AGP Executive Report

Gender Violence Spotlight: A new global roundup puts Papua New Guinea among the worst places for violence against women, citing very high rates of intimate partner and sexual violence and the way abuse can become “normalised.” Bougainville Finance Prep: Acting Bougainville President and Treasury Minister Albert Punghau launched the ABG’s “From Here To There” cost-of-services report, warning that independence needs “fiscal readiness” and that many governing costs are hidden across national allocations. Port Moresby Inclusion: Asian Community Day was launched in the capital to strengthen social cohesion, celebrate Asian contributions to PNG’s growth, and push Port Moresby as an inclusive city. Health Access: Air Niugini renewed its long-running Operation Open Heart support, keeping transport for children needing heart surgery and provincial screening teams. El Niño Power & Water: Sirinumu Dam is running low, and PNG Power Ltd urged customers in NCD and Central to conserve water and electricity as hydro generation drops. Regional Ties: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year framework for development and economic cooperation from 2026–2030, covering trade, infrastructure and security. Rural Breakthrough: Pomio District Hospital performed PNG’s first emergency caesarean of its kind, saving a mother and delivering twin babies. Youth Development: Eastern Highlands completed NYDA’s National Youth Empowerment Scheme rollout, with Kainantu named a pilot district. Education Support: Theodist delivered school packs to Tete settlement children to help them stay engaged through the school year. Sports Funding: The NGCB gave K300,000 to the PNG Kickboxing Federation for a nationwide youth tournament.

Health Breakthrough: PNG marked a milestone with the first emergency caesarean section at Pomio District Hospital, saving a mother and delivering twin babies—highlighting the push to strengthen rural district services. El Niño Power & Water: Sirinumu Dam is running low, and PNG Power Ltd is urging Port Moresby and Central Province residents to conserve water and electricity as reduced hydro output is supplemented with diesel generation. Regional Diplomacy: PNG and Solomon Islands signed a new five-year framework agreement for 2026–2030, expanding cooperation on trade, investment, infrastructure, security and regional engagement. Air Niugini Health Support: Air Niugini renewed its long-running heart care partnership with Operation Open Heart, securing transport for children needing specialist surgery and screening teams. Bougainville Labour Mobility: 136 Bougainvilleans have been sent to Australia and New Zealand under labour mobility schemes, with a recruitment hub set to transition to ABG operation. Sports Funding: PNG Kickboxing Federation received K300,000 from the National Gaming Control Board to run a nationwide Last Man Standing tournament. Security & Safety: NZDF joined a multinational operation to dispose of about 2,200 WWII explosives in East New Britain.

PNG Olympic Committee turns 60: Secretary General Auvita Rapilla reflects on decades of Olympic Solidarity work and the teamwork behind PNG’s Olympic push. Sports funding: The National Gaming Control Board backs PNG Kickboxing with a K300,000 grant for a nationwide Last Man Standing tournament. Education tech: Western Pacific University launches an AI-powered Digital Knowledge Hub in Ialibu to expand learning access for students across PNG and the Pacific. Energy and jobs: TotalEnergies and Petronas begin a “major” offshore oil and gas search in PNG’s Gulf of Papua, with the Noble Viking drillship starting work on the Mailu-1 program. PNG–Solomons ties: Prime Ministers James Marape and Matthew Wale sign a 2026–2030 Framework Agreement on Development and Economic Cooperation, covering trade, investment, security and infrastructure. Agriculture push: Cocoa Board CEO Jesse Tukup Anjen urges extension officers to promote cocoa farming as a profitable business, moving farmers beyond subsistence. Regional football: Hekari Women prepare for the OFC Women’s Champions League in Honiara, starting Group A action against Vanuatu’s Tafea Women. Health and biosecurity watch: Australia’s H5N1 bird flu detections raise pressure across the region, with PNG previously restricting poultry imports. Climate risk: NOAA warns El Niño could become “super,” with PNG and Australia facing lower rainfall and higher drought risk.

Sports Funding: PNG’s National Gaming Control Board backs the Papua New Guinea Kickboxing Federation with a K300,000 grant for a nationwide “Last Man Standing” tournament, aiming to boost youth participation and talent across provinces. Rugby League Comeback: Rugby league returns to Oro after nine years, with plans to rebuild from schools, improve facilities, and launch a dedicated boys-and-girls competition. Anti-Corruption Push: PNG Law Society president Hubert Namani warns corruption is still crippling services and calls for stronger, protected anti-corruption institutions and higher prosecution rates. Bougainville Roadmap: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama reiterates a three-stage path—self-government in 2027 and independence in 2030—grounded in the Peace Agreement and PNG’s constitution. Climate Warning: NOAA says El Niño conditions are already present and could become “super” by year-end, with PNG and Australia facing below-average rainfall and higher drought risk. Bird Flu Watch: Australia’s H5N1 detections in wild birds are prompting tighter surveillance and biosecurity; PNG has been linked to poultry import restrictions as the region watches for spread. Regional Talks: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale meets PNG PM James Marape in Port Moresby, signing a framework on development and economic cooperation and discussing trade and security. Tourism Numbers: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m in 2025 as arrivals rose, though average spending per visitor fell.

