AGP Executive Report

Sports & PNG pride: Wan Squad, Papua New Guinea’s two-time world hip hop dance champions, has departed Port Moresby for Sydney to compete in the International Dance League, backed by Mountain Dew and Pacific Industries, with a bigger 16-member crew plus new talent from its “The Village” development pathway. Governance & transparency: The National Economic and Fiscal Commission joined partners in validating Papua New Guinea’s National Right to Information policy at a Port Moresby workshop hosted by DICT with EU support via Transparency International PNG. Education partnership: New Ireland Governor Byron Chan is pursuing an international education partnership after meeting Philippines officials to upskill provincial public servants. Bougainville politics: Reports point to growing tension within the ruling bloc ahead of an August leadership primary, with debate over how far the party should push confrontation. International ties: India and PNG held virtual Foreign Office Consultations, reviewing development, political engagement, economic cooperation and cultural links, and agreeing to deepen collaboration across sectors. Public service delivery: A new look at service access in Anga’s interior shows communities relying on local stations and the Connect PNG road to keep schools, clinics and village courts within reach.

Cross-border security: Australia’s Border Force joined Indonesian and PNG officers for a coordinated maritime crackdown targeting organised crime, illegal fishing and cross-border trafficking around Ashmore and Cartier islands. Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea held virtual Foreign Office Consultations, reviewing development, politics, trade and culture, and agreeing to deepen Indo-Pacific cooperation. Digital accountability: PNG’s Bilum Digital Platform was presented as a way to track Service Improvement Programme spending in real time and strengthen transparency and oversight. Service delivery on the ground: A report from Anga’s interior shows how road access, fuel controls and local stations shape whether schools and clinics actually reach people. Environment and oceans: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urged stronger protection of PNG’s maritime territory, warning against deep-sea mining and citing past seabed failures. Sports: High jumper Leonard Grospe set a new record at the ICTSI Philippine trackfest, while PNG’s Robert Oa placed third in the 110m hurdles. Community and faith: Marimari Lutheran Church in Port Moresby marked the end of its 1973 building era with a consecration of a temporary worship shelter.

PNG–India Diplomacy: India and Papua New Guinea held virtual Foreign Office Consultations, reviewing development, politics, trade, culture and Indo-Pacific cooperation, and agreeing to deepen ties. Service Delivery in the Highlands: A new look at Anga’s interior shows communities relying on local schools, clinics and village courts, while road access and fuel controls still shape whether people can stay rather than travel far. Transparency Push: The Bilum Digital Platform is being promoted to track Service Improvement Programme spending in real time, aiming to strengthen oversight and accountability. Bougainville Politics: Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama reaffirmed independence aspirations and peacebuilding, urging respect for the democratic will behind the 2019 referendum. Maritime Sovereignty: Oro Governor Gary Juffa called for stronger protection of PNG’s oceans, warning against deep-sea mining and citing past seabed exploitation failures. Sports & Youth: PNGFA confirmed Tahiti’s withdrawal from the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, with PNG set to replace them; meanwhile, PNG’s Robert Oa placed third in a regional high jump meet.

Bougainville Independence Dispute: Bougainville Speaker Simon Pentanu has challenged how PNG’s independence-related parliamentary sessional order was drafted and adopted, while the PNG government insists the 89-vote, three-quarter majority rule is constitutionally required—not up for political bargaining. Governance & Accountability: Rural and Economic Development Minister Joseph Lelang says the Bilum Digital Platform will make Service Improvement Programme spending traceable in real time, aiming to tighten oversight and reduce opacity in project delivery. Digital Education Push: University of Papua New Guinea is moving toward Starlink connectivity and new IT programmes, including AI, cyber security and Fintech, to expand learning access beyond Port Moresby. Maritime Sovereignty Warning: Oro Governor Gary Juffa urges PNG to protect its marine territory, warning against deep-sea mining and citing the Solwara One failure as a costly lesson. Regional Health Security: Leaders from 20 countries met in Malaysia for the Indo-Pacific Health Alliance summit, with PNG Defence Force input on civil-military health readiness. Sports Media Development: A PNG media team visited Australia’s NRL “bunker” and training hubs to learn how elite rugby league reporting works ahead of PNG Chiefs preparations for 2028. Business & Trade Skills: Nakanai District and Indonesia signed an MOU to set up a Bahasa Indonesia training centre, boosting education and cultural exchange. Disaster Preparedness: TISA Bank joined National Disaster Centre and IOM training to strengthen disaster risk management and internal response planning.

