Cricket Papua New Guinea has announced its 14-player U19 Siale’s squad to compete in the ICC Women’s T20 East Asia-Pacific Qualifier from April 24–29, 2026, at Amini Park.The team will face Indonesia, Japan, and Vanuatu, with the winner progressing to the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The squad was selected following national trials in November and months of training and development. Selectors Chairman Hudson Leka said the process was both challenging and rewarding, noting the players’ growth from raw talent into a confident unit.  “Over the last few months, these young women have committed to extensive physical and mental training… We believe this squad represents the best of that journey,” he said. Head Coach Jason Kila highlighted the team’s discipline and pride in representing the country, while Board Chairman Michael Harrison urged national support, saying the players will carry the hopes of Papua New Guinea onto the field. Hosting the qualifier provides PNG with home advantage and gives local fans the chance to witness international women’s cricket. With final preparations underway, the Siale’s now look forward to turning their hard work into qualification success on home soil. PNG U19 Siale’s Squad: Ravu Pala, Rollie Mahuru, Krystaleigh Alu, Konio Gavera, Nina Kila, Warimo Ewana, Edit Ao, Konio E Oala, Molong Hobart, Georgina Tom, Loa Ranu, Abigail Leka, Mea Loa, Reia Baeau.

Students attending the Mongonna Primary School in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) can now sit on brand new stools behind brand new desks when learning in class all thanks the Kina Bank. Kina Bank just recently presented the facilities to the school through its “Strongim Kumuniti Grant” program. The SKG program is part of Kina Bank’s commitment to sustainability and community development. It is open only to Kina Bank employees, who can apply for quarterly grants to support small but meaningful community projects. Kina Bank’s Senior International Operations Officer, Ms. Meverlyn Komangin, who successfully applied for the grant, said the project was completed on time and has greatly improved the students’ learning environment by providing safer and more comfortable classroom furniture. “The existing desks and chairs are in poor condition, leading to overcrowding where more than three students share a desk. This hinders students’ ability to focus and learn effectively. I am pleased to give back to my community school to enhance learning for our students,” Ms. Komangin said. The school’s Head Teacher, Mr. Penias Torot, thanked Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin, saying the support shows a strong partnership in education ensuring no child is left behind.“The desks and stools for Grades 3 to 8 have improved classroom comfort, safety, and student engagement and helped address the school’s long-standing shortage of furniture. Thank you, Kina Bank and Ms. Komangin for realizing our need and coming to our aid,” he said.Since its launch in 2023, Kina Bank’s SKG program has supported various community projects across PNG, including supplying water tanks to schools, providing learning materials, donating medical supplies to rural areas, delivering school furniture, and installing solar power at health facilities.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BBP) has announced the continuation of its Breakfast Program with support from Sanitarium, Australian Export Consortia and Market 2000, providing more than K200,000 worth of breakfast supplies to support children’s nutrition and learning. The partnership will supply Weet-Bix and So Good Oat Milk to three of BbP’s Library Learning Centres, ensuring 250 students receive a healthy and nutritious breakfast every school morning. The initiative forms part of Buk bilong Pikinini’s Nutrition Education Program, which is integrated into the organisation’s curriculum and delivered across its 20 Library Learning Centres nationwide.  The program aims to promote healthy eating habits while supporting early childhood education, particularly for children from vulnerable communities who may not consistently have access to balanced meals. BbP marked the continuation of the program with a special event on Friday, 13 March 2026 at one of its Library Learning Centres, where students enjoyed a nutritious breakfast before taking part in interactive activities designed to demonstrate the benefits of proper nutrition on learning and physical responsiveness. PNG Country Manager for Australian Export Consortia, Tarin McManus, said the partnership was rewarding to see in action. “This partnership with BbP is so rewarding. Seeing the students active and bright after having a healthy Weet-Bix and So Good breakfast is a sight to behold. It’s important for their mental and physical development.” BbP Founder and Vice Chair Anne-Sophie Hermann thanked the partners for their continued support, noting that proper nutrition plays a key role in children’s ability to learn. “This support goes far beyond providing breakfast—it is an investment in a child’s future. When children arrive nourished and energised, we see the difference immediately in their confidence, concentration and enthusiasm to learn.” Through the renewed partnership, 250 students across three Library Learning Centres will continue receiving a daily nutritious breakfast, supporting both their wellbeing and academic success.