Climate change is placing millions of children across Papua New Guinea at increasing risk, with one in three children exposed to at least two overlapping climate hazards, according to a new report released by UNICEF.The Children's Climate Risk Report (CCRR) 2026, launched on Monday, reveals that approximately 1.5 million children in Papua New Guinea are facing multiple climate-related threats, while more than 305,000 children are exposed to three overlapping hazards, significantly increasing their vulnerability to illness, food insecurity, displacement and interruptions to education.The report paints a concerning picture of the growing impact of climate change on children's wellbeing, highlighting how environmental hazards are compounding existing challenges in health, nutrition, education and child protection.According to the report, more than 2.6 million children are exposed to drought, while over 1.8 million face frequent and severe heatwaves. More than 600,000 children are vulnerable to tropical storms, nearly 200,000 are exposed to riverine flooding, and close to 150,000 are at risk from frequent fires.Perhaps most alarming is the finding that almost four million children in Papua New Guinea are exposed to malaria, a climate-sensitive disease that remains one of the country's most significant public health threats.UNICEF says Papua New Guinea's status as a Small Island Developing State, coupled with ongoing development challenges, leaves children particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks."Climate change is not only an environmental challenge in Papua New Guinea. It is increasingly a health challenge, an education challenge, a nutrition challenge and, above all, a child rights challenge," said UNICEF Papua New Guinea Acting Representative Vikas Singh."Children are already living with the impacts of climate change, while many communities continue to struggle with poverty, malnutrition and limited access to essential services. Protecting children requires investing now in climate-resilient systems that can withstand future shocks and continue delivering the services they depend on."The report highlights that climate change is worsening existing vulnerabilities. Less than half of Papua New Guinea's children receive routine immunisation, while one in four children experiences severe food poverty. Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene services also remains limited in many communities.UNICEF warns that climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, storms and extreme heat can disrupt healthcare services, damage schools, contaminate water sources and reduce access to essential services, further exposing children to disease, malnutrition and interrupted learning.To address these challenges, UNICEF is working alongside the Government of Papua New Guinea and development partners to strengthen climate resilience in sectors critical to children's wellbeing. These efforts include supporting climate-resilient health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation services, improving climate information systems and strengthening community preparedness for climate-related emergencies.Among the initiatives currently being implemented are the Climate Action for the Last Mile programme and climate-resilient WASH projects funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as well as the Smarter, Safer Schools programme funded by the Australian Government, which aims to strengthen disaster preparedness in schools across six provinces.UNICEF noted that Papua New Guinea has already made important progress in addressing climate risks, but said continued investment in climate-resilient services and child-focused adaptation measures will be essential to protect future generations.The organisation says strengthening resilience today will help ensure children can continue to survive, learn and thrive despite the growing impacts of climate change.Key FindingsAround 1.5 million children are exposed to at least two overlapping climate hazards.More than 305,000 children face three overlapping climate hazards.More than 2.6 million children are exposed to drought.Over 1.8 million children are exposed to severe heatwaves.More than 600,000 children are vulnerable to tropical storms.Nearly 200,000 children face riverine flooding risks.Close to 150,000 children are exposed to fires.Almost four million children are exposed to malaria.The report underscores the urgent need for climate action that prioritises children's health, safety and development as Papua New Guinea confronts the growing realities of a changing climate.

Governor-General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae has encouraged a group of aspiring Papua New Guinea Defence Force officers to remain committed to serving the nation as they prepare to graduate later this year.Sir Bob welcomed 31 cadets from the Joint Forces Academy at Igam Barracks in Lae to Government House, where they were given a tour of the facility and briefed on the roles and functions of Government House and the Governor-General as Head of State.Addressing the cadets, Sir Bob commended them for choosing a career in the military, describing it as a profession that requires dedication, sacrifice and service to the country."You have chosen to pursue a special career unlike any other, one that requires sacrifice and your life and service to the State," Sir Bob said."Whilst our nation is not involved in a war right now, we must at all times be prepared, as I know you are, to defend our country."The Governor-General also told the cadets he looked forward to attending their graduation ceremony in August.The 31 cadets have undergone intensive military training as part of their preparation to serve as officers within PNG Defence Force establishments across the country.The visit provided the future officers with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the role of Government House while reinforcing the importance of leadership, discipline and service to the nation.

