“Agriculture is very important; however, it lacks progress in negotiation.” This was the statement by the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister & National Events Justin Tkatchenko who presented Papua New Guinea's stand at the APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) Plenary Session 2, in the United States. He said the world continues to face a food crisis and rising global inflation as food and fuel prices continue to soar. "These have not only worsened pre-existing challenges from climate change and natural disasters but also have significant disproportionate economic impacts on many small developing countries, including Papua New Guinea.* "Therefore, PNG looks forward to possible outcomes in recognizing important roles that trade plays in advancing food security objectives," he said. Minister Tkatchenko said PNG also stressed the need for the World Trade Organization (WTO) members to include a commitment to agree on broader parameters to guide negotiations post Ministerial Conference (MC) 13 in order to reach sustainable outcomes by MC14 that will strengthen the agricultural trading systems. "As leaders in our respective economies, we bear the responsibility of crafting policies that not only open doors for broader participation, but also safeguard the rights of women to ensure our policies are inclusive and create opportunities that increase participation and protections for our women in the workforce, businesses, leadership and decision making goals and roles, and education." "Increasing the participation of women populations with untapped economic potential, requires an environment that can support the transition from the informal to formal economy and create opportunities, access to global markets and value chains.” He said Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) are an integral part of the service sector, and increasing access to capital markets and providing financial and digital literacy empowers people to participate meaningfully in economic development. He said PNG SME Sector is dominated by women, and the Government has created opportunities for women to access capital through Women's Micro Bank and other members who also provide financial decency for women owned businesses. "We also recognize the role of indigenous people and indigenous knowledges and practices that are becoming valuable in sectors that require greater participation from rural communities, particularly in agriculture, fisheries, health and in the response to climate change and natural disasters. "Despite the challenges, the people continue to thrive in small businesses across the country." "We seek to elevate these two initiatives and educate and empower rural populations to increase their participation in the formal economy.” Minister Tkatchenko said APEC can provide opportunities for PNG's Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in the region with protecting the intellectual properties and indigenous owned businesses that are promoting their cultures and traditions through their arts and craft. "Copyright infringements affect many authentic Indigenous businesses, and I think can provide a platform for economies to identify avenues that can support incentives that encourage record trade and sustainability for Indigenous knowledge and storytelling.”

PNG Prime Minister James Marape met with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of United States International Development Finance Corporation on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit as he ended his meetings with members of the American business community. The United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC), headed by CEO Scott Nathan, is America’s development finance institution that funds private sector-based projects and businesses right across the world. During the meet, the DFC CEO laid out the availability of DFC in financing businesses and developers of the private sector in countries interested in bettering themselves and their communities. Prime Minister Marape was particularly interested in finding out about financing in the energy/power supply space, as well as in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries areas, and welcomed DFC’s presence in PNG. Already the agency has a small project in PNG which is in partnership with Mi Bank and Mr Nathan said DFC was looking forward to seeing this expand further. The CEO highlighted the US President, Joe Biden’s move to increase the US’s visibility in PNG & the greater Pacific Region, through business partnerships, saying that PNG is an ideal destination for investment. DFC scope covers Infrastructure, Energy, MSMEs, women’s economic empowerment, Agriculture, Health care, Forestry, Fisheries and other nature-based solutions. DFC also operates within a framework that promotes high standards through the observation of labour rights, and environment and social impacts. DFC only deals in the private sector, business and entrepreneurship development according to its charter, and stays away from government projects, unless the project is operated as an independent business away from government handling. This meeting with the Prime Minister is a follow-up to an initial meeting DFC had with Pacific Island Forum leaders when PM Marape and his counterparts were in Washington DC to meet with President Biden for the first US-PIF summit a year ago. PM Marape is now putting the agency in touch with the relevant ministries and arms of government to progress this further. Some big capital investment projects DFC has successfully funded in the recent past include the assistance to Australia in the financing of Telstra’s purchase of Digicel assets, a USD553 million port development in Sri Lanka (a private-public partnership project), and a USD24 million forestry project in Africa.