Bougainville Independence: The dispute is heating up after Bougainville Speaker Simon Pentanu questioned how PNG’s key independence sessional order was drafted, while the PNG government insists the 89-vote, three-quarter majority rule is a constitutional requirement—not up for political bargaining. Governance & Transparency: Prime Minister James Marape pushed for policy-driven, institutional politics that outlast individuals, and also ordered a review of K57.2 billion in Public Investment Programme spending across his seven-year tenure. Port Moresby Water Fight: State Enterprises Minister William Duma hit back at Opposition claims over the capital’s water supply, calling them “desperate scaremongering.” Health & Development: UNFPA says it delivered major maternal and reproductive health gains from 2022-2025 despite funding cuts. Morobe reported over 150,000 children vaccinated in round three of its polio campaign. Business & Services: TISA Bank joined disaster preparedness training with the National Disaster Centre and IOM. Sports: OFC Pro League finances are secured for three more years, and PNG’s U-16 women’s team gets a place after Tahiti withdrew.

Bougainville Political Process: Parliament is set for the final steps on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba saying 89 MPs are needed to ratify it and debate could run to Aug 30. Governance & Accountability: A federal grand jury subpoena has confirmed a criminal investigation into former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart, focused on her city credit card use and related reimbursements. Health & Vaccines: Morobe has pushed past targets in its polio vaccination drive, vaccinating more than 150,000 children in round three. Sports & Youth: Divine Word University in Madang will host the 2026 National University Soccer Games (June 22–26), while East New Britain’s Kalabond Oval upgrade is about 60% complete and aims to finish early next year. Economy & Funding: The IMF has approved about $163 million in new financing for PNG after programme reviews. Climate Watch: JAMSTEC says El Niño has set in, with a positive IOD likely by July, raising drought and weather risk planning needs. Community & Agriculture: PNG Biosecurity’s PlantwisePlus plant clinics are running at Boroko Market to help farmers tackle pest and disease issues.

Bougainville Referendum Process: Prime Minister James Marape urged Parliament to handle the 2019 Bougainville independence vote with maturity and respect, saying the result (97.7% in favour) is constitutionally mandated but still needs parliamentary consideration. IMF Support for PNG: The IMF approved about $163 million for Papua New Guinea after programme reviews, unlocking roughly $82m under the EFF/ECF and $81m under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. El Niño Watch: PNG’s Highlands provinces have been placed under an “El Niño Watch” as drought risk rises, with officials and communities urged to prepare early. PNG ICT and AI Skills: DICT and the International Training Institute signed a five-year deal to build AI and digital skills through curriculum updates, internships, training and joint AI use cases. Port Moresby Clean-Up by Detainees: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Service ran a community clean-up in the capital with detainees doing civic work as part of rehabilitation. Women’s Rugby League Growth: PNGRFL released the Santos Cup draw for 2026, expanding matches across multiple provinces and adding a “Women in League Round.” PNG Energy Exploration: The Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater well is set to be drilled soon offshore between Central and Milne Bay, after provincial consultations. Sports, Business and Community: PNG Air and Post PNG launched a partnership to boost ticket booking access; Crown Hotel relaunched Rapala Restaurant in Port Moresby; and the media community mourned journalist Genesis Ketan.

AI & Digital Skills: PNG’s DICT and the International Training Institute (ITI) signed a five-year deal to grow AI capability, digital training, internships and research, with a technical working group set to oversee delivery. Government Accountability: PM James Marape ordered ministers, agencies and provincial leaders to publish detailed seven-year sector and spending reports, saying the parliamentary review is only a starting point. Energy Investment: The Mailu-1 ultra-deepwater exploration well is set to be drilled within two months offshore between Central and Milne Bay, aiming to unlock new foreign investment. Bougainville Referendum Process: Marape urged Parliament to handle the 2019 Bougainville result with maturity and respect as the formal parliamentary steps move forward, while Bougainville leaders push for a fair process. Women’s Rugby League: The PNG National Rugby League Competition’s Santos Cup expands into more provinces for its third season, with matches in Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Goroka and Minj. Sports & Youth: Twelve PNG athletes head to Manila for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships, and PNG’s 2026 university soccer games are set for DWU in Madang. Disaster Watch: Volcanic pumice rafts from a Bismarck Sea eruption are disrupting Manus Island livelihoods and raising food-shortage fears.