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is finalising a review of its Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, signalling a renewed commitment to improving discipline, leadership accountability and professional standards within the police force.The policy was first introduced in 2019 to promote fairness, respect and equal opportunity within the organisation, while also guiding how officers interact with communities. However, limited implementation, competing operational priorities and lack of sustained funding meant the policy was not widely applied in daily policing. Police leadership says the current review aims to ensure the policy reflects the realities of policing in Papua New Guinea and supports officers to meet expected professional standards. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Administration and Human Resources, Gaiwary Tinga, said the review is an important step in strengthening discipline and professionalism across the force. “We cannot expect strong discipline and ethical behaviour from our officers if our standards are unclear or inconsistently applied,” ACP Tinga said. He said GESI is not simply a concept but relates directly to how officers treat each other, how leaders guide their teams, and how police conduct themselves while exercising authority. The policy focuses on workplace behaviour, leadership responsibility and accountability, including respectful engagement, fair decision-making and increasing the participation and advancement of women within the constabulary. During the first phase of the review in 2025, the GESI Review Committee decided that a new Gender Equity and Social Inclusion Policy would be developed. Senior officers involved in the review say the policy is particularly important at a time when policing in PNG faces growing public scrutiny, with communities expecting officers to act fairly, respectfully and professionally. They also noted that officers themselves are calling for safer and more respectful workplaces free from harassment, abuse and favouritism. Consultations and workshops were conducted across divisions and commands to gather feedback from police officers and civilian staff. The second phase of the review took place from March 10 to 13, 2026. For many participants, the consultations provided their first opportunity to openly discuss issues such as workplace respect, leadership behaviour, safety and fairness. Feedback gathered during the consultations helped identify gaps in awareness, training, supervision and enforcement that limited the impact of the 2019 policy. Police leadership acknowledged that the earlier policy lacked proper follow-through with limited training, monitoring and accountability mechanisms after its launch. The revised approach will include stronger leadership accountability, targeted training and monitoring systems to ensure the policy supports operational policing. Once finalised, the updated GESI Policy is expected to guide recruitment, training, promotion, supervision and disciplinary processes across the constabulary. ACP Tinga said strengthening the policy is part of a broader effort to improve police culture and build public trust. “This is about building a police service our officers respect and our communities can trust,” he said. Technical and financial support for the GESI Policy review is being provided through the EU–PNG Partnership for Good Governance (P4GG) project, which aims to support more transparent, inclusive and accountable management and recruitment systems within the constabulary.  

The Chief Secretary to Government has come out to clear the air on talks going around social media alleging that the National Government is committed to spending a whole lot of money to host the APEC 2033.Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, OBE dismissed a social media post purportedly attributed to him that claim the Government has committed K500 million to host APEC 2033. This comes after a fake social media post on Facebook which was published by the ‘PNG Happenings Today’, with a title “PNG Commits K500 Investment to host APEC 2033’’.This news appears to be misleading and possibly fabricated with several inconsistencies without any credible source or official announcements collaborate to this claim.Chief Secretary Pomaleu clarified that announcing future financial commitments on major national policy matters is not the responsibility of his office.He said such announcements will be properly made by the Prime Minister or the relevant Minister and long-term commitments like this usually involve gradual announcement with detailed planning stages.Mr. Pomaleu further clarified that the National Executive Council has endorsed Papua New Guinea to host APEC again in 2033, and it is not credible to settle detailed financial forecasts seven years in advance.APEC 2033 will occur during the 13th Parliament, and it is the responsibility of that Parliament and the government then in office to confirm to the nation what resources will be required to host the event.“Any contribution from my office to this process will be limited to developing a road map, domestication of current policy outcomes and undertaking some capacity‑building work to prepare for planning and implementation,” he said.The Chief Secretary urged the Public to rely on Official Government channels for accurate information and to disregard unauthorized social media posts attributing commitments to Government officials.