The Governments of Papua New Guinea and the Government of Singapore jointly signed a groundbreaking Implementation Agreement for cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change at the margins of COP28 recently. The ceremony was officiated by Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simon Kilepa and Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu. The joint agreement marks a significant leap forward in international collaboration to address climate challenges. Minister Kilepa expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Government of Papua New Guinea at the signing ceremony, emphasizing the Agreement's importance in strengthening the cordial bilateral relations between Papua New Guinea and Singapore. Minister Kilepa highlighted that the Agreement's role is to foster constructive dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including climate change, trade, and investment. Minister Fu also shared her expressed her gratitude in joining Minister Kilepa to sign Singapore's first-ever Implementation Agreement. This agreement holds particular significance as it solidifies Singapore’s partnership with Papua New Guinea, who is a fellow member of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). Both ministers acknowledged the critical role of Article 6 as a mechanism in enabling countries to voluntarily cooperate in achieving climate targets, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while advancing global climate action and ambition. The Implementation Agreement sets up a bilateral framework for the transfer of carbon credits with corresponding adjustments aligned with Article 6, providing a pathway for financing meaningful climate mitigation projects in Papua New Guinea. Key components of the Agreement include a requirement for project developers to cancel 2% of authorized carbon credits at issuance, ensuring an overall mitigation of global emissions. Additionally, project developers will contribute an equivalent of 5% share of proceeds towards adaptation action in Papua New Guinea, advancing both mitigation and adaptation actions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. Minister Kilepa applauded the partnership as a milestone for Papua New Guinea and thanked the technical officials from both countries for their tireless efforts in ensuring the Agreement's successful conclusion and signing. Minister Fu stressed the imperative of high-integrity carbon markets, emphasizing that the environmental integrity of carbon credits under this Implementation Agreement meets internationally recognized standards. Both ministers anticipate the collaborative identification of mutually beneficial compliant carbon credit projects that contribute to achieving the NDCs of both countries, solidifying a commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

In a significant address at a high-level ministerial forum at COP28 in Dubai, Vice Minister for Petroleum and Energy, Thomas Opa, expressed Papua New Guinea's (PNG) steadfast commitment to a just and equitable energy transition for a climate-resilient future. The Vice Minister highlighted that PNG as the largest island state in the Pacific, PNG, with a population of approximately ten million, is proudly asserting its unwavering support for the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) initiative. He highlighted PNG's enduring membership with IRENA and emphasized the nation's conscientious approach to managing its rainforests and abundant resources, including oil and gas, with a focus on responsible monetization. “In alignment with the visionary aspirations of Prime Minister Honourable James Marape, PNG is dedicated to championing the global agenda on climate change.” He added that a recent milestone in this commitment was the signing of a significant agreement with French President Emmanuel Macron, securing $100 million in forest conservation support. “This agreement accentuates Papua New Guinea's firm support for the Pacific Island Forums and all small island developing states, recognizing the undeniable reality of climate change and the imminent challenges faced by small island states, including those within PNG.” “PNG stands ready to actively back IRENA and its initiatives in the energy transition and is committed to contributing substantially to the collective effort aimed at creating a more sustainable and secure world for all.” His statement reflected PNG's dedication to playing a pivotal role in the global movement towards renewable energy and climate resilience. “The nation's proactive measures and collaborative initiatives align with international efforts, positioning PNG as a leader in the pursuit of a climate-resilient future.”

Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Simon Kilepa has expressed concerns regarding recent media reports alleging many PNG delegation travelled to Dubai for COP 28, defying the Prime Minister James Marape’s order. He stated that as the Minister responsible for climate change and the head of the delegation to the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28), he feels compelled to address the misleading reports. “First and foremost, it is disheartening to witness a daily newspaper company persistently publishing news without verifying facts from multiple sources.” Minister Kilepa added this hinders the dissemination of accurate information; contributing solely to the instigation of public criticism and that such practice must be condemned. “During my last press conference in the country before I left for COP28, we clearly stated that we had complied with the Prime Minister's instruction to reduce the delegation size from 56 to 49 of which 29 are Technical Officials and 20 High Level Officials who have participated in Leaders and Ministerial mandated events.” “They were all on different schedules and on different itineraries so precisely, PNG’s approved number of participants is 49.” Minster further added that it is essential to clarify that additional participants, funded by private sectors, development partners, businesses in PNG, NGOs operating in PNG attend COP events under the UNFCCC. “To access the venue, they must be registered under the PNG badge, and it must also be noted that NOT all are funded by the PNG Government.” “Even more than half the number on the UNFCCC registration list did not actually attend COP 28.’’ He added that the registration list provides to secure interested person to access services associated to travelling to COP such as visa support and access to the blue and green zones of COP Venue. “I question the basis for the dailies assertion of defiance against the Prime Minister's instruction.” Minister further clarified that currently on the ground are 29 participants attending the COP, representing key sector agencies such as Forestry, Environment, Agriculture, Transport, Energy, Health, Finance, Roads, Infrastructure, Women and Youths which have an active role in the country’s climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. This annual event is budgeted for and is a crucial global event that demands our active participation as a country that is hugely affected by climate change but also has a lot to offer to the world in terms of climate change mitigation. “It is disheartening to witness the 29 participants, working diligently to contribute to the negotiations at different levels and representing our country, face unwarranted criticism due to unverified reports such as this and I demand an apology for disseminating inaccurate information that detracts from the positive initiatives we have undertaken, including the French PNG country package of $100 million announced at the start of this Conference.” “I urge media outlets to adhere to responsible journalism practices by verifying information before publication, as inaccurate reporting undermines the credibility of the press and the public's right to factual and unbiased news.”

Teachers Savings and Loan Society (TISA) today formally commissioned its new state-of-the-art Data Centre. During the commissioning, TISA’s Group CEO, Michael Koisen said that the Data Centre is a significant milestone for TISA. “This new Date Centre is a world class Tier Two Data Centre which will provide a resilient, robust, and efficient facility for hosting the critical systems to run our business.” Mr Koisen further stated that it is also the first and only fire rated glass panelled wall Data Centre (DC) in PNG, meaning the fire-rated glass walls are fireproof and give a full view of the Centre as well. “This new Data Centre will ensure our members’ and customers information is stored safely and securely and guarantees our members consistent access to services without disruptions.” “Our new Data Centre will contribute to a positive overall user experience for our members and customers.” Koisen added that it took them almost a year to finally reach this stage, despite having some minor setbacks during the year, but the team together with the project partners pressed on to ensure TISA completed this massive project. “We completed all the industry checks and tests - to make sure our new DC is working effectively and I’m happy to say that all have been successfully completed.” The new DC will ensure that TISA’s Core IT systems are managed in a controlled, safe, and standardized environment leading to smooth operations for all our Banking services without interruption. It also comes with world class equipment providing backup Power and Cooling supply along with Fire suppression and environment sensitive alarm systems. “For us, the opening of our DC means TISA is meeting industry standards and compliance requirements set by the Bank of PNG and will quicken our preparations on our transformation into a commercial bank – which I’m happy to also mention that we are making steady progress as well on our transformation.” Other features of this new Data Centre include: • There’s two automated backup gensets that will start as soon as the power supply goes off • Two UPS systems configured in auto failover mode feeding into dual PDUs in all racks in both rows. • Network backups with clustered equipment and backup ISP links. • Hot Aisle containment with four In Row Cooling units configured in high availability redundant setup which operates two at a time in tandem. • Highly scalable environment 2 Rows of 6 Racks that has backup interconnection between racks in both rows. • Gas fire suppression system ensures fire resistant environment. • Anti-Static Data centre equipment/hardware staging room. • Dual door Multifactor Biometric enabled Datacenter door access system. • All equipment is enabled with alert mechanism to send health checks via SMS/Email. • Online replication to DR site ensuring minimal RPO/RTO. “This endeavour is not only a milestone for TISA but a matter of pride for the Nation’s Financial sector which requires such world class facilities for its modernization and technological progress.” “It also embodies the progressive and customer centric path being treaded by the financial sector where TISA will continue to contribute,” said Mr Koisen