The nation’s electricity supplier giant has not forgotten its community service obligations in locations where costs exceed income generated from electricity sales, despite its steady efforts to address its operational issues. PNG Power Limited has recently invested in two 1Mega Watt generators for the Kerema and Maprik townships at a total cost of K1.1 million. “Kerema has suffered because of its power station breaking down and causing prolonged outages.” PNG Power according to the media release has recognized Kerema as a provincial center that was set to grow with the pending development of the Papua LNG Project. “Local businesses, schools, the hospital and residents require an improved and importantly, reliable power supply.” “The Genset is already in Kerema and the PNG Power technical team will undertake the installation works for commissioning in December.” “This installation will provide power until the construction of a DFAT supported solar project commences in 2024.” PNG Power further added that Maprik is also becoming the economic hub of Central Sepik and this has increased the demand for electricity in the township. “Maprik town is experiencing rapid growth with many investors, financial institutions and business houses setting up offices in the township.” PNG Power has purchased a containerized CAT generator which will arrive on site by the end of November to ensure that the town has an efficient electricity delivery. “Maprik has also been earmarked to operate in future under a solar hybrid model and construction for this solar facility will start later in 2024.” “Civil and associated works have already begun in preparation for commissioning in the first week of December." Furthermore, PNG Power will be rolling out similar plans in other smaller townships in the country in the coming year as it continues to ensure that electricity generation and distribution is improved in a cost-effective manner for the people of Papua New Guinea.

Both the PNG Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams have managed to qualify for the Challenger Series in 2024 and for the World Rugby repechage for the Olympics qualifiers where they will have another chance to compete for a spot in the 2024 Olympic Games. In an Interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, PNG Rugby CEO Sailosi Druma mentioned that both teams performed quite well in the Oceania 7s tournament as both teams finished in fourth place in their respective categories. “We managed to meet our expectations because both teams qualify for the challenger series and also for the repachage for the Olympic Games, which is a good opportunity and another chance for them [Pukpuks and Palais].” In the Men’s Division at the top of the ladder was New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and PNG while in the Women’s division it was, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and PNG. Druma added that the same players for both the Palais and Pukpuks teams travelled to Honiara today with Team PNG with two new player inclusions for both teams with Australian-based Palais Players joining the women down in Honiara, Solomon Island. PNG National 7s Mens Team: Derrick Voku, Richard Mautu, Edward Ramit, Kunak Late, Benjamin Kennedy, Mhustapha Goena Kura, Benson Hayai, Kadum Mais, Emmanuel Alfred, Benjamin Boas, Jacky Winias and Shaun Ongapa with Aiem Pilokos (Coach), John Tekwie ( S&C Coach) and Shaun Tatut (Team Manager). PNG National 7s Womens Team: Magdeline Swaki, Nina Stein, Cynthia Peters, Chelsea Garesa, Esther Gigimat, Barbara Sigere, Alice Aloise, Fatima Rama, Gemma Schnaubelt, Helen Ken Alo, Joyce Taravuna, Cecil Davani (Coach), Steven Kodana (S&C Coach) and Dinah Pupun(Team Manager) He further added that none of the players had sustained any form of injuries from the Oceania 7s Tournament down in Brisbane last week. When asked which countries will be putting up a challenge for the Palais and Pukpuks, Druma stated that it would most likely be the Fijian and Samoan teams putting up a challenge for team PNG but had high hopes for both teams to come out at the top of the ladder in the games. “In the past we’ve always gotten the bronze for the men, for the women we can get silver because we’re capable of beating Samoa and Tonga so it’ll between us and Fiji in the women’s.” “In the men’s, it will be a challenge between Tonga and PNG for the bronze while Fiji and Samoa will most likely go for the gold and silver but I think if they can secure that silver spot, it’ll be really good for them [Pukpuks]." “This is a good opportunity for them to try and win the silver." "If they play really well and upset Fiji, they’ll have a good opportunity to win gold.” Meanwhile Druma stated that he is currently running a two day training education program for the Alotau Rugby Union in the Milne Bay province to widen the reach of the code in the nation.