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (Ok Tedi) continues its commitment to light up Western province and its neighboring provinces through its electrification initiative.Just recently, Ok Tedi reaffirmed that Western Province remains priority under its major electrification initiative, Lighting Up the West (LTW), delivered through Ok Tedi Power Limited (OTPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ok Tedi. The program is designed to bring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity to communities across Papua New Guinea’s western region which include predominantly Western Province and parts of East and West Sepik provinces.Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said Ok Tedi is 100% Papua New Guinea owned, and our people are driving this development. “Lighting Up the West starts at home. Western Province is our host, and it is our priority,” he said, adding that work in other provinces is about planning for the future, not replacing Ok Tedi’s commitment to the people of Western Province. “If you live in Western Province, LTW initiative is already underway.’’ Mr. Ilimbit said LTW is a multi-decade infrastructure program supporting: Western Province’s life after mine Long-term social licence with host communities Economic diversification across the region National Government electrification goals The LTW initiative is being rolled out to Western Province and subsequently to West Sepik and East Sepik provinces, with support from the respective provinces.Work is already underway in Western province under this initiative, with the construction and delivery, including:Grid extensions in Kiunga and the highway corridor The establishment of the Ningerum mini grid Stand-alone solar power systems for priority Community Mine Continuation           Agreement (CMCA) Villages. Recently, a team from Ok Tedi undertook a fact-finding mission to East Sepik Province, which is required under the new Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Retail (GTDR) licences. Fact finding visit to other grids within the three provinces are being planned and scheduled.

A policewoman and four police chaplains have been certified to officiate marriages after completing a three-day Civil Marriage Celebrant Training conducted by the Office of the Civil Registry under the Department of Community Development and Religion.The training ended on Friday, 13th March 2026, at the Weigh Inn in Konedobu.The certification allows the officers to act as marriage celebrants and ensure all marriages they conduct follow the Marriage Act and Marriage Regulations, making the unions legally valid.The training was organized by the Welfare Section of the Human Resource Division of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary in response to growing concerns among members who need legally recognized marriages to access benefits tied to marriage. Officials said this had been an issue for the force for more than a decade.Participants were trained on the proper procedures for conducting marriages in Papua New Guinea and the legal requirements involved in solemnizing unions.The newly certified celebrants are Inspector Susan Rumints, Officer in Charge of Police Welfare; Pastor William Pok, Police Chaplain for Northern Command; Reverend David Yuwi, Police Chaplain for Highlands Command; Father Joseph Labigi, Police Chaplain for New Guinea Islands Command; and Father George Baruka, Police Chaplain for Bougainville Police Service.During the closing ceremony, Director of the Human Resource Directorate, Superintendent Paul Unupite, reminded members of the Constabulary Standing Orders which require officers to have only one legal spouse.He said only the first legally recognized spouse and their children are eligible for benefits tied to marriage.“This is in place to protect the integrity of our processes and uphold moral standards within the force,” Superintendent Unupite said.He also urged members to formalize their marriages and make careful decisions about marriage to avoid personal issues that could affect their work performance.

The Australian High Commission has welcomed Australia’s Ambassador for Global Health, Chris Cannan, to Papua New Guinea.Ambassador Cannan, who also oversees international education programs at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is visiting PNG for the first time in his role from March 15 to 20. The visit highlights the strong partnership between Australia and PNG in health and education. During the trip, he will visit Port Moresby General Hospital to see how Australia’s support is improving screening and diagnostic services for mothers, infants and families. The Ambassador will also meet Papua New Guinean alumni who studied through Australian-funded programs and are now contributing to the country’s public sector. He is also expected to visit several Australian-supported health facilities and meet frontline health workers delivering essential services across communities. Ambassador Cannan said he looks forward to the visit, noting that Australia and PNG share a close partnership as neighbours and friends, strengthened during the celebration of PNG’s 50th independence anniversary. Australia says it remains committed to working with PNG to build healthier, safer and more resilient communities while strengthening ties between the two nations.  