Pacific leaders launched their "bold vision" which they hope will "create transformational partnerships" for a prosperous region on Sunday. The 'Blue Pacific Prosperity' initiative was unveiled on the side-lines of the UN climate talks in Dubai. It is made up focuses on three goals to protect the ocean, have healthy people and ensure finance is accessible. Almost a third of the region's ocean is to be put under protection under the new proposal, in line with [https://www.context.news/nature/what-is-the-30-by-30-goal-and-can-it-save-global-biodiversity UN 30 by 30 goal. A major design of the initiative allows philanthropic organisations and the private sector to give money. The chief executive and president of Bezos Earth Fund Andrew Steer pencilled in US$100,000 at the launch of the initiative on 3 December. "Today, you are announcing the biggest single biggest conservation effort in history," Steer told Pacific leaders at the launch. The Global Environment Facility also announced another US$125m. Pacific Islands Forum secretary general Henry Puna said the proposal would create a new way for the Pacific to generate finance, especially for ocean management and conservation. The private sector is very interested in contributing towards environmental measures, he said. "This is the first time that we in the Pacific are now looking at not just the traditional sources of funding that we've been getting, but a new source of funding," Puna said. "I don't think it's an opportunity that we should dismiss; we should really embrace it and importantly receive [finance] on our own terms." Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr said the Pacific had demonstrated to the world the region is committed to the environment. "We are doing our part, and we ask our friends and partners to do their part, and also to invest in us." Pacific leaders have long been critical of climate finance, which they see as inadequate and hard to access. The Blue Pacific Prosperity business case document said there was "broad consensus about what needs to be done", but insufficient funding. "The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that US$1 billion per year should be spent in the Pacific on climate adaptation, while the International Renewable Energy Agency estimates the need to spend US$650m annually just to meet renewable energy targets," it said. "Yet no more than US$200m each year is currently spent on climate adaptation across the entire Blue Pacific Continent - only 20 percent of the IMF recommendation for an area five times as large as the continental US." 'Entrepreneurial and innovative' Pacific Community's director of partnerships Karena Lyons said leaders have taken an innovative approach to the problem. "They're showing the world that it's not good enough to sit around and talk about climate financing or development financing," she said. "We actually have to be entrepreneurial and innovative and try to strategically use the capabilities that we have. "That's how we've really landed in this place, where we've developed an initiative that was just so attractive to potential investors that you saw a $225m commitment." The proposal will be open for signing from Tuesday (Dubai time) at COP28. Whipps Jr said he had received assurances that most Pacific countries will sign. "We don't know if every country will sign, but we know that a vast majority of the Pacific countries will commit at this COP," he said. "We're excited about that and to partner with our partners here, especially philanthropy and governments in this effort." Special Presidential envoy for climate John Kerry said Pacific voices were among the most powerful in the world when it comes to climate change. "Your crisis of life itself, and in the existence in the homeland you have, is caused by the unmitigated, unabated, burning of fossil fuels, that's it; and if we don't stop burning unabated fossil fuels - shame on us," Kerry told Pacific leaders at the launch of the initiative. Source:rnz.com

The Pacific Islands Climate Action Network says while the Loss and Damage Fund deal reached at the COP28  summit in Dubai is significant, it does not go far enough. PICAN's Lavetanalagi Seru, who is in Dubai, said the fund is what climate justice advocates view as responding to the needs and the calls from climate frontline communities and countries. But, he said, at the same time, it was not what they hoped for in terms of what the package. "It's not a package that we happy about where there's definitely been compromises," he said. "For instance, around ensuring that the principle of common but differentiated responsibility is core and that human rights language is also embedded in the establishment of the loss and damage fund." Seru said the Pacific and many other climate vulnerable countries have been waiting for these for the last 30 years when Vanuatu proposed a loss and damage fund. "What civil society, what many climate vulnerable and frontline countries and communities have been asking for, is a fund that is fit for purpose, without responding to the urgency to the scale and the need of our communities. "And we've heard that there's been some initial pledges by the UAE, the European Union, the UK, among others. But it comes to a mere US$400 million, what the loss and damage fund should be mobilizing is not millions, but billions." Seru said that is because of the scale of the impacts in many of these countries, both economic and non-economic losses and damage. "It requires significant funding and support from the most developed and the most industrialized countries that caused the climate crisis in the first place." A series of small pledges that countries hoped would build throughout the conference to a substantial sum, including US$100 million (NZ$162m) from the COP28 host the United Arab Emirates, at least US$51m (NZ$82m) from Britain, US$17.5m (NZ$28.4m) from the United States, and US$10m (NZ$16.2m) from Japan. Later, the European Union pledged US$245.3m (NZ$399m), which included US$100m pledged by Germany. The pledges are currently insufficient because the level of capitalization beyond this initial finance should move to the billions, according to Seru. "I think there is concerns around knowing the replenishment of the fund after this series of initial pledges, how are we going to sustain these. "Overall, while it may seem like it's a significant progress, for countries like Tuvalu, Kiribati, who are already grappling with sea level rise and the prospect of their people having to relocate...it's not something that you could easily pay off with a cheque book," he said. SOURCE: RNZ.COM

