The United States Embassy has launched Starlink satellite internet at the American Corner in Waigani, providing visitors with free high-speed internet access and expanding opportunities for education, research and public engagement.The service was officially launched on July 2 during a ceremony attended by embassy officials and members of the public, marking another step in the United States' investment in digital connectivity across Papua New Guinea.Speaking at the launch, U.S. Embassy Foreign Assistance Chief Beata Angelica said the initiative forms part of a broader U.S. commitment to improving internet access throughout the country."This year, the United States is proud to invest US$30 million in satellite internet connectivity across Papua New Guinea—a transformative commitment that will bring high-speed, low-latency internet to hundreds of remote health facilities, schools and government offices," Angelica said.She said the investment reflects the United States' commitment to supporting infrastructure that expands access to education, information and economic opportunities.The addition of Starlink technology will allow visitors to the American Corner to access online educational resources, research study opportunities in the United States and participate in a wider range of learning activities.The upgraded internet service will also enable the embassy to livestream selected educational programs, extending its outreach beyond Port Moresby to audiences across Papua New Guinea.To showcase the new capability, the embassy hosted a public lecture titled Kinship as Method: Rethinking Ethics, Collaboration, and Knowledge Production in Anthropology, delivered simultaneously in person and online by renowned anthropologist Dr. Paige West.The lecture formed part of the embassy's "Freedom 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Liberty and Prosperity" initiative, highlighting collaboration, knowledge-sharing and academic exchange between the United States and Papua New Guinea.Dr. West is internationally recognized for her research on Papua New Guinea, particularly in environmental conservation, agriculture and Indigenous knowledge systems. Fluent in Tok Pisin and two Indigenous languages, she has spent decades working alongside local communities.In 2014, she received support through the U.S. Department of State's Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation for a US$60,000 project to preserve the Malagan carving traditions of New Ireland by supporting master carvers in training a new generation of artisans.She is also the co-founder of the PNG Institute of Biological Research and Roviana Solwara Skul, initiatives that promote collaboration between Indigenous knowledge and Western scientific research.The embassy said the launch of Starlink at the American Corner demonstrates its continued commitment to strengthening educational partnerships, improving digital access and connecting Papua New Guineans with global learning opportunities through reliable internet connectivity.

Fourteen health and education volunteers have successfully completed a week-long Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) conducted by the National Volunteer Service (NVS) at Okari Campus in Lae and are now being deployed to serve communities across Tewai-Siassi, Kabwum and Huon Gulf districts in Morobe Province.Guided by the theme, "Volunteers Strengthening Health and Education for All," the volunteers are now prepared to serve in aid posts, health clinics and schools, where they will play a vital role in improving access to essential health and education services in their respective communities.Throughout the orientation, the volunteers received training on the role and responsibilities of National Volunteer Service volunteers, professional conduct, community engagement, and the expectations of serving in rural and remote communities. Equipped with these skills, they will now work alongside local communities to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve learning outcomes, with ongoing support from the National Volunteer Service.Closing the orientation, Volunteer Management Division Director Kelly Aisi congratulated the volunteers on completing their training and encouraged them to serve with commitment and purpose."You are the change your communities have been waiting for. As you leave this place, continue to make a positive impact not only for yourselves, but for the communities and people you have chosen to serve. The National Volunteer Service stands ready to support you throughout your volunteer journey," Mr Aisi said.Volunteer Amo Andrew, from Barim Village, Ward 7, Siassi LLG in Tewai-Siassi District, expressed his gratitude to the National Volunteer Service for the opportunity to continue serving his people.("Mi hamamas long NVS kam givim mipela dispela Pre-Service Orientation na mipela i luk forward long go bek na wokim sevis long komuniti bilong mipela.")The National Volunteer Service continues to support one of its strongest volunteer networks in Morobe Province, where many dedicated volunteers have served their communities for years. Through ongoing training and mentorship, NVS remains committed to strengthening volunteerism and improving the delivery of health and education services across Papua New Guinea.

