Four successful finalists from Season 12 of Vocal Fusion Competition have been awarded leadership certificates today by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation, a program facilitated by the PNG Tribal Foundation at The Cosmopolitan in Port Moresby. The contestants who are Judith Vanegmond (the only female among the top contestants), Michael Mikis, Race Kora, and Anthony Hau’ofa, were four remaining in the competition out from the 21 contestants who joined and have successfully completed the leadership training as certified table facilitators. They expressed enthusiasm and a strong commitment to begin leading table sessions in their homes, communities, and peer groups, with the aim of promoting positive values and leadership. Ms. Lavinia Williams, Vocal Fusion Manager and the judge leading the season 12, said the four finalists are also preparing themselves for the season finale this Sunday at the Cosmopolitan. The leadership program aims not only to develop individuals, but also to equip them to become role models and positive influencers within their families, peer circles, and the wider community. “The involvement of the contestants brings greater visibility to the importance of leadership among young people across the country, many of whom follow the popular singing competition.” She said their participation will venture beyond leadership and personal growth including entertainment. Meanwhile, Senisim PNG National Coordinator, Phillie Marai, highlighted the Tribal Foundation’s belief that when individuals grow in leadership and values, their whole communities’ benefit. “We are proud of these young artists for stepping up.” “Your commitment has paid off and led to personal growth, both as individuals and as leaders in your own spaces.” “As new facilitators, go out there and influence the people around your communities.” In addition, finalist Anthony Hau’ofa reflected on the impact of the training sessions. “We know values, but we don’t always practice them, and sitting in the sessions really helped us in our lives and in how we see things around us.” “Now we are practicing these values every day.” Hau’ofa has also expressed gratitude to the PNG Tribal Foundation for selecting them and also in helping them to transform their lives.

Six trainers specialized in dance, acrobatics, yoga, and kung fu completed an 11-week table session program and were awarded leadership certificates from the PNG Tribal Foundation under the Senisim PNG Program this week. The program, delivered under the Active City Development Program (ACDP), was a behaviour change initiative that integrates physical activity with leadership development. It is aimed to strengthen the participants’ leadership capacity while promoting healthy living. Active City Development Program lead, Ezra Adino, said that as part of their role, the trainers led participants through structured physical activities, using movement not only as a means of fitness but also as a tool to inspire discipline, teamwork, and positive habits. “Each participant walked away with valuable insights, shaped by their individual personalities and leadership journeys.” “A core message that resonated with all was the importance of leading by example.” He added that the training emphasized the impact of consistent, values-based leadership in influencing both individuals and communities. The Senisim PNG Program, focused on personal transformation, will now support the continued good work of these participants within the Active City Development Program (ACDP) through community engagement. Participants are now encouraged to apply what they have learned in their daily lives and take initiative in leading table discussions. In addition, the leadership training is part of a broader effort by the Active City Development Program to foster healthier, more empowered communities across Port Moresby through fitness, education, and civic participation. The Active City Development Program (ACDP) is a non-profit initiative by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), launched in 2016 to make Port Moresby a healthier, cleaner, and safer city. It uses free, inclusive physical and creative activities like yoga, walking, dance, drama, and martial arts to engage communities, especially youth and marginalized groups. Moreover, ACDP promotes health, peace, social inclusion, and personal empowerment, while also addressing education, the environment, and employment. Its goal is to build a united, active, and responsible city through community participation.

Tribal Foundation continues to stand as an icon of hope for many Sorcery Accusation victims in Papua New Guinea, especially in the Highlands region and for Simbu Province, it has been one of the provinces that Tribal Foundation continues to address Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV). This year since the month of June to this day, Tribal Foundation has supported and provided food rations for more that 100 SARV survivors and victims. This is part of a program called “Feeding Survivors” under PNG Tribal Foundation, whereby survivors who are displaced within their own traditional land, who lost homes, food gardens and live stocks through SARV are taken care of by Tribal Foundation. The Feeding survivor program is especially in done in the Highlands Region and Morobe Province. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin confirmed that about 187 survivors from Sinesine Yongomugl, Gumine, Kundiawa and Kerowagi in Simbu were placed under this program from June to August this month. In Jiwaka Province, more than fifteen people who were survivors of a long-time SARV Case which is still in court including survivors in Pangia, Southern Highlands were also placed under given food rations to support their livelihood. Mr. Bustin highlighted that Tribal Foundation continues to support victims despite minimum support from the government. “Tribal Foundation also needs government support to continue its work in rescuing SARV survivors and victims, physical support, as well as legal support for police and courts to see more prosecutions in the country.” Meanwhile, Tribal Foundation has recorded and dealt with 38 SARV Cases, as well as 128 arrests, nine prosecutions, thirty currently under internal investigation unit (IIU) for investigations in illegal release of suspects in cells, 64 committed to National Court and fourteen in the district from 2023-2025.

The Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) and Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) are currently visiting Aotearoa New Zealand. Their visit started last Saturday 23rd August and will end on Saturday 30th August 2025, and the purpose of the visit is to learn more about climate-resilient infrastructure. The learning exchange programme comes as Papua New Guinea (PNG) prepares to mark 50 years of independence on 16 September 2025. Improving road transport is a priority for Papua New Guinea’s economic growth and development, with limited road connections outside the main cities of Port Moresby and Lae. Many of the country’s roads are exposed to climate-related hazards such as flooding, landslides, and sea-level rise, and in overall, PNG is ranked 89th out of 139 for infrastructure in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index. This visit is part of the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States programme, a global initiative funded by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The IRIS PNG programme is implemented by Global Green Growth Initiative and DoWH with support from GHD, a global professional services company. During their visit to New Zealand, PNG officials will learn from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, councils, the National Emergency Management Agency and mana whenua about how climate risk and resilience are embedded in infrastructure planning and investment. The delegation is set to visit Waikato region, including learning about the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle to gather practical insights to help them implement PNG’s recently developed Climate Change Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework. Kenneth Yamu, DoWH ESG Assistant Secretary says, “Our team comprised of DoWH, CCDA, TSSP and GGGI will be travelling to New Zealand for the South-South Exchange and Knowledge Exchange with town councils to visit climate resilient project sites to learn and integrate climate resilience into road infrastructure development in PNG.” “We want to see the DoWH construct climate resilient infrastructure by 2030 that can withstand the extreme weather patterns; thus, this will require teamwork by improving knowledge and skills for our technical staff in DoWH to make collective and inclusive decisions that will benefit our people.” Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Country Representative of GGGI PNG says “This exchange offers Papua New Guinea a valuable opportunity to learn directly from New Zealand’s experience in embedding climate resilience into infrastructure systems.” “As we prepare to mark 50 years of independence, strengthening our road networks and transport systems against climate risks is not just a technical necessity but a foundation for sustainable economic growth and community well-being.” Mr. Shaikh added that the lessons from New Zealand will help Papua New Guinea to apply it to PNG’s Climate Change, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment Framework in a way that is practical, inclusive, and scalable across Papua New Guinea. Mr. Stephen Douglass, GHD Market Lead Environment and Communities for NZ Pacific also added that the learning exchange will present how New Zealand manages interconnected climate risks — a direct analogue for the challenges facing Papua New Guinea. “It focuses on community development and sits within a wider programme to build capacity for climate-resilient, context-appropriate infrastructure prioritization, delivering lasting community benefits directly transferable to Papua New Guinea.”

The Marape Rosso Government has made a commitment to priorities the settlement to suburb project. Speaking at the recent launching of Government lease land titles to the Moresby Northeast District, Prime Minister James Marape stated that the Marape Rosso Government, under Pangu party has pledged to work in partnership with National Capital District and the three District office in Port Moresby to turn all settlements into suburbs. “Starting next year and for the next 3-4 years until 2030, the Pangu Government will prioritize on converting all settlements to suburbs,” said Prime Minister Marape. “One settlement at a time until all settlements are upgraded to suburbs.” PM Marape stated also that funding and resources will be made available and allocated for all settlement to suburb project areas until it is fully achieved. Marape added that under the settlement to suburb program, priority will be given to genuine residents who have lived in the Nation’s Capital for 2-3 generations and considered the Nation’s Capital as their home. “Those who have lived for generations will be given priority to be block holders, and not those that just arrived in Port Moresby recently due to tribal conflict or any other reasons.” Marape further added that such project is a major exercise, thus it needs cooperation from the government as well as the settlers, as law and order is crucial to archive a better outcome of the project. Prime Minister Marape urges all residents of Port Moresby to uphold law and order at all times and to also respect the original landowners of the Nation's Capital, the Koiari People, Motu Koita people and the whole Central Province people. “Bring your tribal fights home, no tribal fight should happen in the city, this is the capital, respecting the rule of law is vital.” “Everyone is asked to respect any business happening near your area, this is service and employment for you.” Marape also urged all people to refrain from illegal settling, and illegal selling and buying of land. “Hopefully by the year 2030 all settlements should be transformed into suburbs, not only in Port Moresby but also for Lae, Mt Hagen and other major centres.”

