.” “We want our people to earn from conserving their forests, not only from harvesting them.” The Prime Minister said PNG would continue to advocate strongly at COP30 in Brazil, wherefor the first time a major forest nation will host the global climate conference. He emphasized that preservation must begin now, warning that in the future humanity could be forced to fight for oxygen “carrying it in bottles.” In addition, he also announced that PNG will not pursue carbon taxes on companies operating in its economy, given its carbon-negative position, but instead provide a “green certificate” to industries operating sustainably in PNG. “Our total carbon footprint is far less than our carbon absorption capacity, and Companies that operate in PNG will receive certification that they are working in a carbon-negative country.” “For their operations abroad, we welcome them to offset emissions by supporting conservation in PNG.” He further concluded with a reminder that the Earth is humanity’s shared home were everyone live in one planet and what happens in one part of the world affects the rest of us as COVID-19 has demonstrated. “The responsibility to save Earth starts now, and leaders, industries, communities, big or small, we all owe it to our children and grandchildren to preserve this planet.”

Prime Minister James Marape expressed gratitude and praised United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres for his strong support towards Papua New Guinea’s ongoing advocacy for climate justice, sustainable forestry, and ocean conservation.In recent meeting between Prime Minister Marape and Secretary-General Guterres in New York following the UN General Assembly, the UN chief reaffirmed his commitment to stand with Papua New Guinea and other climate-vulnerable nations in pushing for meaningful global action. “The Secretary-General has given us his full support in ensuring that Papua New Guinea’s voice is heard,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He reaffirmed that our advocacy for forestry and ocean resources will be supported at the highest level, and that bigger polluting nations must contribute to assist us in conserving these critical resources.” The Prime Minister emphasized that Papua New Guinea, still stands as both a forest and ocean nation, occupies a unique position in the fight against climate change. While its carbon footprint is small, the country’s forests and oceans act as vital carbon sinks that benefit the whole world. “It is no secret that if we are to stop forest harvesting, then those with the largest Carbone missions must help us save our forests and oceans,” he said. “Forestry and ocean resources are global mitigation tools, and we intend to bring this conversation to COP30 in Brazil.” Papua New Guinea has also pitched for Australia to host COP31, creating a symbolic link between ocean and forest nations as hosts of successive climate conferences Prime Minister Marape further highlighted the urgent need for adaptation strategies to address sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and shifting global climate patterns, which continue to threaten PNG’s Island communities. “Secretary-General Guterres not only recognized these realities but assured me of his full support for Papua New Guinea’s advocacy,” Prime Minister Marape said. “He continues to champion climate justice and stands with us in calling for bigger nations to take responsibility and help those of us most affected.” The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming Papua New Guinea’s dual role as both a victim of climate change and a provider of solutions, noting that the country’s forests and oceans remain essential to restoring the global carbon balance.

The incumbent President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama has retained the Bougainville Presidency seat after surpassing the absolute majority.This was announced at around 4:20pm this Friday afternoon, 26th September 2025. Following the completion of the quality check, Toroama secured a commanding total of 90,443 votes, well above the absolute majority of 69,629.This declaration confirms President Toroama’s mandate to continue leading Bougainville over the next five years through its political transition.

Mr. Robert Hamal Sawa was declared today Friday 26th September 2025 as the Member-elect for Hagogohe Constituency, North Bougainville retaining his seat in the 2025 Bougainville election.Sawa secured a total of 1,270 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 1,212 by 68 votes.Counting for Peit Constituency is currently underway, with Halia and Haku constituencies left to complete the single constituencies in North Bougainville.Still in North Bougainville a declaration was also made yesterday for the Tsitalato Constituency.Mr. John Bosco Ragu was declared the Member-elect for Tsitalato Constituency yesterday, retaining his seat.Bosco Ragu secured a total of 1,724 votes, surpassing the absolute majority of 1,595. He finished ahead of Benson Kiha, who polled 1,465 votes to take second place.For more election updates, all are urged to follow the official ABG WhatsApp Channel and Facebook page.

Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) commitment to global climate action, pledging stronger national targets and calling for greater international support ahead of the pivotal COP30 negotiations in Brazil.He made these remarks at the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General’s Special Event on Climate Change, co-convened with H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil.The event brought together world leaders and climate advocates to set the tone for bold action as COP30 approaches.Prime Minister Marape praised the UN’s leadership under Secretary-General António Guterres and acknowledged President Lula’s efforts in championing forests and oceans as critical to the global response to climate change.“As we head towards COP30, I reaffirm Papua New Guinea’s support, as both a forest and ocean nation, we stand with Brazil and support Australia’s bid to host COP31, so that the world recognizes the central role that forests and oceans play in climate change mitigation.”He stressed that PNG’s dual role in the climate struggle, stating that the country is both a victim of climate change and a provider of solutions.“We are custodians of the world’s third-largest tropical rainforest and vast oceans that host seven percent of global biodiversity.”“Despite our small carbon footprint, we remain one of Earth’s greatest natural carbon sinks.”He emphasized that forests and oceans in their natural state are the foundations of the planet’s carbon balance and vital to sustaining life on earth.In addition, the Prime Minister outlined ambitious national commitments to climate action, including enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)with stronger targets such as;• A pledge to achieve net-zero deforestation by 2030.• A new national policy to safeguard mangroves, seagrass, and coastal ecosystems.• Scaling up renewable energy investments.• Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems to protect communities.“These commitments will cost an estimated US$7.7 billion by 2030.”Calling for scaled-up international support, the Prime Minister urged developed nations to deliver on climate finance pledges, expand technology transfer, and strengthen global funds for vulnerable countries.“At COP30, we need to launch genuine public–private partnerships to deliver on the promise of reversing global deforestation by 2030.“That goal will never be achieved unless we dramatically increase finance. Forest nations need this placed at the top of the COP30 agenda.”He concluded by reaffirming PNG’s solidarity with Brazil, Australia, and other forest and ocean nations, pledging to continue offering both forests and oceans as solutions to the climate crisis.“It is the forests and oceans in their natural state that will sustain life on earth. At COP30, Papua New Guinea will stand with Brazil and other nations to ensure our planet’s survival.”