Westpac PNG brought together employees and their families from across the country in Port Moresby on 27 June 2026 for its Sporting Day and Gala Night, celebrating teamwork, wellbeing, connection and the strength of its people.The day was organised by a committee of Westpac PNG employees, reflecting the Bank’s focus on bringing its people together and supporting a strong, connected team across Head Office and branches.Under the overall theme “Champions by Day, Icons by Night”, the event combined an energetic day of sport and family activities with an evening celebration of achievement, culture and connection.The Fun Day theme was “Carnivals of Champions”, inspired by the Harry Potter franchise with a PNG fusion.Teams were named after the earth elements in Motu: Tano for Land, Ranu for Water, Lahi for Fire and Lai for Wind/Air.The day opened with a team parade and warm-up session before employees took part in competitive sports including rugby touch, futsal, volleyball and netball. Novelty games such as sack races, tug of war, egg and spoon races and a water gun fight added to the fun and encouraged participation across all teams. A dedicated kids’ area, supported by three large bouncy castles and family-friendly activities, helped make the day memorable for children and parents. External stakeholders including Nasfund, NCSL and Business for Health also joined the activities.At the Fun Day, Westpac PNG Chief Executive Andrew Cairns spoke informally to staff and families, linking the activities to the Bank’s people theme of Yumi Grow Wantaim.“The day was really about Yumi Grow Wantaim. We came together to enjoy ourselves, have some fun, compete in the right spirit and spend time with our families and colleagues. More importantly, days like this reminded us that we are one Westpac PNG team.""When we played together, laughed together and supported each other, we built the connection that helps us grow together at work as well. That was what made the day special.”The Sporting Day closed with a group cooldown session, wrapping up an energetic and inclusive program that brought employees, families and teams together from across the Bank’s national network. In the evening, employees came together for the Gala Night under the theme “Glamour and Mystery”, with a masquerade-inspired setting that recognised team achievements and individual contributions.The evening featured arrival drinks, opening remarks, team and individual awards, cultural performances, music and group dances delivered by teams from Port Moresby and the branches.Speaking at the Gala Night, Mr Cairns said the evening was an opportunity to recognise Westpac PNG’s people and the important role they play in shaping the Bank’s future.“Westpac PNG’s strength has always been built on its people. Our ability to grow, adapt and lead depends on how well we work together, how strongly we live our values and how consistently we support the customers, communities and businesses we serve across Papua New Guinea. The night was not only a celebration of achievement, but also a reminder of the responsibility we share to continue building a stronger, more connected and more resilient organisation.”Mr Cairns also thanked the organising committee for their hard work in planning, preparing and delivering both events, noting that their effort helped create a memorable weekend for employees and their families.The Sporting Day and Gala Night reinforces Westpac PNG’s focus on strengthening its culture, supporting its people and creating opportunities for employees and families to connect beyond the workplace.

The Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea now has a woman positioned as the Acting Chief Ombudsman.Prime Minister James Marape on Thursday announced that Ms. Tabitha Suwae is now the Acting Chief Ombudsman following a decision made by the Ombudsman Appointments Committee (OAC) to appoint her to the position.Ms. Suwae, who has been serving as an Ombudsman since October 2024, assumes leadership of the Ombudsman Commission in an acting capacity while the substantive position of Chief Ombudsman is advertised and filled through an open and competitive recruitment process.Prime Minister Marape congratulated Ms. Suwae on her appointment and commended outgoing Chief Ombudsman Mr Richard Pagen for his distinguished service to Papua New Guinea.“Mr. Pagen has served our country with integrity, professionalism, and courage. He has carried out his constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law. ““I sincerely thank him for his dedicated service and wish him well in his future endeavours. He remains eligible to apply for the substantive position should he choose to do so.”Prime Minister Marape said Ms. Suwae’s appointment reflected the strength of leadership development within the Ombudsman Commission.A career public servant, Ms. Suwae brings 29 years of public service experience, including 24 years with the Ombudsman Commission and five years with the Office of the Public Prosecutor under the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.Before being appointed Ombudsman in October 2024, she served as the Commission’s Director of Legal Services.She is from Manus and West Sepik provinces.“I congratulate Ms. Suwae on her appointment and have every confidence that her extensive experience, professionalism and commitment to the Constitution will ensure the Ombudsman Commission continues to discharge its important responsibilities with independence and integrity.”The Ombudsman Appointments Committee had deliberately chosen to advertise the position of Chief Ombudsman to ensure the office continued to be filled through a transparent, competitive and merit-based process.