​Police in the Chuave District of Simbu Province have launched an investigation into the murder of a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church elder, who was accused of sorcery in Kue village in West Elimbari, before his brutal killing. ​The attack occurred on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. A group of people accused the church elder, who was in his mid-40s, of using sorcery to cause the death of a fellow clansman. ​Constable Gabriel Suka, the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) Officer in Charge, confirmed that a formal investigation began last week after the PNG Tribal Foundation assisted local police with their inquiries. ​Constable Suka noted that while no formal complaint was filed at the station, the police became aware of the incident through social media posts. “We are grateful to the PNG Tribal Foundation for stepping in to assist.” “The area is extremely remote, and responding to incidents like this is often logistically difficult and expensive.” ​A major incident report has been submitted to the Provincial Police Commander's office in Simbu. At this time, the suspects have not been identified, and police are asking the community for any information that could lead to their arrest. The killing highlights the persistent issue of sorcery-related violence in remote parts of Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Highlands. A combination of traditional beliefs and limited access to the justice system can often lead to tragic outcomes. ​Furthermore, police are urging the people to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report any suspected crimes directly to the authorities.

Member for Moresby Northeast John Kaupa acknowledges the fact of extreme shortage of site and serviced land, and the city’s unpretentious urban development challenges. He sees that informal settlement has been the dominant features of urban growth and expansion on both state and customary land, therefore he believes the way forward is by turning settlements into viable, robust and livable suburbs. Under the settlement to suburb program Prime Minister James Marape yesterday presented two state lease land titles to National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop and Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa during a ceremony at 9-Mile. The two state lease titles are Subdivision of 14-mile Satellite Township -Portion 1221 on a land mass of 110.65 hectares and Subdivision of Farea-Bushwara and 9Mile Satellite Township on Portion 5548 C on a 61.2-hectare land. During the presentation of the state lease titles to Governor Powes and Kaupa, Marape urged residents to respect the Rule of Law and become law abiding citizens. “No tribal fight in the city, and all must respect the traditional landowners, the people of Koiari, Motu Koita and the people of Central Province who gave us their land,” said PM Marape. Mr. Kaupa who expressed sincere gratitude toward the Marape Rosso Government for the funding and leasing of the State Land, highlighted that the program would cost about K72.2 million and will take more than six years to complete the suburb upgrade. According to Kaupa, the initiative is vital to address the issue of land grabbing, illegal settlements and also to address the growing population in the electorate, which is estimated to be more than 450,000 people. Kaupa added that three key state landholdings under the Port Moresby North-East District Development Authority (DDA) will be utilized to accommodate this growth. He also mentioned that about 2,000 block holders on Portion 2709 will have land titles and more block holders in the district will become block owners through the settlement to suburb program. Mr. Kaupa further stated that the satellite township development project requires modern state - of – the -art infrastructures which are currently undertaken with the support from the National Government, NCD and our development partners. Important key infrastructure Facilities have been built and others are in the process of implementation especially the development at nine (9) mile Saiwara satellite township. “I thank the National Government for a funding support of K10million, whereby K5million was given already and the K5million given anytime soon because there is already a treasury warrant for it," Kaupa said.