The Department of Implementation & Rural Development happily accommodated the four days event of the subnational stakeholder’s consultation and awareness workshop on the recent developed Bilum Digital Platform in Kokopo. During the event Director General Administration, Province, District Services and National Reforms of the Department of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PM & NEC) Mrs. Robyn Ata strongly stressed the lack of monitoring and evaluation becoming the main obstruction to the development of Papua New Guinea. “There are no effective communication between government and National agencies to formulate in accordance to the flow of upcoming activities and programs that are sponsored by the government." Mrs Ata stressed not only in Provincial and District Services improvement Program (DSIP & PSIP), Public investment Program (PIP), but other growing establishment Programs to be initiated across the PNG. “Effective coordinating with and among National Agencies are hindered by Siloism." "To have a efficient, effective and successful implementation of the Bilum Digital Reporting system Platform for the province and districts requires a wholistic approach." Furthermore, added significance under the Marape-Rosso Government involving empowering good accountable government, Digital E-Government, strengthening and empowering sub- national levels between government agencies. Identifying the responsibilities and duties of the whole of government and its strategic meditation towards government agencies and their directives. The Bilum Digital Platform carries out the government’s mandate to provide substantial governments more authority and strictly adhere to these strategic directions. “We make sure the Prime Minister's orders and government of the day’s priorities are carried out, observed and reported on at the highest possible level in accordance with our mandate." She added the Bilum Digital Platforms carry out the government's mandate to provide subnational governments more authority and strictly adhere to these strategic directions. "We make sure the Prime Minister's orders and the Government of the Day's priorities are carried out, observed, and reported on at the highest possible level in accordance with our mandate." Ministerial Key Result Areas (KRA) are another option. The KRAs for Ministers represent government priorities, which our department makes sure of." National extension Team Leader Mr. Wau stressed the consolidation the bilum digital platform can offer in terms of it affirmation initiative towards an efficient and constructive monitory management system in carrying out projects. Furthermore he added the productive breakthrough of any establishment or government is measured by the outcome on the ground, the bilum’s primary function is to improve and promote service delivery.

"In an era where technology profoundly impacts every facet of our lives, it is only fitting that we harness its potential to address some of our most pressing developmental and service delivery challenges at the subnational level.” These were the sentiments shared by David Wau, the acting Deputy Secretary of the operations wing of Department of Implementation & Rural Development during the Bilum Digital Platform testing in Kokopo, East New Britain on Wednesday, 15 November 2023. The newly introduced Digital reporting system according to a media release, will make it easier for national and subnational administrations to share knowledge, collaborate on projects and ensure that development is both holistic, within the confines of the governance framework in the country. Acting Deputy Secretray Wau stated that the digital platform called ‘Bilum’, is a digital reporting system developed by the DIRD that will now assist provinces and districts to continuously assess the progress of their initiatives through the Service Improvement Program (PSIP & DSIP) during the Bilum Digital Platform testing, ratification, readiness, consultation and awareness workshop rollout exercise. “Let’s talk about the foundation on which the Bilum Digital Platform rests: its drive to enhance the implementation of development and service delivery programs at the sub-national level with the SIP. “Sub-national authorities often grapple with many challenges, from a lack of capacity to decentralized data systems." Wau is also the National Extension Team (NET) leader and mentioned that the Bilum Platform emerges as a solution, offering a consolidated platform that streamlines developmental initiatives, ensuring that projects are executed efficiently, resources are utilized optimally and outcomes align with our broader goals encapsulated in the MTDP IV, PNGDSP 2010-2030 and Vision 2050. “It allows the government as decision-makers, technocrats as implementers and citizens as beneficiaries, to have a clear view of how decisions are made, how resources are utilized and how challenges are addressed." The whole of government approach and effective coordination are at the heart of ensuring good governance, that’s what the Bilum Digital Platform is trying to foster and achieve. He stated that Bilum’s commitment to strengthening monitoring, evaluation, learning and reporting is noteworthy, as many of us are aware, the success of any program is not solely determined at its culmination but throughout its lifecycle. “The pillar of the Bilum Digital Platform is its unwavering dedication to reinforcing good governance, accountability, and transparency." "In an age where information is power, Bilum provides a transparent window into the workings of governance." "This transparency fosters trust, an invaluable commodity in the relationship between the three-tier government and the public.“ “By ensuring that processes are transparent, decisions are accountable, and governance is participatory, Bilum sets the gold standard for how modern governance should function. Bilum’s ultimate aim as he further added, is to improve service delivery, at the end of the day, the success of any government program is measured by its impact on the ground. “With Bilum, the goal is clear: to ensure that development and services through the SIP (PSIP/DSIP) reach those who need them most, in the most efficient and effective manner." "Whether it’s healthcare, education, infrastructure, or any other essential service, Bilum’s platform ensures that the delivery mechanisms are robust, responsive, compliant and reliable." Meanwhile Wau stressed that the Bilum Digital Platform is not just a tool but is also a paradigm shift and a reform agenda in how we approach development and service delivery. “By centralizing information, fostering transparency, prioritizing accountability, championing efficiency, and enhancing data-driven decisions, Bilum stands as a testament to what we can achieve when technology and purpose converge.”