The National Volunteer Service (NVS) is exploring a strategic partnership with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA) to recruit and deploy health workers to underserved communities across the province.The proposed collaboration supports the National Executive Council (NEC) Decision 335 of 2025, which mandates the NVS to recruit 900 volunteers by the end of 2026 and an additional 2,900 by 2027.NVS Director of Public Relations and Marketing Julie Raka said discussions are still in the early stages, but if formalised, the partnership would focus on identifying critical health service gaps in rural and remote areas of Southern Highlands and placing trained health workers where they are needed most.She said the initiative reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening primary healthcare through community-based service delivery and expanding access to essential health services.Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Birisi welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely and strategic initiative that aligns with the province's healthcare priorities.Dr Birisi said the partnership would also complement the nursing students who graduated recently from the Mendi School of Nursing, many of whom are now qualified health workers ready to serve in local communities.He said health workers play a vital role in delivering basic healthcare, health education and disease prevention programs, particularly in remote areas where access to medical services remains limited."The deployment of trained health workers will significantly improve our ability to reach communities that face barriers to healthcare. They serve as an important link between rural communities and the formal health system," Dr Birisi said.He added that providing health workers with the necessary training and support would strengthen maternal and child health services, improve immunisation coverage, and increase awareness of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.Dr Birisi said integrating more health workers into provincial health programs would also help ease the pressure on hospitals and health facilities while encouraging communities to take greater ownership of their health and wellbeing.He acknowledged that Papua New Guinea continues to face challenges including limited resources, workforce shortages and difficult geography, but said partnerships such as this demonstrate the value of innovative, community-focused solutions.The National Volunteer Service will continue its consultation visits across the Highlands Region, with upcoming engagements planned in Hela and Western Highlands provinces.The National Volunteer Service is a government agency under the Ministry of Defence responsible for recruiting, training and deploying volunteers to support service delivery in rural communities throughout Papua New Guinea.

The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) says this year's PNG Resources Week will focus on how the country's resource sector can continue driving nation-building over the next 50 years.Speaking ahead of the event, Executive Director Richard Kassman said the theme, "PNG Resources Beyond 50," builds on last year's celebration of Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence anniversary and shifts the focus towards the country's future.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber's mission is to create understanding, generate knowledge and build relationships that empower Papua New Guinea to achieve long-term nation-building benefits from its natural resources."We exist to create the understanding, generate the knowledge and forge relationships which empower Papua New Guinea to capture sustained nation-building benefits from its natural resources," he said.He said the Chamber wants discussions around mining, petroleum and energy projects to be centred on nation-building rather than simply resource extraction.Mr. Kassman acknowledged the significant role the resource sector plays in the country's economy but stressed that the industry must remain humble while working alongside government, landowners and communities.He said the term "nation-building" should guide negotiations, policy discussions and investment decisions, encouraging both local stakeholders and international investors to contribute positively to Papua New Guinea's development.PNG Resources Week 2026 will run from July 13 to 18, combining the PNG Resource Summit, CANCONEX and the Golden Exposition into one week-long event.The Prime Minister is expected to officially open the event and setting the agenda for discussions that will examine the industry's achievements over the past five decades while exploring opportunities for the future.Throughout the week, industry leaders, government representatives and community stakeholders will discuss national content, community investment, workforce development, governance, education, sustainable development and upcoming resource projects.Mr. Kassman said the Chamber also wants the event to strengthen its partnership with the media to ensure important discussions reach Papua New Guineans across the country."We want to fill the vacuum with facts, data and research information, and we want to work closely with the media to make sure these conversations are shared with the nation," he said.