Court circuits are helping deliver timely and fair justice to communities that might otherwise experience long delays thus it has brought justice to people in remote areas, and it’s seen as an effective system to address law and order in communities. The Court circuits are supported by the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ) and they are a regular initiative of the Magisterial Services of PNG, designed to extend justice services to rural and remote communities. Mid this year, between 20 July and 1 August 2025, a team of law and justice officials from Lae successfully completed a court circuit to Salamaua in Morobe Province, following a previous visit in March this year. The circuit brought court services directly to the people—resolving longstanding disputes, enforcing village court decisions, and helping restore peace and order in rural communities. A total of 19 cases were heard, including 13 related to land disputes, domestic violence, and enforcement of village court orders, and six involving Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV). “This circuit has allowed us to reach out to communities and attend to outstanding land matters and enforce village court hearings,” said Magistrate Ngasaling Bingtau. “We managed to resolve several long-pending cases and conduct land inspections, which are vital for maintaining peace in the communities and the district.” Regional Court Registrar Nick Sawong said, “For many people in rural areas, this is a significant support in enforcing village court orders and facilitating land mediation.” “Without it, people often avoid accountability, we’re not only providing legal services, but we’re also conducting awareness sessions to help communities understand court processes and resolve issues peacefully, rebuilding trust in the justice system.” For community leaders like Gideon Caleb from Boakap village, the court circuit brought long-awaited relief. “I’m happy and relieved because we have many land disputes in my community, and the situation is worsened by young people drinking cheap alcohol, which often leads to more conflict,” said Gideon. The visit included community awareness sessions on key laws and penalties, particularly those relating to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV). Community members were also informed about the roles of various justice agencies and the services they provide, thus with support from APLJ, similar outreach has taken place in other parts of Morobe Province earlier this year, and more recently in island communities in Bougainville as well.

The Cocoa Management Information System Goes Live to Power Value Chain Growth Developed by ITU under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, unifies real-time cocoa data in a single hub for planning, reporting, and advisories, and co-designed with the Cocoa Board and DICT, it reduces errors, informs decisions, and speeds support to farmers, businesses, and government. Supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, the Cocoa Management Information System (CMIS) of the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea (CBPNG) was launched in Kokopo city in the East New Britian province. The sector-wide platform has been designed to digitize data and record-keeping across the cocoa value chain so that informed decision-making, improved planning, stronger coordination and accurate tracking of export volumes from different ports nationwide can be enabled. Developed in close collaboration with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the CMIS was officially handed over to CBPNG at the launch. As a one-stop, real-time hub, the system has been configured to consolidate and analyze key sector information, including farmer profiles, seedling distribution, training data, production yields, processing assessments, nursery status and export volumes, so that reporting to government and stakeholders can be streamlined and service delivery across the sector strengthened. Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Project Officer for ITU-STREIT, Mr. Kanagat Alyshbaev, stated that as part of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, ITU has helped deliver CMIS which automates data collection, provides live dashboards, and strengthens planning and reporting so that support reaches farmers and the whole value chain moves faster. “CMIS is practical for people in the field as well as policymakers, cutting duplication and errors. Over time, it will lift quality, traceability and incomes across Papua New Guinea’s cocoa sector.” Expressing gratitude, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cocoa Board, Mr. Jesse Anjen, highlighted that they are very grateful to the ITU under EU-STREIT PNG to come on board to help with this CMIS system. “A lot of our work is done manually and as a government organization we’re required to report and this system will help us also to monitor data, including volume export from different ports, and generate very customized report to government and to stakeholders.” “It will be really useful to the industry and the country and the government as well,” Mr. Anjen added. Also present was Deputy Secretary for DICT, Mr. Russell Woruba, who praised the partnership with EU-STREIT PNG, stating that they are very committed to supporting CMIS and are working very closely with EU-STREIT PNG to see the fruition of this system. “This is a very momentous occasion for us and the industry and what we are doing is supporting government in developing the agriculture sector starting with ICT innovation and to see the Cocoa Board come to this stage is very fulfilling.” “With this system we can get the insights, and I commend the leadership and collaboration by all stakeholders with EU-STREIT PNG.” The CMIS is intended to deliver four core results for the cocoa industry: automated aggregation of industry data; a robust information and knowledge-sharing hub; a tool for institutional strengthening and management; and a comprehensive information layer to support planning, monitoring and performance control. As these features roll out, CMIS helps agencies plan and coordinate better. Farmers receive trusted