A 35-year old man from the Hela Province has recently been arrested and charged by the police in Port Moresby for committing cyber-crimes against the Hela Governor, Philip Undialu. The suspect, Rickson Apa of Pureni village in the Hela Province, has been accused of producing, uploading and circulating multiple video, audio and text messages in which he made defamatory comments against Governor Undialu regarding multiple issues. Apa’s videos, audios and text messages unfortunately, quickly went viral on various social media platforms which prompted Governor Undialu to file a complaint with the Cyber Crimes unit in Port Moresby. According to the media statement, Apa had previously been arrested for a similar offense against the Governor in 2020, but had absconded from court after being released on bail while a warrant of arrest was issued by the committal court consequently. Apa had allegedly reoffended the Governor by posting more derogatory videos and audios against him while on the run and appears to be a serial offender. Members of the Cyber Crimes unit arrested Apa in Gordon on Sunday and charged him for his alleged crimes but he was subsequently released on a K3000 police bail. Police further warned Rickson Apa that his case would follow appropriate legal channels and that they expect the accused to cooperate fully with the police investigation and through the subsequent legal proceedings. Furthermore, police whilst arresting and charging him, issued a warning against citizens on the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting individuals from cyber harassment. “The Public should exercise responsible behavior online and to respect the privacy and reputation of others.” “Defamatory publications without evidence, cyber bullying and cyber harassments are punishable offence with severe penalties.”

The Port Moresby Rotary Club (PMRC) was pleased to address the achievements established within Papua New Guinea (PNG) involving the close Partnership with the National Capital District (NCD) Police department and City Mission. The Rotary club over its years of positive growth have built a firm partnership between Police and City Management not only existing in PNG, but in over 300 countries that the club is engaged in. The PMRC President Mr. Robert Aisi stressed the theme this year is “Creating Hope in the World” as from our observations, the country’s adequate population is facing lack of basic needs. “The club is strongly involved in the “Say No To Family Violence,” “Gender Based Violence” and “Sexual Violence” campaigns, said Mr. Aisi.” PMRC president Mr. Aisi and PMRC Director for Community Services Mr. Adma Huges were proud to present the Paul Harris Fellowship Award to the Family Sexual Violence Unit (FSV) Superintendent (Supt) Delilah Sandeka and Australia Federal Police (AFP) Sergeant (Sgt) Leisa James for the outstanding leadership, and their undying commitment and has been instrumental to the expansion of the family sexual unit in PNG. The award is named after the Founder of Rotary Club, recognized internationally among the highest Honor ranking awards in the world. Mr. Aisi reiterated the tremendous efforts to primary cause. “We are thankful for the amazing support towards the cause of minimizing gender and family sexual violence in families and communities.” “On Behlf of the PMRC we honour and thank you for your undying commitment and leadership towards our priority goals in the country.” “We’ve been able to work with a budget of K200, 000 due to our own fundraising and corporate sponsors throughout this year and wish to move forward in 2024." The Rotary International establishment is engaged in over 350 countries with over 500 districts and is made up of over 30,000 Clubs Globally. Port Moresby Rotary I apart of a bigger district including sunshine coast, Toowoomba, Dalby, PNG, Solomon Islands and Nauru that runs from Brisbane Australia District 9620. PNG now has 8 functional clubs operational and hopes to soon expand through corporate and government support. The International establishment has been spreading and supporting goodwill projects, donations, fundraising, educating, supporting and promoting basic health and living services to the unfortunate communities and families to produce a resistant foundation towards FSV, say no to Family Violence and GBV.