For 26-year-old Isaka Samaku, growing up in the remote village of Ambuket in East Sepik Province, a university education once seemed impossible. Today, he is a first-year Diploma in Primary Education student at Divine Word University's Wewak Campus, determined to return home as a teacher and help transform his community through education.Isaka said life in his village has long been defined by poverty, with most families relying on subsistence living and limited opportunities to improve their livelihoods."In my community, many people focus only on meeting their daily needs because education and income opportunities are limited," he said. "I want to become a teacher so I can educate our children, change mindsets, and help build a better future for my village."His journey to university has been made possible through his family's revived cocoa farming business. His parents, Rex and Brenda Samaku, rehabilitated their cocoa blocks with support from the European Union-funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with Cocoa Board PNG and the Provincial Division of Agriculture and Livestock.Through the programme, the family received improved cocoa seedlings, farming tools, technical training, and support in fermentation and drying techniques, enabling them to produce higher-quality cocoa and earn better returns.After years of declining production caused by ageing cocoa trees and the cocoa pod borer outbreak, the family's five cocoa blocks have been restored. In 2025, a single sale of five bags of dried cocoa beans earned more than PGK10,000, allowing Isaka's parents to pay his first-year university tuition.Before entering university, Isaka was forced to leave secondary school several times because his family could not afford school fees. Today, he says the steady income from cocoa has given him a second chance to pursue his education.Upon completing his studies, Isaka plans to return to Ambuket, where teacher shortages remain a major challenge."Our primary school only goes up to Grade Eight, and because it is so remote, teachers often leave after only a short time," he said. "That is why I chose primary education. I want to stay in my community and help educate the next generation."Beyond supporting his own education, the Chipquay Rural Distribution Agency Limited, established with support from the EU-STREIT PNG Programme, is using income from cocoa production to assist 10 students from remote communities to attend secondary and tertiary institutions.Chairman Joshua Nimbikur said the group has also purchased land near Wewak to provide safe accommodation for students while they pursue their education away from home.The success of families like Isaka's demonstrates how improved agricultural productivity can create opportunities beyond farming by supporting education, strengthening rural livelihoods, and helping communities break the cycle of poverty.For Isaka, the message to other rural families is simple."It is through cocoa that I have come this far," he said. "If we invest in farming and education, we can create a better future for our children."

The Office of Censorship has successfully destroyed 645 prohibited items confiscated during enforcement operations conducted throughout 2025, focusing on protecting the public and enforcing the Classification of Publication (censorship) Act 1989.The destruction exercise was carried out in accordance with Section 81 of the Act and the Censorship Board’s decision under section 11 and 12 of the Act.The legislation requires confiscated prohibited items that remain unclaimed to be destroyed after the prescribed period.The destroyed items include Sex Enhancement Products (SEP), medical drugs, Dietary supplements, and sex toys in various forms, including supplements, gels, creams, sprays and oils.The 645 items were primarily items confiscated by Papua New Guinea Customs officers at the key entry points, including Post office and Jacksons International Airport.Chief Censor Jim Abani said the successful destruction exercise demonstrates the Office’s ongoing commitment to preventing prohibited and illicit items from entering and circulating within the country.“The destruction of prohibited items sends a strong message that the Offices of Censorship remains committed to enforcing the law and protecting our communities. We appreciate the continued cooperation of our partner agencies whose support is critical in safeguarding our borders and ensuring prohibited items do not reach the public”The destruction exercise was carried out in collaboration with key stakeholders’ agencies, including the PNG Customs Service and the Royal PNG Constabulary.The Office of Censorship will continue to work with its enforcement partners to monitor the importation and distribution of Prohibited materials and remind importers and the public to comply with Papua New Guinea’s Censorship Laws.