Financial abuse in Papua New Guinea has moved into sharper focus following the launch of the Empower Finance Kibung by the Bank of Papua New Guinea (BPNG), an initiative aimed at strengthening how financial institutions prevent, identify, and respond to the misuse of financial products.The initiative was formally launched on May 14, 2026, and continues this week through structured engagements between BPNG and financial institutions nationwide.These sessions include a national survey on financial abuse and the development of a voluntary code of practice covering financial capability, literacy, safety, counselling, and consumer protection.The Kibung, derived from the Tok Pisin term for a ‘formal gathering’, brings together banks and financial institutions to build a shared understanding of financial abuse and strengthen coordinated responses across the financial sector.BPNG says the Empower Finance Kibung is designed as a community of practice that reframes financial abuse not only as a social issue, but also as a systemic risk within the financial sector.The program focuses on how financial products and services can be misused within personal and family relationships, and how institutions can respond more effectively through prevention, awareness, and internal policy development.It includes workshops, peer learning sessions, and institutional action plans, alongside a voluntary financial abuse code that participating organizations are encouraged to adopt and implement.Speaking at the launching, BPNG Governor Elizabeth Genia, said financial abuse has wide ranging impacts across individuals, families and communities.“It affects people in very real ways. It limits independence and creates significant harm within families and communities,” Genia said.She said financial abuse is not limited by gender, noting that while women are often more affected, men, organizations and family units can also be impacted.“This is not only a woman’s issue. It is something that can affect anyone, organizations as well as individuals and family groups.”She further stated that financial abuse falls directly within the regulator’s mandate in relation to consumer protection, financial safety, and inclusion.HOW THE KIBUNG WORKS:The Empower Finance Kibung is structured through workshops that build a shared understanding of financial abuse, distinguishing it from fraud and scams while positioning it as a systemic financial issue requiring coordinated institutional response.The sessions focus on:Building a shared definition of financial abuse and how it differs from fraud and scamsClarifying the role of financial institutions in prevention and responsePeer learning through regional and practical experienceDevelopment of institutional action plans over timeA voluntary financial abuse code for financial institutionsStrengthening cooperation across the financial sectorThe first workshop also encouraged institutions to examine how financial systems, products and technologies can be misused within personal relationships, and what that means for customer protection and accountability.NEXT STEPS:The Empower Finance Kibung marks the beginning of a broader series of national engagements led by BPNG to strengthen coordination on financial abuse prevention and consumer protection.Future sessions will refine the voluntary code, deepen institutional commitments, and support the rollout of practical tools for financial education, counselling, and risk identification across the banking system.As PNG’s financial sector continues to modernize, the initiative signals a shift toward stronger consumer protection frameworks, placing financial safety and dignity at the centre of banking reform.

More than 2,000 students at Tokarara Secondary School now have access to clean, chilled and filtered drinking water following the official handover of new outdoor water fountains funded by BSP.The K30,000 project, delivered through BSP Financial Group's Retail Strategic Business Unit, addresses a long-standing need at the Port Moresby school, where students and staff previously relied on standard garden taps for their daily water supply.School Principal James Hape welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major improvement to the school's infrastructure, health and hygiene standards."Our students have shown incredible resilience over the years, lining up at basic garden taps just to cool down during hot afternoons," Mr. Hape said."These new fountains are a massive step forward for our school's infrastructure, health and hygiene. Seeing our students able to fill their bottles with cold, filtered water will completely change the energy on the students, keeping them focused on class and healthy on the sports field."The project was led by BSP Retail Transformation Specialist Leroy Edmund, a former Tokarara Secondary School student who said the initiative was especially meaningful to him."As a former student, I stood in those same lines at the same water taps. I know firsthand how tough it is to stay focused when it's hot and you can't get a decent drink of cold water," Mr. Edmund said."Being able to come back years later and deliver this for the next generation of Tokarara students is a true honour."The official handover ceremony was attended by school management, teachers, students and BSP representatives led by Group General Manager Retail, Ronesh Dayal.Mr. Dayal said the project was an investment in the wellbeing and future of the school's students."Healthy hydration builds healthy minds, and we are proud to invest in the future leaders sitting here today," he said.With the fountains now fully operational, the school is expected to benefit from improved access to safe drinking water, supporting student health, wellbeing and learning outcomes while creating a more modern and hygienic campus environment.