The Oro Provincial provided a brand new vehicle to the Public Curators, to improve the efficiency of their service delivery within the province. The presentation of the vehicle is expected to facilitate in duties and inspections related to deceased estates and matters falling under the purview of the Public Curators as well as play a role in supporting Juvenile Justice, Parole, and Land Mediation when required. Oro Governor Gary Juffa was on hand to hand over the vehicle, where he emphasized the importance of using the vehicle responsibly and not for any unauthorized purposes. Operations at the Public Curator's Office, Mr. David Nohoro received the vehicle from the Oro Governor. Mr. Nohoro expressed his gratitude to the Governor Juffa, for his unwavering support and assistance. This initiative signifies a collaborative effort between the provincial government and the Public Curator's Office to enhance service delivery and community welfare. Governor Juffa also announced a Special Transport Operations initiative involving collaboration with Traffic Police, Oro Provincial Administration Registry, and Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL), to remove all dark tints and private number plates from Oro Provincial Government vehicles by December 15, 2023. The Provincial Administrator is expected to issue Circular Instructions for immediate action. The Governor also issued a stern warning that any vehicle found in breach of this directive after the specified date will face legal consequences including arrest and impoundment. This initiative reflects the Oro Provincial Government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance in its efforts to serve the public effectively.

U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) through its PNG Lukautim Graun Program (LGP) are rolling out a poultry program in the Morobe Province. A total women groups and over 400 individual women farmers and their households are participating in this program. This program is part of the USAID Women’s Global Development Prosperity (WGDP) Initiative and includes empowering women through equal opportunity within the workforce, in business development ventures and through entrepreneurship. Program Participants Ludwina Posing, who is a member of the PNG Unified Womens Groups from Sagir village, Tanam within the Huon Gulf District, said she was thankful to the USAID PNG LGP for the training and project, as it taught her lot and will motivate her members to adopt best practices in poultry farming. “I’m a poultry farmer myself, however this training has made me identify some of my basic faults in being a poultry farmer which is a positive step for myself and my family,” Ludwina said. Another participant was Eva Kong, the Chairlady of Nasuampum Mama Group who also expressed appreciation of the USAID funded LGP and thanked USAID and DORES Agro Services and everyone who made Poultry Rollout program a success. “It’s a life skills training that will benefit us, the participants and our group members and the community as a whole,” Eva said. Under the Program, the partnership with DOERS Agro Services, conducted a three day training recently on poultry (broiler) farming for 19 participants. The participants were taken through training on basic knowledge of, where they were take poultry farming including good waste management practices, beginning from the construction of a chicken house to identifying suitable market approaches. LGP will provide one-off support by providing Start-Up-Capital to women groups within the targeted areas for SME development through formal business registration and bank account opening for women’s groups to assist farmers to venture into poultry farming. This will be all be done with the aim to have at least 10 groups of 10 women farmers in each of the 5 provinces for a total of 500 women who will benefit directly from this poultry rollout program. Through this project, a total of 20 boxes, each containing 52-day-old chicklets were distributed to the participants who are expected to use the knowledge acquired in the training to manage poultry projects as a micro enterprise in their respective villages. There were a number of experts in the field of poultry farming participated in the training, including James Maima, Area Manager for National Agriculture Research Institute and his technical team and Table-birds Outgrower Manager, Willie Garren.