After decades of inadequate school facilities, the people of Navuapaka in Kairuku District are celebrating a new chapter in education following the opening of a K300,000 double classroom at Navuapaka Primary School.The new two-in-one classroom facility was officially opened on June 30 by the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, marking a significant milestone for a community that has long faced challenges in providing quality learning facilities for its children.Before the establishment of Navuapaka Primary School in the early 1980s, school-aged children walked nearly 10 kilometres each day along village tracks and sections of an abandoned provincial road to attend Delena Primary School. The community later established its own school to bring education closer to home, but inadequate infrastructure remained a challenge for generations of students.Despite being located about 150 kilometres from Port Moresby, the school continued to operate with ageing facilities. Grade 6 student, Angelica Aihi said poor classroom conditions frequently affected classes."When the weather is fine, we have classes, and when there is rain, we go home happily, play and wash in the rain because there's no classes. But our teachers are left sad, thinking about how they will cover the lessons we missed."Her remarks reflected the daily reality faced by many students, whose education was often interrupted by rain and deteriorating classrooms.The newly completed double classroom, constructed by Korekai Building & Maintenance, features tiled floors and modern learning spaces designed to provide students and teachers with a safer and more conducive learning environment.Speaking during the opening ceremony, Minister Isoaimo said education remains one of the district's highest priorities and pledged continued investment in improving facilities at Navuapaka Primary School."Education opens the doors to opportunity, and this building is the gateway. I urge every student to treat it as your own, for it is within these walls that you will gain the knowledge, skills, and values needed to shape your future and contribute to the development of our nation," he said.He also committed to delivering additional infrastructure projects for the school in the coming years to further improve educational opportunities for children in the community.Hundreds of students, parents, village leaders and community members gathered to welcome the Minister and witness the official opening, describing the occasion as a historic moment for Navuapaka.For residents, the new classroom represents more than improved infrastructure. It symbolises years of perseverance and a renewed commitment to ensuring children have access to quality education close to home.The project also comes as Navuapaka sits within the economic corridor of the Papua LNG development, with community leaders expressing hope that continued investment in education will help prepare future generations to benefit from opportunities created by major resource projects.For a community where children usually walk long distances simply to attend school, the opening of the new classroom marks the beginning of a new chapter.

The Kairuku District Development Authority (KDDA) has contributed K10,000 towards preparations for the 141st Anniversary of the Arrival of the First Catholic Missionaries on Yule Island, reaffirming its commitment to preserving the district's religious and cultural heritage.The annual commemoration, held on 4 July, marks the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries in Papua in 1885. Members of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart travelled from Thursday Island, Australia, and landed on Yule Island, where they celebrated the first Holy Mass, an event widely regarded as the beginning of the Catholic mission in Papua.Today, Yule Island remains one of Papua New Guinea's most significant Catholic pilgrimage sites, attracting thousands of pilgrims, clergy, religious leaders, and visitors each year to commemorate the historic occasionThe financial contribution was made on behalf of the Member for Kairuku and Minister for Energy, Peter Namea Isoaimo, by his Second Secretary, Victor Lakea. The cheque was presented to Precious Blood Parish Church Council Vice President Joseph Oa and Secretary Henry Foisape.Receiving the donation, Mr. Oa thanked Isoaimo and the KDDA for their continued support of the annual celebrations, saying the funding would assist the parish in preparing to host the large number of worshippers expected to attend this year's event.He acknowledged that Isoaimo has consistently supported the annual celebrations since being elected to Parliament, describing him as a strong supporter of the Church and an advocate for preserving Kairuku's spiritual heritage.Mr. Oa said the Minister's ongoing support has contributed to the continued growth of the annual celebration while strengthening the relationship between the Church, local communities, and the people of Kairuku.He also noted that the Church Council appreciates the recognition given to the historical significance of Yule Island, where the Catholic faith was first established in Papua more than 141 years ago. He said partnerships between the Church and the district leadership help preserve the legacy of the early missionaries while encouraging younger generations to appreciate the history and sacrifices that shaped the country's Christian heritage.Isoaimo has previously stated that development in Kairuku extends beyond infrastructure and economic progress, emphasizing that preserving the district's history, culture, and Christian values is equally important in building strong and united communities.This year's anniversary celebrations are expected to attract thousands of pilgrims from across Papua New Guinea. The program includes a Holy Mass, prayer services, cultural performances, choir presentations, youth activities, and community fellowship.The annual event continues to highlight Yule Island's place in the nation's history as the birthplace of the Catholic mission in Papua and a lasting symbol of faith, hope, and unity for Papua New Guineans.