The body of a young man was found early this morning inside a drain just adjacent to the Gordons police station, Port Moresby. The morning rush hour was brought to halt as the passing public lined up beside the drain to see the lifeless body that was lying inside the drain between the Pilipino Basket Hall and the police station. Gordons Police confirmed that the body was identified by relatives as a young man in his 20’s from the Hela Province. Gordons Police stated that there was no rain last night that could have caused the drain to flood and brought the body there. Police believed that the murder was done somewhere else, and the body dumped in the drain late last night or in the early hours of this morning. The body was removed from the drain around 9am after the Police Criminal Investigation Division (CID) made assessments and examined the body. This is now a homicide case and is now in the hands of CID to do further investigation into the cause of death.

The previously terminated and then reinstated senior staff of the Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA), Mr. Alfred Rungol, has accused the CCDA for misleading the public and stakeholders about the nature of his termination, which was presented in a press statement to the media just recently. Mr. Rungol has come out to give his side of the story to PNG HAUSBUNG, stating that all that was said in the statement made by CCDA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. William Lakain, are not true accounts of what led up to his termination in 2022. “My reputation is on the line when CCDA puts a press statement on media; however, all these are false information,” he said. “I have sorted all allegations and went through all the process of court and it took me 15 long months to go through all the processes to provide all my evidence.” Mr. Rungol stated that CCDA took him to court, but the case was dismissed and that he was reinstated back to office, following processes which he went through.“I have two confirmation letter of reinstatement from the Department of Personal (DPM) Management, one was in October and another in September from the DPM Secretary Taies Sansan.” Rungol stated that he never expected this issue to surface again after it was already dealt with in court, and that the Department of Personal Management has found out that all accusations were baseless with no clear or proper evidence. Rungol said that because the CCDA cannot take him back to court, the only way to attack him now is to tarnish his reputation in the press statement that was issued to the media. Meanwhile, as per the press statement from the CCDA, in 2022 the CCDA terminated the employment of Mr. Rungol, who was a senior staff member, following a comprehensive review of a number of serious disciplinary matters by CCDA's Internal Disciplinary Committee. The statement read that the decision to terminate him was reached following due processes and in accordance with the terms and conditions of his employment contract then. The following are the series of serious offences that the CCDA said was committed by Mr. Rungol, which breached the conditions of his employment contract: 1. Swearing and Harassment of several CCDA senior female employees. 2. Fighting with one of his immediate subordinates at the CCDA premises whilst under the influence of alcohol in view of other staff and development partners. 3. Totally wrecked a CCDA hired vehicle, whilst on official duty travel, which cost CCDA K345, 000 to repair. 4. Causing disharmony and suppression within his Division and amongst other senior and General staff of CCDA. However, in Mr. Rungol’s version of the story, he refuted the series of offences stated by the CCDA as their base for his termination. Here is Mr. Rungol’s account of the incidents that led to the termination of his contract. 1) Rungol said he never swore or use any foul language against any female officer, nor did he harass any female employee. He said some female employees were drunk during official hours and one was involved in a sexual activity with someone who was not her partner. So, he had to report her for the misconduct. 2) With regards to the fighting, he said the statement was one-sided and did not get the full scope of the incident. He claimed that an immediate subordinate was disciplined for malpractice in CCDA, after he was caught drinking in the office. Mr. Rungol said that he and the highly intoxicated staff had an argument and the staff issued threats against him and his family. Mr. Rungol claimed that this incident took place in the presence of a very senior staff of the CCDA, but instead Mr. Rungol said he was disciplined for the incident and not the staff in concern. 3) In terms of the hired vehicle, Mr. Rungol said he never crashed any vehicles that belonged to the CCDA. He claimed that he was not even inside the vehicle at the time of accident and was never near the accident site and was only told about it the next morning. Mr. Rungol stated that his name was never on the police incident report when it was presented in court. 4) On the fourth incident, Mr. Rungol said he never caused disharmony amongst staff at work. He claimed that this was brought up because CCDA staff were engaged in corrupt practices. He alleged that some CCDA staff were doubling travelling allowances from both the government and the development partner funds and he was going to expose them. “These kind of small corrupt activities are happening within CCDA, so because I am a whistle blower, CCDA had to make false allegations against me so that they can continue with their corrupt practices,” Mr. Rungol said.

Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has issued out a statement to provide clarification regarding the termination and subsequent “reinstatement” of Mr. Alfred Rungol, who was terminated in 2022. William Lakain Acting Managing Director for CCDA clarified that in 2022, the CCDA terminated the employment of Mr. Rungol, a senior staff member, following a comprehensive review of a number of serious disciplinary matters by CCDA's Internal Disciplinary Committee. Mr. Lakain stated that the decision to terminate was reached following due process and in accordance with the terms and conditions of his employment contract. The following are the series of serious offences committed by Mr. Rungol which breached the conditions of his employment contract: 1. Swearing and Harassment of several CCDA senior female employees. 2. Fighting with one of his immediate subordinates at the CCDA premises whilst under the influence of alcohol in view of other staff and development partners. 3. Totally wrecked a CCDA hired vehicle, whilst on official duty travel, which cost CCDA K 345,000.00 to repair. 4. Causing disharmony and suppression within his Division and amongst other senior and General staff of CCDA. Note that Mr. Rungol was terminated not because he was a “whistle blower,” but as a consequence of breaching the conditions of his employment contract. Thus, CCDA management would like to inform valued stakeholders and the general public of the miss-information that was circulated through various media platforms. Following his termination, Mr. Rungol took the matter to the National Court, challenging the validity of the CCDA’s decision.The National Court, in its judgment, determined that the CCDA had acted according to law to terminate Mr. Rungol. These proceedings are styled OS 41 of 2023 and OS No. 270 of 2022 and are available on PacLII website at www.paclii.org. Briefly, in OS 41 of 2023, it was decided by the Court that the decision to terminate Mr. Rungol, following CCDA’s internal disciplinary processes, still stands. In OS 270 of 2022, which Mr. Rungol himself initiated, he sought relief from the Court, (1) Affirming that the decision of DPM, is final, (2) Orders for Mr. William Lakain, to implement the decision of the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) to allow him to resume his substantive position, and (3) Prevention of Mr. Lakain and his servants from interfering with the smooth transition of him back to his substantive position in the CCDA, was dismissed with costs to be met by Mr. Rungol. Furthermore, the Office of the State Solicitor upon reviewing his termination and the processes invoked to terminate him, was satisfied with the process and advised that the termination was done correctly and is in order. However, it has come to CCDA’s attention that Mr. Rungol has provided misinformation to the Department of Personnel Management, on these cases, leading to his unlawful “reinstatement” despite the Court's ruling. Mr. Lakain added that CCDA respects the legal process, and the authority of the National Court, thereby emphasizing that we as an organization remain committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of our operations. “Our disciplinary procedures are designed to ensure fairness and impartiality, and the decision to terminate Mr. Rungol was made after careful consideration of the facts, given the recent developments and potential miscommunication, CCDA is working closely with relevant authorities to address this matter.” “We are committed to resolving this situation in a manner that is consistent with the law, respects due process, and upholds the integrity of our internal disciplinary procedures,” said Mr. Lakain. Lakain further added that CCDA understands that this situation may raise questions and concerns among the stakeholders, and CCDA wants to assure them that CCDA continues to prioritize the welfare of its employees, its interests and the values that guide its work for the collective good for the country. CCDA welcomes the Court’s decision on the matter and would like to advise its stakeholders and general public that CCDA still maintains its position on Mr. Rungol’s termination. “Mr. Rungol is at liberty to seek redress from the Courts, should he wish to.”