“What an achievement for the women Bougainville and of women in Papua New Guinea!” The words of a jubilant Francesca Semoso, who is now just, three weeks into her tenure as the North-Bougainville MP and the first woman out of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) to be elected to the National Parliament. She was speaking at the recently held ‘Leading with Impact; Women in Leadership Retreat PNG’ that was co-hosted by the National Parliament & the Bougainville House of Representatives (BHoR), in Port Moresby. In one of her first few official engagements as an MP, Semoso’s speech was one of motivation, as she recounted her experience thus far, to a captivated audience, of her journey through the political landscape of Papua New Guinea. In her remarks, Semoso acknowledged and thanked former MPs, Dame Carol Kidu, as well as the late Sir Peter Barter, for believing in her and giving her the confidence, she needed, to start out on this journey. Semoso said she was proud to see Bougainville leading the way, in getting more women into Parliament. “I am honoured to have made it onto the floor of Parliament.” “And I am a firm believer in getting women into positions where they can be part and partial of decision making that benefit Papua New Guinea, specifically for our women, our youth and for our Persons with Disabilities.” The MP said she is looking forward to her first parliament sitting, where she is expected to deliver her maiden speech. “When you are a person that is... willing to walk the talk… don’t be afraid to say things, how things are supposed to be said!” She told those in attendance at the retreat, of how, as she journeyed from her home Province AROB to the big city of Port Moresby, to be sworn into the ‘Haus Tambaran’ and was pleasantly surprised to be met at the Jacksons Airport, not just by women from Bougainville, but also by women from all other parts of the PNG. “To see that was good for the heart. It showed we can work together.” Continuing her speech, Semoso revealed something that was both interesting and encouraging for herself and for other women who may be considering a career in politics, saying her most notable support, came from men. “My greatest supporter was my father.” “And in this last election, my greatest supporter was my brother.” She encouraged her fellow female leaders that were present in the room, who were considering putting their hands up to run in the next elections, to garner the support of their male family members and friends. Although jubilant, Semoso was honest in saying that it is and has never been an easy road for any women in politics in PNG. “When you have people throw stones at you, it just gives you that extra strength to win, not just for myself but for (all) women.” Semoso further stated, even though it was tough road to thread upon, it was heartening to receive the support of PNG womenfolk and from women and men across the Pacific Region and from various pockets of the world, who continue to support women in politics in PNG. Nearing the end of her speech, Semoso said there remains much work to be done, to advance the cause of getting more women into parliament and this work can begin by desensitizing men parliament, to the idea. “Let’s talk to them, over dinner and over a cup of tea… Only then will they understand what we are about, as mothers of this nation.” She ended with a call to action, urging Papua New Guinean women and men to keep pressing on, in getting more women onto the floor of parliament.

Remington Technology group officially signed four new Junior Apprentices towards their Esteemed Apprenticeship Program specializing in Electro-Technology. The Junior Service Apprentices signed a four-year contract agreement in Port Moresby on Thursday, under Remington Group and the National Apprenticeship and Trade Testing Board (NATTB). This development accordance will introduce new challenges to the Junior Technicians, further advancing their technical expertise during their overall four-year journey. The program will expose opportunities to demonstrate and acquire new skills aligned to the expectation in their respective trades. The junior Apprentices are assigned to report to the Remington Technology’s service Department, undergoing training and service provisions. Assistant Director for Quality Assurance and Accreditation for NATTB, Mr. Arthur Geno stressed the importance of preparation and concentration. “There is a purpose for you here, demonstrate that you are the best in your field to your employers.” Said Mr. Geno. One of the young Junior Apprentices Lindo Tairo was pleased to elaborate and highlight the foundation of the program’s nature within his ongoing experience within the program. “I love that it’s a blend of theory and practical work.” “Though I do train in the workshop I still do monthly repair jobs on company machines as a Junior Technician,” said young Tairo. Remington Group has a high reputation of commitment towards developing high skilled technical professionals in the country as its core corporate responsibility with pride. The establishment focuses to provide continuous development support and training to the apprentices in the four years of their agreement, promoting a productive and systematic technical culture for junior technicians to manifest their skills and knowledge.