Papua New Guinea and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing snakebite deaths by strengthening the country's health system and ensuring sustainable, nationally led snakebite management.Representatives from the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Australian High Commission, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG met recently for the PNG Snakebite Partnership Annual Meeting to review progress and discuss the future of snakebite care in the country.A key outcome of the meeting was the continued transition of snakebite management into PNG's national health system. The current Memorandum of Agreement between NDoH and CSL Seqirus for the supply of antivenom remains in place until April 2027, providing time to strengthen national systems for a smooth handover.In 2025, the partnership supported the distribution of 560 antivenom vials to high-risk provinces, including Central, Western and the National Capital District, where venomous snakes such as Papuan taipans and death adders are commonly found.This has also expanded access to lifesaving treatment by reaching more than 70 health facilities across 15 provinces while improving the capacity of frontline healthcare workers to manage snakebite cases.Since then, more than 3,000 lives have been saved, with children accounting for around 25 per cent of patients treated, highlighting the significant impact of snakebites on vulnerable communities.St John Ambulance PNG's Dr Arabella Koliwan said snakebites remain a major health threat, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to medical care is often delayed."By strengthening the capacity of health workers and improving community awareness, more lives can be saved.”National Department of Health representative Dr Dora Lenturut-Katal said the partnership continued to deliver positive results through strong collaboration."We are pleased to see the strong results delivered through the Snakebite Partnership and value the support provided by the Government of Australia, CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance PNG.""This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained collaboration and shared commitment to improving health outcomes.".The partnership will continue to focus on maintaining reliable antivenom supplies, building the skills of frontline health workers and expanding community awareness and prevention programs in high-risk areas.Through the PNG–Australia Snakebite Partnership, Australia is supporting PNG to strengthen its health system, improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment, and reduce preventable snakebite deaths.

Divine Word University recently reached a major milestone in its transformation in digital education journey through the launch of its new website on Wednesday, July 1st, 2026 at its Madang Campus.Implemented under the university’s office of the Vice President for Planning and Development, Mrs. Julie Ruene, through the DWU Marketing Division, this was accomplished in an effort to modernize the institution’s digital presence as well as strengthen its online presence.Speaking at the launch, DWU President Prof. Fr. Philip Gibbs said the new platform would better display the universities' institutional profile."This new website gives us an opportunity to tell the DWU story more clearly—a story of quality education, research, community engagement, Christian values, and integral human development.”“It allows us to share our programs, our achievements, our services, and our hopes for the future."Furthermore, he stated that the University remains committed to innovation and continuous improvement by embracing digital solutions that support teaching, learning, research, and institutional development.On the website development project, DWU Website Development Manager, Apsie Tese, acknowledged the University President and Executive Management for entrusting the project to him and his team – a project that took almost seven months to complete.He acknowledged the previous website team for laying the foundation on which the new platform was built and thanked all DWU campuses, Campus Administrators, Faculties, and content contributors for their collaboration.He also applauded the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) team for providing the infrastructure that enabled the successful implementation of the new system."The launch marks a significant step in the University's journey towards digital transformation. The new website builds upon the foundation of the previous platform while preparing for future integrations.”“Our team remains committed to strengthening DWU's presence in the digital space and ensuring the platform continues to evolve to meet the University's future needs.”DWU Website Team Lead, Bernard Antwi-Gyimah, encouraged students, staff, alumni, and other users to provide feedback on the new website, emphasizing that continuous improvement would ensure the platform evolves to meet the changing needs of the University community."The website is not the end of the journey but the beginning of continuous improvement. We welcome constructive feedback as we continue to refine, optimize, and enhance the platform to provide a better digital experience for everyone.”Director of ICT Benjamin Cheong praised the collaborative efforts of the Marketing Division's website team and ICT staff, describing the project as a successful example of teamwork and innovation.The ceremony concluded with an official countdown and live demonstration of the new website, showcasing its modern design, improved navigation, enhanced functionality, and user-friendly features.