advice on pests and diseases, which lifts product quality and improves crop and farm management. More quality planting material reaches farms. Cocoa Agribusinesses meet market requirements and international standards more easily, and good agricultural practices spread across the value chain. Together, these changes raise incomes, strengthen food security and improve livelihoods, while deepening links with suppliers and buyers in Papua New Guinea and overseas. To support these outcomes, the platform brings together production data, farmer and fermentary profiles (with sales records), market and export information (including prices), nursery and budwood records, stakeholder and input-supplier lists, and exporter client profiles. These are linked across CMIS databases and producer and farmer registries, and selected information will be available through a public portal. To ensure high-quality, timely data flows into the CMIS, training on Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) has been conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme for 15 Cocoa Board officers based in East Sepik. By using 15 tablets provided by ITU, or their own smartphones, field officers are now able to collect and validate data in real time and enter them into the CMIS, so that errors can be reduced, verification carried out immediately and decision-ready information provided for analysis. Through this end-to-end digital pipeline, from field capture to sector dashboards, a major step forward in modernizing Papua New Guinea’s cocoa industry has been marked.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, has completed a targeted capacity-building initiative to strengthen institutional capabilities of the provincial government and its agencies in digital data collection and monitoring, supporting the shift from paper-based to more efficient, paperless operations. As part of this initiative, the Programme delivered a tailored training workshop on the computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) approach using the Kobo Collect solution. A total of 59 officers (including 18 women) from the regional office of the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, the East Sepik Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock, Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources, and local agrifood value chain experts took part. Through this hands-on training, participants learned to use Kobo Collect (tool for real-time data collection, monitoring, and reporting) and skills that will enable their officers and public bodies to plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate development projects more effectively, support evidence-based decision-making, and strengthen extension service delivery to smallholder farmers in the cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains. The training also introduced participants to the newly developed nationwide Agriculture Management Information System (AMIS) and the Cocoa Board Management Information System (CBMIS). Both systems were designed and deployed by the EU-STREIT PNG Programme to support and enhance the nationwide operations of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea, enabling integrated data management and better sector coordination. To complement the training, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, provided 35 handheld tablets to officers from the Cocoa Board and the DAL in East Sepik Province. These devices will enable officers to apply the CAPI approach in the field, collect accurate data in real time, and upload it directly into the AMIS and CBMIS. By pairing skills development with the necessary technology, the initiative ensures that officers are fully equipped to translate their new knowledge into practice, leading to more efficient monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making processes across key agricultural value chains. Speaking at the closing session, Dr Rabi Rasaily, FAO Senior Agricultural Officer, underscored the central role of digital tools in transforming agricultural extension services. “Digital innovations are essential for improving the efficiency and impact of agricultural services, and your commitment to learning these new tools is an important step towards building stronger, more responsive systems for Papua New Guinea’s farmers.” Reflecting on the impact for the cocoa sector, Mr. Daryll Worimo, Regional Manager for the Cocoa Board of Papua New Guinea in the Sepik, noted the practical benefits for their ongoing digital transition and stated that this training can significantly benefit the Cocoa Board by improving the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of data collection for its Management Information System. “The trained officers can now directly contribute to the CBMIS by using tablets or smartphones for real-time data collection, which reduces errors, allows for immediate validation, and provides timely information for analysis and decision-making.” “I would like to also express a special thanks to ITU for giving handheld tablets which will help in data collection.” From a provincial perspective, Mr. Kevin Hawan, Executive Manager of East Sepik Division of Agriculture and Livestock, expressed his appreciation for both the training and the tools provided. “The DAL officers and the agriculture sector is very fortunate and grateful of the CAPI and MIS training and the issuance of CAPI hand-held tablets to the officers for use to collect and collate information of our programs plan implementation,” said Mr. Hawan. This training has built the officers capacity to best collect information for forward forecasting, appropriate planning to optimize the limited resources to improve on the service delivery. This training and materials will be the tool and knowledge to coordinate and monitor our operations, performance and implementation of our program plans in the province”. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme continues to invest in institutional capacity-building and digital transformation in the country’s agrifood sector, contributing to improved livelihoods, greater gender inclusion, and sustainable rural development.