The government is rolling out a new national digital learning platform, known as EDUNEX, supported by Starlink satellite internet technology and strict online safety measures for protecting students and teachers.Acting Minister for Education Kinoka Feo announced that the Department of Education is deploying Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems, including Starlink Gen 3, as part of efforts to improve access to digital learning across the country.Minister Feo said ensuring safe, secure and education-focused internet access remains a top priority as schools begin connecting to the new platform."We recognize that many of our teachers and students are engaging with online technologies for the very first time.”"While Starlink provides the high-speed connectivity needed to overcome our country's rugged geography, it also introduces exposure to online risks."To address these concerns, the government will require schools to meet strict internet security standards before being approved to use the system.Enterprise-grade secure gateways will be installed at participating schools to enforce safe browsing practices, monitor digital usage, and block access to social media platforms and harmful online content.The EDUNEX platform is an artificial intelligence-powered national digital learning ecosystem designed to modernize the delivery of education throughout Papua New Guinea.The system will provide teachers with structured digital teaching tools while offering students personalized and interactive learning experiences.According to Minister Feo, this will finally address long-standing educational challenges, particularly in remote and rural communities where access to reliable electricity, internet services and educational resources has been limited.Details of the Starlink and EDUNEX rollout have been communicated to provincial education authorities and schools through Secretary's Circular Instructions issued recently.Minister Feo has called on provincial education authorities, school boards and school leaders to cooperate fully with the directives outlined in Ministerial Policy Statement No. 02/2026 and related departmental circulars."By combining high-speed Starlink connectivity with strict safety filters, we are creating a world-class, secure digital environment that improves the quality of education while leaving no child behind.”

Kina Bank has strengthened its commitment to community development and rehabilitation through a donation to Bomana Correctional Service under its Strongim Komuniti Grant program.The bank officially handed over seven grass cutters and a lawn mower on Monday, April 27, 2026, to support the maintenance and cleanliness of the correctional facility and its surrounding environment.The equipment was received by Chief Superintendent and Commanding Officer of Bomana Correctional Service, Yelly Oiufa, who welcomed the support and described it as both timely and impactful.“We are very grateful to Kina Bank for this donation. We were surprised to receive more than two grass cutters along with the lawn mower, which was beyond our expectations,” Chief Superintendent Oiufa said.“These tools will greatly assist us in maintaining the cleanliness of the prison and its surrounding environment, while also engaging inmates in productive activities.”The donation was facilitated through Kina Bank Compliance Risk Officer Leonie Gesa, a recipient of the Strongim Komuniti Grant who identified the need through her direct connection to the Bomana community.“Living in the community allowed me to see the real need at Bomana Correctional Service,” Ms. Gesa said.“Through the SKG program, I wanted to give back in a small but practical way that supports both the facility and the inmates who use and maintain the grounds every day.”The donated equipment will be used to improve general maintenance across the correctional facility, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more structured environment for staff, inmates and the surrounding community.The Strongim Komuniti Grant program, introduced in 2023, empowers Kina Bank employees to lead grassroots community projects and deliver practical support to the communities in which they live and work.

The next generation of Pangu Pati loyalists was one of the topics discussed at the recent Pangu Pati Convention in Port Moresby city where the focus was to build the political party’s next generation of leaders.In that Convention, Prime Minister and Pangu Pati Parliamentary Leader James Marape has called on Pangu Pati members to focus on building the party’s next generation of leaders, strengthening grassroots membership and advancing a long-term vision for Papua New Guinea’s economic and social development. Addressing delegates at the conclusion of the Pangu Pati National Convention in Port Moresby on Friday, 12 June 2026, Prime Minister Marape said the party’s responsibility extended beyond the 2027 National General Election and must focus on building a stronger political movement capable of serving Papua New Guinea for decades to come. “This convention is not just about endorsing candidates,” Prime Minister Marape said. “It is about party structure, party laws, party policies and party membership. “Pangu today must not just be about the 2027 election. It must be about Pangu Next Generation.” Prime Minister Marape said Pangu Pati, which led Papua New Guinea to Independence in 1975, now carried the responsibility of helping deliver economic independence and prosperity for future generations. “Pangu delivered political independence in 1975. In 2019, we said Pangu must deliver economic independence in our generation. The next 20 years must be about transforming this country into what it is supposed to be.”