Prime Minister James Marape has announced a new land and housing initiative aimed at creating up to 10,000 allotments in Port Moresby. The plan is part of a wider national effort to turn informal settlements into properly planned suburbs and give Papua New Guineans better access to land and home ownership.Mr. Marape said the initiative followed a high-level meeting on Friday with NCD Governor Powes Parkop, City Hall officials, and representatives from the Department of Lands, Department of National Planning and the National Housing Corporation. The meeting focused on addressing the growing need for proper urban planning and affordable housing in the capital.The Prime Minister said many people who have lived and worked in Port Moresby for years still do not have secure land or housing.“Too many of our people who have worked and lived in Port Moresby for years, including second and third generation residents, still do not have proper access to land or secure housing,” Mr. Marape said.“This must change. Papua New Guineans cannot be displaced in their own city.”Mr. Marape said the National Government has directed the NCD administration to prepare a clear master plan for the city, with the goal of developing up to 10,000 allotments through a fair and coordinated land allocation process.He said the Department of Lands has been instructed not to issue any more vacant State land until a clear programme is in place to ensure land is made available for working residents in the city.The Prime Minister also welcomed a proposal by developer Parkside to build 2,000 Australian-standard homes at Gerehu Stage 7, saying the private sector would play an important role in developing properly planned suburbs.Mr. Marape said the Government is also working with local banks and lenders to design a long-term housing finance scheme to make home ownership more affordable. The plan includes intergenerational housing loans of up to 49 years, allowing families to pass homes on to future generations.He urged residents not to engage in illegal squatting or informal land deals and warned against building on untitled land.Mr. Marape said people who have already been evicted or displaced from settlements will be the first to benefit from the programme. A new Urbanization Office, reporting directly to the Prime Minister, will coordinate relocation efforts with City Hall and other agencies.The Prime Minister said the housing programme will begin in Port Moresby but is expected to expand to other parts of the country as part of the Government’s broader national development plans.

A new training program under the Australia–Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ) called the Hela Youth Diversion Program is assisting youths affected by tribal fighting to build practical skills and small business opportunities.The new training builds on earlier mental health and behaviour change programs for conflict-affected youths in Hela, which saw the need to also address unemployment and lack of income to bring about change. The program shows how law and justice support can help create safer communities by investing in young people. By combining mental health support with practical skills, it gives youths opportunities and equips them with the tools needed to move away from violence and contribute positively to society. Up to six small business and skills training courses are planned over the next six months, targeting youths engaged in Australian Government-funded mental health programs. The courses focus on basic business skills, income generation, and pathways into the formal economy, and are designed for participants with low levels of formal education who have been affected by conflict. One participant, David Hilai, credits the program with transforming his life. Previously involved in tribal fighting and drug use, Hilai has committed to giving up firearms and pursuing a more constructive path. “I attended this training to make money. Mental health has played a big part in helping me see money differently.” Through the program, he has learned budgeting and planning skills that he now hopes to use to build a better future for his family. The program forms part of broader peacebuilding and community stability efforts in Hela under the PNG–Australia Partnership. It reflects a shared commitment by PNG and Australia to support peace, resilience and opportunity for young people across the country, recognizing that long-term peace depends on giving young people real alternatives to conflict and a safer, more prosperous future.