Bougainville’s Independence Roadmap: Parliament is set to take the final steps on the 2019 referendum, with Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba saying 89 MPs are needed to ratify the result by Aug 30, after a sessional order and key documents are tabled. Political Process Debate: Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr argues lawmakers must agree on the process first, while Vice President Ezekiel Masatt accuses PNG of deliberately undermining ratification by pushing a 75% threshold beyond constitutional requirements. Health Funding Scrutiny: Pressure is mounting over PNG’s K1.5b health allocation as hospitals face overcrowding and medicine shortages, with calls for transparency on releases and spending acquittals. Agriculture Investment Push: PM Marape welcomes Malaysian interest in expanding oil palm, livestock and downstream processing investments to drive jobs and food security. Rugby League Culture: Coca-Cola PNG backs rugby league with Digicel ExxonMobil Cup-themed collectibles, saying the sport is part of PNG’s identity. Community & Corrections: NCDC and Bomana Correctional Services run a Port Moresby clean-up using detainees for civic engagement and rehabilitation. Sports & Youth: Twelve PNG athletes head to Manila for the ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships, while DWU will host the 2026 PNG National University Soccer Games in Madang. Business & Development: The K400m Noble Centre in Port Moresby is due to open tomorrow, and PNG’s EU-linked vanilla rebuilding story highlights support for women farmers in East Sepik.

Bougainville Politics: Parliament is set to begin formal consideration of the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, with leaders warning MPs not to confuse a procedural sessional order vote with an independence decision. EU–PNG Business: The EU and Papua New Guinea used a 5th EU–PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby to push stronger trade and investment links, with 300+ participants and 170+ B2B/B2G meetings. Port Moresby Environment: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long “Trash To Treasure” sculpture festival for World Environment Day, turning recycled waste into public art. New Britain Accountability: New Britain is demanding restitution from former mayor Erin Stewart, seeking repayment tied to tuition reimbursements, severance and alleged misuse of city credit cards. Disability Inclusion: NCD officials were urged to implement PNG’s Disability Services Act 2025, with concerns raised about weak coordination and a lack of a dedicated NCDC disability unit. Mining & Energy: K92 Mining says it will ramp up exploration investment by up to K150m, while PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director to strengthen resource and energy advocacy. Sports & Community: Team PNG’s Olympic contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games is set at 520, and Madang United beat NCD FC 4-1 in the PNG Premier Soccer League.

Bougainville in Parliament: Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba is set to table a draft sessional order to bring the 2019 referendum result into PNG Parliament for formal consideration, with leaders urged not to treat Tuesday’s procedural vote as a decision on independence. Disability inclusion lag: PNG’s Disability Services Act 2025 still isn’t being implemented, and NCDC has been told to make disability inclusion a core responsibility despite lacking a dedicated coordination unit. IMF support: The IMF approved reviews of PNG’s lending arrangements, unlocking about US$163m in disbursements and projecting growth easing to 3.8% in 2026 with inflation edging up to 4.8%. Port Moresby sports & youth: PNGOC approved a 520-strong Team PNG contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, while the Electoral Commission urged young people to register for GE27. Business & mining: K92 plans up to K150m more exploration investment, and PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director to strengthen energy and resource advocacy. Environment & community: Ok Tedi marked World Environment Day with tree planting and sustainability initiatives. Rugby league fan push: Coca-Cola PNG launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series.