Bougainville’s Constitutional Roadmap: Bougainville leaders have set out a three-stage pathway to self-government and independence by 2030, with President Ishmael Toroama presenting the plan to the PNG government’s facilitator and Prime Minister James Marape stressing the final call rests with PNG Parliament under the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Bougainville Debate Warning: A regional MP says the focus should shift from today’s political noise to the future relationship Bougainville wants with PNG, while another voice warns public commentary must stay anchored in constitutional process, not personalised confrontation. HIV Testing Push: PNG has begun rolling out HIV self-testing kits nationwide, with 26,000 kits already arrived and 52,000 planned for the year, aiming to reach remote communities and encourage earlier treatment. El Niño Food Crisis: Oxfam warns El Niño is driving severe drought, frost and crop losses, with up to 3 million people at risk of hunger, especially in the Highlands. Bird Flu Border Measures: Australia ramps up H5N1 bird flu surveillance after cases in wild birds, while PNG has moved to block Australian poultry imports and later reversed the ban. PNG Tourism Update: Tourism generated about US$244m for PNG in 2025 as arrivals recovered, though average spending per visitor fell. Maritime Workforce: PNG marks Seafarers’ Day, calling for reforms to regain international recognition for the PNG Maritime College and boost seafarer employability. Earthquake Round-Up: A fresh wave of quakes hit the Pacific Ring of Fire, including reports involving Papua New Guinea, as experts say closely timed events are not necessarily connected.

HIV Testing Boost: Papua New Guinea has started rolling out HIV self-testing kits nationwide, with 26,000 kits already in-country and 52,000 total expected this year, aiming to reach people in remote areas and reduce stigma barriers. Bougainville Pathway: Prime Minister James Marape says PNG’s Parliament remains the final decision-maker on Bougainville’s political future, as Bougainville leaders push a three-stage route toward self-government and independence by 2030. El Niño Food Crisis: Oxfam warns El Niño-linked frost and drought are driving severe food shortages, with up to 3 million people potentially affected, especially in the Highlands. Bird Flu Watch (Australia): Australia ramps up H5N1 surveillance after cases in wild birds across two states, while PNG keeps poultry imports blocked. Tourism Numbers: PNG tourism contributed about US$244m to the economy in 2025, as arrivals rose but average spending per visitor fell. Business & Governance: Alotau SMEs showcase products at PNG SME Week, and Niusky Pacific swears in Jackson Kiakari as new board chairman. Culture & Community: Yongom dancers from North Fly bring traditions to the Sel Kambang Festival in Ningerum. Sports Development: A leadership course is building future sports administrators as PNG prepares for bigger competitions.

Mining & Investment: Newmont says Lihir gold is “relatively independent” from geopolitical resource fights, while Wafi-Golpu is in final stages of locking a development contract with the Marape government—aiming for a Special Mining Lease and about US$4.5b construction over a 40-year copper-gold future. Health: The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ and partners report 100,000+ sight-restoring surgeries across the Pacific, including outreach in Papua New Guinea. Anti-Corruption: East Sepik Governor Allan Bird urges ICAC to probe parliamentary travel allowances, arguing most of the national budget remains outside scrutiny. Public Services: Four new bridges are restoring safe access to schools, health centres and markets across Madang, New Ireland, West Sepik and West New Britain. Health Access: PNG has launched a nationwide rollout of HIV self-testing kits to reach people in rural and remote areas. Environment & Science: Researchers formally identify PNG’s “walking shark” as Hemiscyllium dudgeonae. Governance (Bougainville): PM James Marape reiterates Bougainville’s political future must follow PNG’s constitutional process. Sports: Hekari arrives in Honiara targeting the OFC Women’s Champions League title.

HIV Response: Papua New Guinea’s Health Department has launched a nationwide rollout of HIV self-testing kits, starting with 26,000 units, to reach people who face distance and stigma barriers. Public Health & Trade: PNG has suspended Australian poultry and egg imports after H5N1 was confirmed in wild birds in Australia, though the ban was later lifted with exemptions as authorities work through the risk. Bougainville Pathway: Bougainville leaders and Prime Minister James Marape are both pointing to the constitutional process for self-government and independence, with ABG outlining a staged route toward independence in 2030. Disaster Readiness: PM Marape has ordered provinces and districts to prepare for a potentially severe dry season as El Niño conditions develop. Transport Infrastructure: Kiunga Airport runway restrictions will continue during upgrade works, affecting regular flights. Community Safety: A Bougainville MP is calling for fire and rescue services in urban centres after a recent shop fire in Arawa. Sports & Business: Kina Bank upgrades corporate online banking for faster, safer transactions; PNG Chiefs funding needs after 2035 are being questioned. Environment: Scientists report a “walking shark” species discovered in Papua New Guinea waters.