Since assuming office as the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD/Central, Benjamin Turi has remained steadfast in his commitment to community policing.Rather than relying solely on traditional enforcement, ACP Turi has prioritized “walking the talk” by actively involving local citizens in law-and-order advocacy. His strategic initiative to establish community engagement groups- where residents work alongside police within their own suburbs and villages- has already yielded measurable positive results across the command. This collaborative concept has proven particularly effective in both the city and Central Province. ACP Turi has consistently dedicated time to visiting local station commanders and community leaders to refine the delivery of policing services. On Friday, March 13, 2026, this outreach continued as Mr. Turi and Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle travelled to the Berina Police Station. During the visit, they conducted thorough inspections of the station and housing facilities to assess how to best increase manpower in response to the region's rapid growth, spurred by major developments like the Papua LNG project. During an official parade, Commander Turi, accompanied by PPC Salle and Berina Station Commander Sergeant Willie Hoiba, addressed the rank and file. The officers were briefed on the strategic vision of Police Minister Sir John Pundari for the year ahead. In addition to long-term goals, Mr. Turi announced a major upcoming traffic operation. He instructed officers to begin proactive communication with drivers and vehicle owners, ensuring the public is well-warned before police begin making arrests for traffic violations once the operation officially commences. The delegation later moved to Babangongo Village in the Mekeo area of Kairuku District. There, they met with the Mekeo Local Level Government (LLG) President to finalize plans for a new police post along the highway. This strategic outpost is designed to provide a permanent presence for officers to monitor the area more effectively. Joining the visit was Chief Inspector Ruben Giusu, who oversees the command’s reservist program. Chief Inspector Giusu delivered a targeted awareness presentation to local youths interested in law enforcement, providing them with clear guidance on how to apply for the reservist program in writing. In a final address to the villagers, Commander Turi reinforced the philosophy that law and order is a shared responsibility. He emphasized that when local residents join the police force, they bring a unique level of accountability and influence to their communities. He noted that village youth are far more likely to respect and listen to their own peers when they return as trained officers to lead policing efforts and awareness campaigns, ultimately creating a more sustainable culture of safety.

Community connections came to the fore at last week’s celebration of the graduation of 120 grade 9 to 12 students at Kokoda College, a growing education hub in Oro Province operated by development organization KTF (Kokoda Track Foundation).Through Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE), Kokoda College supports students from the greater Kokoda catchment who have been unable to complete mainstream schooling to finish their secondary education, or for students to upgrade their marks and pursue employment opportunities through this NDoE-endorsed pathway. National FODE Principal Mr. Anthony Rayappan, who travelled to Kokoda for the graduation, emphasized in his address that Flexible Open Distance Education is not simply an alternative pathway, but a legitimate and rapidly growing education pathway helping students complete their secondary education. Mr. Rayappan thanked KTF for its strong partnership and for delivering a program that is helping increasing numbers of student's access FODE and continue their education. For students living in remote parts of Oro Province, FODE is critical in creating opportunities to pursue tertiary education in fields such as teaching and health- professions essential to strengthening local communities. Gary Juffa MP, Governor of Oro Province and long-term advocate of education, shared with the gathering: “You invest in human resources, and they will come back and help you. We do not have much money as a province.” “We just have ourselves, but what little we have we are going to do the best we can. Then, we will see the transformations that come along.” “Sanap Strong, be confident, get out there, there are many opportunities for you to seize.” Joining Governor Juffa and Mr. Rayappan, were a range of partners including Mr. Stanley Newena from the Kokoda Initiative, Dr. Karen Nyangara from the Commonwealth of Learning, and KTF’s CEO Dr. Genevieve Nelson. Prepared with great pride by the school community, the college campus was festooned with beautiful natural decorations to mark the special occasion. This sense of pride filled the grounds as families gathered to recognize the achievements of students from across the province. The Awala community opened the celebration with traditional dance, led in part by Sandy, who graduated from Grade 10 and received the Female Dux award. Another graduate, Emmanuel, a Head Teacher upgrading his qualifications through a partnership with Oro Disabled Foundation, was honored by his students with an abundant offering of fruit and vegetables to thank the College for its support. Newly elected officials from Koukou village also attended, expressing their commitment to encouraging disengaged youth to take advantage of these local education opportunities. “The graduation is a powerful reminder that when education opportunities reach remote communities, extraordinary things happen,” said Dr. Genevieve Nelson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kokoda Track Foundation. “These students have shown determination and resilience to complete their studies, and many will go on to become teachers, health workers and leaders who will strengthen their communities for years to come.” KTF’s work in the region is inspired by the enduring bond forged between Papua New Guinea and Australia during the Kokoda Campaign of World War II. Today, that spirit of partnership continues through development initiatives that expand access to education, health, and gender equality. Kokoda College is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program and the Kokoda Initiative, alongside generous public and philanthropic supporters and the Papua New Guinea Government.