Prime Minister James Marape, who is also the Leader of Papua New Guinea's Founding Political Party- Pangu Pati, is ready to vacate the party leadership and let the party members to decide on the best candidate to take lead.He made this announcement last week Friday, during Pangu’s two days Convention held at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, as he left the meeting to take up his Sabbath rest. Marape said, the Party’s President and General Secretary together with him as the leader are leaving the party convention to decide on the leadership, as part of the due process and requirement of the party’s constitution. “With a lot of negativities in the public space and if you feel there’s a better person to take over from me, then, I let it be. I will be a team player as a Pangu, all the way through for the rest of my life,’ said Prime Minister. He added that, as part of the party’s reform, he has inserted a clause in the party’s constitution that a leader has no automatic right for continuity should his or her term is up as party leader. And it is always up to the party convention to decide. This is a mature system that I’ve helped set up for the party now, and I hope going forward the party has a policy that is independently and organically funneled through,” he said. Marape also added that the two-day convention was also about confirming the party’s policies to take to the 2027 National General Election, as well as their policies for the next phase. These are all based on Pangu’s Ministers and Members report on their achievements, to go through to the Presidents Report. Based on these reports the President then takes the Report to the Council Meeting where the set policies will be announced to take to the next election (2027 NGE) and beyond. “There’s a lot of things happening in Pangu Pati and I am happy with the outcome of the meetings. Although I left as they were going through the meeting’s resolution, I should indicate to all on the final outcome of the meeting on Monday afternoon,” said Marape. Prime Minister also spoke about the announcements of a few exciting new policies that really indicate a clear growth happening, whilst admitting that there are still many outstanding works that remain.

Students of Paglum Secondary School are facing an uncertain end to the school term after classes were suspended indefinitely following last week’s violence and suspected arson incident at the school in Western Highlands Province.The Department of Education (DoE) says the school was forced to close early as authorities work to restore safety and investigate the circumstances surrounding the unrest that left two students critically injured and hospitalized.Acting Education Minister Kinoka Feo said the incident had disrupted the education of hundreds of students, describing it as a regrettable setback for a school that has performed strongly in national examinations in recent years.Authorities have confirmed that police investigations are continuing, with one suspect already in custody.The Department has also indicated that disciplinary inquiries will be carried out before decisions are made on the resumption of classes.The Minister reiterated that regionalism and factional violence have no place in educational institutions and urged students to focus on their studies rather than engage in conflict.Meanwhile, local leaders including Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki, have pledged support for repairs to damaged school infrastructure, while education officials work with school authorities on the next steps for students affected by the closure.The Department of Education says further directives on the reopening of the school will be announced following consultations with inspectors, school administrators and provincial education authorities.