El Niño Dry Season Alert: PNG Prime Minister James Marape has ordered provinces and districts to prepare for a potentially “extraordinary” and prolonged dry season as El Niño conditions develop, with Cabinet reviewing how funds can reach local governments fast and responses tailored to rivers, inland areas, highlands and islands. Bougainville Fire & Rescue Push: Bougainville leaders are calling for fire and rescue services in urban centres after a blaze damaged shops near Independence Park in Arawa, highlighting gaps in emergency response as towns grow. Bougainville Unity on Independence Path: ABG and Bougainville MPs reaffirmed unity and a peaceful, lawful route toward independence, pointing to the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the “Bougainville Way” of consensus. Panguna Mine Licence Shock: Bougainville Copper Limited says it is reviewing its position after the ABG revoked its Panguna exploration licence, with a new 25-year licence granted to Bougainville Minerals Ltd. Banking & Business Moves: Kina Bank launched an upgraded Corporate Online Banking platform for multi-currency transfers and bulk payments; Nasfund backed BPNG’s reminder on employer and employee superannuation contributions. New Species Discovery: Scientists report a newly discovered “walking shark” in Papua New Guinea, adding to concerns about its conservation status. Education & Trade Links: UOG held its first graduation in New Ireland (Kavieng), while Bahasa Indonesia classes in Vanimo aim to strengthen PNG–Indonesia ties.

Bougainville Independence Talks: Bougainville’s elected leaders (ABG and MPs) met in Kokopo to reaffirm unity and a peaceful, lawful path toward independence, citing the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the “Bougainville Way” of consensus. El Niño Preparedness: Prime Minister James Marape ordered provinces and districts to prepare for a possible extraordinary, prolonged dry season as El Niño develops, with Cabinet reviewing funding and local-led disaster response. Panguna Mine Fallout: Bougainville Copper Limited says it is reviewing its position after ABG revoked its Panguna exploration licence and granted a new 25-year licence to Bougainville Minerals Ltd. Security on the Ground: East New Britain saw 2,200+ WWII munitions identified and disposed of in a 10-day PNGDF-ADF operation to reduce explosive remnants risks. Maritime Defence: Australia will arm PNG’s four new Guardian-class patrol boats with training under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme. Superannuation Compliance: Nasfund welcomed BPNG’s notice reminding employers of legal super contributions and timelines. Cybercrime Push: INTERPOL added Tonga to a regional cybercrime initiative that includes PNG, aiming to strengthen intelligence sharing and law-enforcement response. New Marine Discovery: Scientists report a new “walking shark” species found off Milne Bay, adding to PNG’s reef biodiversity spotlight.

New Species Discovery: Marine biologists have identified a new “walking shark” off Milne Bay, expanding the Hemiscyllium group known for using fins to move across shallow reef floors. Police Accountability: Police Minister Sir John Pundari has urged the promotions board to choose officers on merit, warning that connections and politics must not replace performance. Maritime Security: Australia says it will arm PNG’s four new Guardian-class patrol boats under a long-running Pacific maritime security programme, aimed at tackling illegal fishing and transnational crime. Border Enforcement: PNG’s Bureau of Immigration arrested a Canadian wanted for child sexual abuse material, acting on international warrants and strengthening border security. Economic Links: New Zealand’s High Commissioner visited Lae to deepen trade and people-to-people ties, focusing on education, skills and sustainable growth. Public Services: NASFUND is rolling out mobile member service booths powered by Starlink to deliver ID, statements and benefit checks in workplaces and remote communities. Bougainville Politics: PM James Marape says lawmakers should handle Bougainville’s independence push through constitutional process and dialogue, while PNG’s ruling party backs a 15-year transition if independence is approved. Health Education: UPNG’s medical leadership urged students to study only in locally or internationally recognised medical schools, warning about licensing hurdles for unaccredited options. Women’s Access to Training: PNG University of Technology in Lae opened a 100-bed female dormitory, backing inclusion for women in technical fields.