Cybersecurity Push: Legal experts meeting in Fiji are finalising a Pacific handbook to help countries strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with PNG among the participants. Aviation Upgrade: Port Moresby International Airport is set for a K2.5b redevelopment in four phases, starting with a Domestic Terminal extension and moving toward new check-in, aerobridges, and expanded apron capacity. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across the region, with reports of deaths and hundreds injured as authorities urged coastal evacuations. Mobile Internet Costs: Research says PNG mobile internet prices stayed stable through 2025 despite major connectivity work, including new undersea cable plans. Governance & Youth: In Port Moresby, youth forums backed corruption-free voting and urged young people to enrol and verify on the electoral roll ahead of the 2027 election. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters, including steps tied to the 2019 referendum result. Environment Day in NCD: NCD Governor Parkop urged practical climate action, including tree planting and expanding urban green space. Energy & Industry Leadership: PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, boosting its policy and stakeholder advocacy role. Education Fundraiser: Kokoda Primary School launched a K2m walkathon fundraising drive along the Kokoda Trail. Marine & Forest Moves: PNG reaffirmed its push for marine eco-tourism and ratified international ocean biodiversity efforts, while timber legality standards are being roadmapped for stronger forest governance. NRL Chiefs Momentum: PNG Chiefs coaching and recruitment plans continue to draw international backing as the club prepares for its 2028 NRL debut.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: Port Moresby International Airport is set for a major K2.5 billion redevelopment, with phased works to expand the domestic terminal, improve passenger facilities, and upgrade airfield capacity for future aircraft. PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing decades of experience across energy, governance and community work. World Environment Day in PNG: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged residents to take climate action at home, while Alotau marked the day with community clean-up and tree-focused activities. Youth and Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum pushed students to register, verify their details, and vote responsibly ahead of the 2027 national general election. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters as a draft process moves to table the 2019 referendum results. Bougainville Political Status Debate: Ongoing national debate continues over independence, constitutional process, and long-term security readiness. PNG LNG Forum Prep: Prime Minister Marape visited Kikori to inspect the Papua LNG Development Forum venue and consult Gulf leaders. Earthquake Watch (Region): A powerful 7.8 quake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including PNG, with coastal advisories issued. Marine and Forest Governance: PNG reaffirmed its push for marine eco-tourism after ratifying the BBNJ deal, while timber legality standards are moving forward with calls for stronger stakeholder coordination. Sports and Community: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL build-up continues with coaching endorsements, and Kokoda Primary School launched a K2 million walkathon fundraising drive.

Port Moresby Airport Redevelopment: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation and the government have launched a major Port Moresby International Airport expansion, a K2.5 billion push to modernise facilities and strengthen the capital’s role as a regional aviation hub. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June, with the sessional order brought in by Minister Manasseh Makiba, as the independence debate continues to heat up. Green Finance Push: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia says PNG is well placed to attract more sustainable investment after the Green Finance Summit 2026 focused on greening the country’s financial systems. Digital Education Boost: The International Education Agency marks 50 years in PNG by announcing plans for digital learning tools and teacher training. Youth Sport & Community: PNGTA and the ITF ran an ITF U12 West Pacific training camp in Port Moresby, while in South Bougainville Care Bougainville donated footballs to support youth development. Sport Calendar: Wan Fire festival lands in Port Moresby with two shows on 20 June, and the Rosso Mountain Bike Race in Lae continues to build sponsorship momentum ahead of its June 20-21 and June 27-28 events.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Government and NAC have launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a K2.5 billion push to modernise the gateway and support future air-travel growth. EU Water Boost: At the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, the EU and EIB backed the Water Wise Communities Project with a loan and grant package worth over K209 million, targeting improved drinking-water access for about 400,000 people. EU–PNG Business Push: The forum drew 300+ participants and 77 companies, with talks focused on renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity and trade rules. Bougainville in Parliament: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June as the independence agenda and constitutional steps stay in focus. Digital Media Trust: ICT leaders say Digital Public Infrastructure could help PNG’s media by supporting digital identity for journalists, safer data sharing, and new subscription-style revenue models. Sports & Community: JV PNG increased sponsorship for the Rosso Mountain Bike Race in Lae, while Care Bougainville donated footballs to youth teams in South Bougainville. Culture & Music: Wan Fire Festival details were released for 20 June in Port Moresby, with a lineup headlined by Jaro Local.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Government and National Airports Corporation have launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a K2.5 billion push to modernise the gateway and support PNG’s growth as a regional hub. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June, with the sessional order to be brought by Minister Manasseh Makiba, as leaders warn the debate will test independence mandate processes. EU Water Funding: The EU and EIB have backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m grant, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people, including Port Moresby. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: ICT officials say DPI—digital identity, payments and secure data exchange—could help PNG media tackle fake accounts, improve trust, and diversify revenue. World Environment Day in PNG: 321 Group joined mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, while Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure festival. Music & Culture: Kick Entertainment revealed Wan Fire Festival plans for 20 June with a daytime family show and a night show headlined by Jaro Local, featuring local Melanesian talent. Telecom Disruption: Vandalism knocked out a critical Digicel hub in Gogohe, disrupting service across northern Bougainville. Sports (Regional): Cook Islands U-19 men’s qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Tonga and PNG chasing OFC qualification.