25 youths from Ragamuga settlement outside 6mile were all smiles today when they graduated with certificates in different trades at Don Bosco Technical School. Ragamuga Youth Coordinator Adamson Nul highlighted that this was first of its kind where all fees were paid in full under the sponsorship of Moresby South member Justin Tkatchenko and NCD Governor Powes Parkop. “The short courses were part of the TVET scholarship which was facilitated by TVET Coordinator Ms Rose Agua in partnership with Don Bosco Technical School.” Mr Nul stated that most of the youths were grades 10 and 12 drop outs and this was their second chance to better their lives. He said there were actually 30 youths in the beginning who registered, however 5 left due to their own personal reasons and 25 completed the 5 months courses, 1 female and 24 male. “These youths took courses in IT, House wiring, Motor Vehicle Mechanic, Heavy Equipment fitter, welding and electricity.” Nul added that this graduation today brought great joy to the families of the graduates the community in Ragamuga. “These certificates received today is not the end, with the assistance of Justin Tkatchenko and Governor Powes Parkop under TVET, there are plans laid out for these youths to get their ITC 1 and ICT 2 papers next year at Don Bosco Technical school.”

An exclusive workshop facilitated by the South Pacific Community (SPC), in partnership with the PNG Office of Ocean Affairs (OOA), the Department of Justice and Attorney General and the European Union is currently underway in Port Moresby. SPC through the European Union funded Pacific Solutions Integrated Ocean Management (PSIOM) Programme, is supporting PNG to review existing legislations and policies with the aim of progressing the implementation of the National Ocean Policy 2020-2030. This comes in line with Papua New Guinea (PNG) taking bold steps to safeguarding its ocean resources and ecosystems, to ensure sustainability for future generations. Acting Director of the PNG OOA Grace Kaue said the State had a responsibility to plan and manage its ocean space to ensure all its users can sustainably benefit from ocean resources. “Integrated ocean management is a holistic approach to manage and protect ocean resources, including ecosystems, biodiversity and human activities in a coordinated and sustainable manner”. “While the National Ocean Policy commits to an integrated approach to ocean management, effective implementation will depend on the harmonisation of sectoral legislation and regulations and improved collaboration between key stakeholders,” Ms Kaue said. She said a key objective of the Ocean Law and Policy Review will be to identify sectoral recommendations to enhance the implementation of collaborative approaches which the Oceans Office can support and facilitate, through its governance committees. PNG is among several countries to have developed National Ocean Policies (NOPs) to address the increasing challenges of managing the needs of multiple ocean users, including fishing communities, the fisheries industry and private sector among others. SPC Ocean and Maritime Deputy Director Jens Kruger said through the PSIOM program, SPC is committed to supporting member countries to sustainably manage and protect the Pacific Ocean. “A common aspiration within national ocean policies in PNG and the Pacific is the growing desire for Integrated Ocean Management (IOM).” “In the Pacific, IOM recognises that traditional knowledge and culture, advanced science and robust laws and policies are key to understanding the ocean and effectively implementing ocean policies through stakeholder consultation, engagement and participation,” Mr Kruger said. A key highlight of the workshop was the presentation of findings and recommendations of the legal review to the PNG National Ocean Committee (NOC) and to establish the implementation status of PNG’s Ocean policy identify gaps and discuss opportunities. The Pacific Community Centre for Ocean Science is leading the PSIOM programme and works with Pacific Island government, sub-national authorities, and regional agencies to implement holistic ocean management practices.

In a country like Papua New Guinea, a nation with over 800 languages and tribal group, how do we define a Papua New Guinea woman in such a society? Dame Carol Anne Kidu DBE AO, the first women to enter politics in 1997 and having further served 3 terms in parliament recently defined what a Papua New Guinea woman. She stated that a modern Papua New Guinea woman operating in a Western World is climbing up the ladder efficiently now. It may be slow but it’s happening, this woman is also a traditional Papua New Guinea woman. “We must not expect Papua New Guinea woman to have agency in this cultural context,” said Lady Kidu. “They can be that Papua New Guinea women we have the image of, representing us regionally, internationally and in corporate sectors too but when they go back to their village, they have to play a different role.” Lady Kidu added that to isolate a Papua New Guinea woman from their traditional role in their traditional homes is a disservice to them. To bring all women leaders in the national level together to advocate and empower each other and to unite influential women leaders from across the nation to foster unity, cooperation, and strategic initiatives is very important but also very sensitive. “Gender relationships based on principles of equity is important for all PNG women and we need to keep developing that.”