Unexploded WWII bombs cleared: A multinational “Operation Render Safe” mission in Rabaul and across East New Britain removed and destroyed 2,200 dangerous munitions, reducing risks for more than 430,000 people. Police integrity push: Police Minister Sir John Pundari urged the 2026 RPNGC Promotion Board to promote on merit and performance, warning against connections and bribery. Bougainville independence process: PNG’s ruling PANGU Party backs a 15-year transition plan tied to financial self-sufficiency and peace, while Bougainville leaders condemn Parliament’s higher voting threshold. Health and education moves: UPNG’s medical school leadership urged students to choose recognised medical schools, and an interim council has been appointed for PNG’s new medical university; meanwhile, Unitech opened a 100-bed female dorm in Lae. Access to services expands: Nasfund launched mobile member service booths powered by Starlink, and Wau-Waria in Morobe gained a Mama Bank access point. Regional security and crime: A joint operation in the Solomons intercepted a Belize-flagged cargo vessel suspected in transnational maritime crime, widening a Pacific investigation. El Niño preparations: SPREP urged Pacific communities to prepare after El Niño was declared underway.

Bougainville–PNG Talks: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama and VP Ezekiel Masatt are in East New Britain for joint consultations with PNG’s technical team under the Melanesian Relationship Agreement, shaping the future ties after PM James Marape’s latest independence transition options. Banking Access: TISA Bank has officially opened its Kavieng branch in New Ireland to expand banking services for families and businesses, with Governor Byron Chan welcoming the move. Health Crackdown: Morobe Provincial Health Authority warns against illegal sale of prescription medicines in shops and street markets, saying enforcement of the Medicines and Cosmetic Act and Regulation will begin, with penalties up to K5,000 and jail time. Corruption Push: The 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption in Port Moresby urged students and agencies to build integrity from everyday choices. New Shark Discovery: Scientists report a new “walking shark” species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, found off Milne Bay, highlighting reef conservation needs. Cybercrime Alert: Interpol says cybercrime has surged across Asia and the South Pacific, with many countries facing major financial losses and weak preparedness. El Niño Readiness: PNG’s weather and education leaders are preparing for El Niño impacts, including water security steps at UPNG and water tank support at Government House.

Banking Access: TISA Bank has officially opened a new Kavieng branch in New Ireland, aiming to bring easier, more reliable services to families and small businesses. Health & Safety: Morobe Provincial Health Authority has warned against illegal prescription drug sales and says enforcement will begin, with penalties up to K5,000 and jail time. Anti-Corruption Push: Students were urged to “say no” to corruption during the 16th Sir Anthony Siaguru Walk Against Corruption, with leaders stressing integrity from everyday choices. Mining & Sovereignty: Bougainville has revoked Bougainville Copper Limited’s Panguna exploration licence and granted a new 25-year lease to Bougainville Minerals, escalating the licence crisis around the copper-gold giant. Climate Readiness: PNG is bracing for El Niño, with UPNG activating contingency plans like water tanks and backup power as drought risk grows. Sports & Community: Divine Word University will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games in Madang, while Netball PNG’s preparations get a boost from returning Australian coach Simone McKinnis. Environment: Scientists report a new “walking shark” species from Milne Bay, highlighting the need for reef conservation.

Deepfake Backlash in West Papua: Activist Koteka Wenda says an AI-made video using her likeness has “violated” her and her people, as West Papua campaigners warn against misinformation tied to the documentary Pig Feast. El Niño Preparedness in PNG: The National Weather Service has declared El Niño conditions, with UPNG buying water tanks and planning extra water sources, while the Disaster and Emergency Minister warns drought risk for Highlands provinces. Water Security Boost: Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae welcomed 11,000-litre water tanks donated to Government House by WP Engineering to ease Port Moresby’s supply pressure. Clean Transport Pilot: PNG launched its first electric vehicle pilot in Port Moresby, testing light vehicles, trucks and buses with charging support before possible expansion to Lae. New Shark Discovery: Scientists report a “walking shark” species found in Milne Bay, highlighting the need to protect reef habitats. Sports & Community: DWU will host the 2026 National University Soccer Games in Madang, while Netball PNG prepares for tournaments with support from returning Australian coach Simone McKinnis.

AI & Cybersecurity: Pacific leaders are urging governments to prepare for AI’s double-edged impact—boosting education and youth engagement while also driving misinformation, online exploitation and mental-health risks—at the 2026 Pacific Peace and Security Dialogue in Suva. El Niño Preparedness: PNG is moving to drought readiness as the National Weather Service confirms El Niño conditions; UPNG has activated water and power contingencies, while the Disaster and Emergency Minister warns Highlands provinces face rising dry-season pressure. Water Security Boost: The Governor-General welcomed 11,000-litre water tanks donated to Government House by WP Engineering to help Port Moresby cope with expected dam stress. Digital Learning Partnership: Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) and Lightspeed PNG are connecting 16 Library Learning Centres with secure internet to expand tablet-based learning for children and teachers. New Walking Shark: Scientists have identified a new “walking shark” species, Hemiscyllium dudgeonae, in Milne Bay—highlighting reef conservation needs. Sports & Community: Belinda Yapen becomes the first PNG woman to lead Solomon Brewery; and Lae’s Rosso Mountain Bike Race gets K25,000 backing from BU Energy Drink.