A new partnership between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands is set to strengthen prosecution services in both countries through practical cooperation under a specialized twinning program.To progress initial activities under this partnership, a delegation of three officials from the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Papua New Guinea visited Honiara to meet with key justice sector leaders. This visit served to shape the overall program, establish immediate priorities, and agree on the next steps for implementation. The initiative directly builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2025, which establishes a framework for ongoing training, knowledge sharing, and professional exchanges between the two legal teams. The newly formed program focuses on practical, hands-on capacity building for prosecutors, specifically targeting critical legal areas such as cybercrime, financial crimes, corruption, and family and sexual violence. Further, the collaboration will offer active professional placements for prosecutors in both countries to improve internal systems and elevate prosecution standards. Papua New Guinea’s Acting Public Prosecutor, Ms. Helen Roalakona emphasized that the initiative reflects a strong, shared commitment to results-driven cooperation. "This partnership is about building capability where it matters most, through hands-on learning, shared experience and trusted relationships. Together, we are strengthening our ability to deliver justice more effectively for our communities," said Ms. Roalakona. Legal leaders from both nations recognize that pooling resources and insights is the most effective way to address local legal complexities. Director of Public Prosecutions of Solomon Islands, Mr Andrew Ega Kelesi, welcomed the partnership and its deeply practical focus on mutual development. "Despite being different countries, the Pacific Region, especially Melanesians, we have unique challenges, but very similar. It’s important to enable this partnership for both offices to share the challenge, share the action, share the experience, and look at ways in which we can both improve," said Mr. Kelesi. This regional legal initiative is backed by institutional support from Australia through dedicated regional law and justice programs. Specifically, the collaboration receives assistance from the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership alongside the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice. Ultimately, the successful Honiara visit highlights a growing momentum behind regional alliances that deliver tangible system improvements, while reinforcing a shared, long-term commitment to upholding the rule of law across the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has booked their place at the OFC U-19 Men's Championship 2026 in Samoa after producing a commanding 5-1 victory over the Cook Islands to finish top of the qualifying tournament.Heading into the decisive clash, Papua New Guinea needed only a draw to secure qualification, while the hosts faced a must-win situation. However, the visitors left no doubt about their intentions, taking control early and delivering a clinical performance to seal their spot at the regional championship. Papua New Guinea laid the foundation for victory with two goals inside the opening 20 minutes. Ruel Api opened the scoring in the 15th minute, reacting quickest to a loose ball outside the penalty area before unleashing a long-range strike that beat the Cook Islands goalkeeper. The early breakthrough settled Papua New Guinea, who soon began to dominate possession and create further opportunities through standout performers David Tita, Benjamin Kila and the captain, Nalau Moses. Just four minutes later, Tita turned provider for the second goal. After collecting a long pass from Bomecge Basananuc, the forward surged toward the penalty area and delivered a low cross for Moses, who calmly finished to double the lead. Cook Islands attempted to fight their way back into the contest before halftime. Maui Denny's dangerous free-kick found Kima Webb, whose header drifted narrowly over the crossbar. Denny and Josh Barrymore-Udan continued to threaten from set-pieces and long-range efforts, but Papua New Guinea's defence remained resolute. The visitors extended their advantage immediately after the restart. Basananuc again played a key role, releasing David Tita with a perfectly weighted pass. The prolific forward made no mistake, firing home in the 46th minute to score his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign. Cook Islands continued to battle and eventually found a breakthrough in the 80th minute. Charlie Noovao-Martin rose highest to meet a curling delivery from Denny, powering a header into the net to give the home crowd something to cheer. Any hopes of a late comeback were extinguished as Papua New Guinea finished strongly. John Millis burst into the penalty area in the 87th minute, creating the opportunity for substitute Benjamin Sumabru to add a fourth goal. Sumabru then helped set up the final strike deep into stoppage time, providing the pass for Jaru Eron, who finished confidently to complete the 5-1 rout. The emphatic victory sends Papua New Guinea through to the OFC U-19 Men's Championship 2026 in Samoa, where they will join New Caledonia, Samoa and Solomon Islands in Group B. Meanwhile, the Cook Islands' spirited qualifying campaign comes to an end despite a determined effort throughout the tournament. Scorers Papua New Guinea: Ruel Api (15'), Nalau Moses (19'), David Tita (46'), Benjamin Sumabru (87'), Jaru Eron (90+5') Cook Islands: Charlie Noovao-Martin (80') Half-time: Papua New Guinea 2-0 Cook Islands

The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) has officially launched and handed over four custom-built 32-foot passenger vessels to improve transport, safety and access to essential services for Bougainville’s remote atoll communities.The vessels were handed over by ABG Minister for Fisheries and Member for the Atolls, Amanda Masono, under a K2.5 million project funded through the Climate Change and Development Authority’s (CCDA) Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) initiative.The project was developed in response to climate vulnerability assessments conducted in 2021, which identified maritime isolation as a major challenge facing the atoll communities.The vessels will serve the communities of Fead (Nuguria), Carterets (Tuloun), Mortlock (Takuu) and Tasman (Amotu), providing safer and more reliable transport between the islands and mainland Bougainville."For too long, our atoll communities have been on the absolute frontline of the global climate crisis, risking their lives on unpredictable seas," said Minister Masono during her keynote address."Today, we declare that our people are not forgotten, this K2.5 million investment translates climate policy into real-world, life-saving mobility."The vessels are equipped with twin 200-horsepower inboard engines, navigation systems and open-sea safety equipment, enabling them to operate safely in the challenging conditions of Bougainville waters.They will support emergency medical evacuations, student transportation and the movement of fisheries and agricultural products, improving access to services and economic opportunities for atoll residents.To ensure immediate operation of the vessels, Minister Masono also oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the CCDA and the ABG Administration.Under a three-month interim arrangement commencing on 14th June 2026, the ABG Department of Transport and Utilities will serve as the Interim Operating Authority until the finalization of the Bougainville Small Craft Act.Operations will be managed by a team of 16 trained personnel under a rotational system designed to maintain continuous service delivery and reduce crew fatigue.Revenue generated through passenger fares and commercial hires will be managed through dedicated Small Craft Revenue and Expenditure accounts administered by the Department of Finance to support the long-term sustainability of the vessels."Ownership brings a sacred duty of stewardship," Minister Masono emphasized.“These are community assets. We must enforce safety manifests, prioritize routine maintenance, and protect these boats so they can protect our children and grandchildren."Minister Masono also thanked the Climate Change and Development Authority for its partnership and support in delivering the project, describing the investment as a practical example of climate resilience that directly improves the lives of Bougainville’s most vulnerable communities.