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has received four completed Valuation Rolls for Bougainville from the Office of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Valuer General, within the National Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanisation, during a handover ceremony in Buka recently. Acting Deputy Secretary Operations, Mrs. Belinda Lanbong, accepted the documents on behalf of the ABG, describing the occasion as a significant milestone in Bougainville’s journey in institutional and economic development. She acknowledged the Government of PNG for its continued support, noting that this is the first time in Bougainville’s history that urban property values have been systematically recorded and endorsed in full compliance with the PNG Valuation Act. “On behalf of the Chief Secretary and administration, we are happy and recognize that this occasion and the work that has come out of this over the years to bring us to this stage with completed valuation rolls for Bougainville’s key towns is a significant milestone for Bougainville.” “And we thank the Government of PNG for having gazette that on August 4th, 2025, in accordance with the PNG Valuation Act 1967.” The Bougainville Valuation Rolls list the assessed value of land and property, particularly on statutory or government land, thus they are essential tools for land governance, urban planning, and financial transparency, enabling better revenue collection and service delivery. In addition, National Valuer General, Mr. Suman Holis, commended the ABG for initiating the process and highlighted the significance of the achievement. “Bougainville has again set a historic milestone in that it is the first region in the country to have four valuation rolls for four towns including, Buka, Buin, Arawa and Kieta/Toniva.” He added that the rolls can empower respective local authorities to collect revenue from the use of land, adding that this contributes to the provision of necessary services to people living within the boundaries of the declared physical planning areas. Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary of the National Department of Lands, Physical Planning and Urbanisation, Mr. Michael Gideon, who formally handed over the rolls, also congratulated the ABG. “Valuation is about raising the revenue of the government so that government can carry out services such as maintaining the roads, and other services but due process must be followed.” “Valuation rolls are updated every five years, and it covers state lands not customary grounds so that those living within these designated towns of Buka, Buin, Arawa and Kieta/Toniva can pay rent to our municipal authorities in the towns.” He also reminded that the rolls are legal public documents under the PNG Valuation Act 1967. Leaseholders have the right to view them and raise objections if they believe they are being overcharged, the Valuer General can assist with such processes. On the other hand, ABG Lands Secretary, Mrs. Lynette Baratai-Pokas, emphasised that the valuation rolls are more than a bureaucratic requirement; they are a foundation for governance and sustainable urban development. “These rolls hold equal weight for our broader land administration and responsibilities therefore we will rely on the accepted valuation rolls to help us set those appropriate land rentals for government owned and leased land.” “This is to guide our decisions on zoning, planning and sustainable urban development, resolve disputes and maintain transparency in land dealings, attract and regulate investment in a way that is fair to our people.”

Minister for Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Timothy Masiu has acknowledged the successful outcome of the recently concluded the second ICT Minister’s Dialogue in Suva, Fiji. “I am hugely satisfied with Papua New Guinea retaining the Chairmanship of this important regional undertaking. This signifies a very, very successful outcome of our Ministers’ Dialogue.” “I am equally impressed with and acknowledge the leadership provided by Caretaker Minister for ICT, Peter Tsiamalili at the Dialogue.” “At very short notice, Minister Tsiamalili was able to take stewardship on my behalf and maintain our collective objective of the Dialogue, of ensuring ICT takes its rightful place in the future development and growth of our Blue Pacific.” Minister Masiu, who is currently on medical leave, also thanked the Secretary for ICT, Steven Matainaho and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), Kila Gulo-Vui, for providing all secretariat and logistics support and arrangements for all the Pacific ICT Ministers and senior officers for the Suva meeting. “It took our senior PNG officials several months to put into place all the agendas and logistical and administrative arrangements for our Suva meeting, and I also commend the leadership and guidance of Secretary Matainaho and CEO Gulo-Vui.” He said he is also quite pleased with the higher level regional political representation for the Dialogue going forward. “I congratulate Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small & Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica for assuming Vice Chairmanship of the Dialogue.” Minister Masiu further congratulated the Minister for Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu, Simon Kofe for his appointment as the other Vice Chairman of the Dialogue. Furthermore, he stated that for now he wants to see that the Secretariat and senior officials must commence planning for the next meeting. “It is my view that taking our Dialogue to a smaller Island nation would demonstrate to our people that, while our individual development goals and challenges may be on differing scales, we have a common and powerful tool at our disposal; the utilisation of ICT to mitigate or minimise many of them.”