Jordan VELA

“The architectural profession needs greater recognition in the country’s building and construction industry.”This was the message delivered by Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects President Jordan Seladi while speaking at the recent announcement of the Dulux Design Excellence Gala Awards at Hilton Port Moresby.He said architecture has received less attention than engineering, construction systems, and other technical aspects have taken greater prominence in the country’s development discussions.Mr. Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi-85 Architecture, said stronger collaboration between architects, industry and corporate organizations is needed to keep architecture part of the national development conversation.“I think, over time, engineering and new construction systems have taken the forefront of this development conversation” “For me personally, as a Papua New Guinean and as the president of the Institute of Architects, I find the relevance of actually zeroing in on the creative aspects that are tied to our culture and traditions.”He noted that architecture should reflect PNG’s cultural identity and traditions and maintain a connection with the communities it serves.“Otherwise, you come up with buildings that have no identity and you end up with architecture that doesn’t have any roots, architecture that people cannot align with and architecture that people cannot relate to.”He said architecture has historically influenced how societies develop and how people interact with their surroundings.“Throughout civilization, architecture has been used to help govern the way humanity has progressed.”“Good architecture always promotes good behavior. That is essentially my mindset behind the way things are to be done.”In addition, he said that partnerships with industry and corporate organizations are important to strengthening the profession and increasing public understanding of the role architects play in national development.The institute has partnered with Dulux as the platinum sponsor of its Design Excellence Awards.Mr. Seladi said the partnership provides architects with opportunities to engage with industry and gain knowledge of new construction systems and products.He also acknowledged Hilton Port Moresby for supporting the institute by providing a venue for its activities, which he described as a first for the organization.Furthermore, he stated that stronger relationships with businesses and industry leaders would help the institute increase its visibility and demonstrate the contribution of architects to the country’s development.“We want to be involved with industry leaders!”“We want to be seen as tying organizations and corporate entities that have exemplified excellence in their service and have exemplified quality in the way they have gone about doing the work that they do.”He also called for greater recognition from the government, and the public of the role architects play in shaping the country’s built environment.“I sometimes feel that our government forgets that architects do exist.”In concluding, Mr. Seladi stressed that continued engagement between the architectural profession, government, industry, and corporate organizations will be important as Papua New Guinea undertakes further development.

The Papua New Guinea Correctional Service (CS) has submitted its official El Niño response plans to the government, prioritizing water security, inmate health and the prevention of mass escapes.CS Commissioner Noel Sarei said the service is preparing for potential water shortages and health risks in correctional facilities as the country faces the effects of El Niño.He said securing adequate water supplies for prisoners would be a major priority because inmates cannot leave the prison premises to find water themselves.“My population is quite different. I will not let them go and look for water on their own. I have to go and look for water and give it to them,” Commissioner Sarei stated. “That is the difference between inmates and people outside.”He said the service is also considering arrangements for low-risk and short-term prisoners during the El Niño period, although discussions on the options are continuing.Water shortages will increase health risks in the prison camps, including medical problems and skin diseases.“During El Niño, we might face other issues, such as medical problems and skin diseases.”“Already, in the Highlands, we have problems at two prisons, Bihute Prison Camp in Eastern Highlands province and Barawagi Prison in Simbu province.”Commissioner Sarei further stated that the Correctional Service is monitoring conditions at its facilities and has measures in place to respond to the expected impacts of El Niño.“We are mindful of that, and we have a plan in place to tackle the issues.”The preparedness measures are aimed at maintaining the safety and welfare of inmates and staff while ensuring prisons continue operating during periods of water shortages and other El Niño-related impacts. 

Police Minister Sir John Pundari has urged landowners not to gain profit from communities that may depend on privately owned water sources as Papua New Guinea prepares for possible water shortages during the 2026 to 2027 El Niño period.He said the expected conditions could bring reduced rainfall, prolonged dry periods and water shortages, which places additional pressure on communities across the country.He specifically appealed to landowners with water sources running through their land to support communities that may need access to those sources rather than use the situation for financial gain.“This is the time, right throughout this country, to show the true Melanesian love for each other,” Sir John said.“Watch out for each other, because these are challenging times for the whole country.”Minister Pundari said access to water during a difficult period should be guided by community responsibility and cooperation.The Government’s assessment of the 2026 to 2027 El Niño pattern warns Papua New Guinea could experience severe drought, delayed rainfall and prolonged dry spells.The assessment also identifies possible water rationing and intermittent supplies, power rationing in areas dependent on hydroelectric generation, increased electricity demand, pressure on settlements with limited water access, bush and grass fires, vegetation loss, dust and deteriorating air quality.He stated that the effects could also reach food production and public health if dry conditions persist and urged communities and authorities to prepare before the impacts become severe and warned against using the situation to exploit vulnerable people or commit offences.“No one can use any opportunity induced by El Niño to commit a crime but show love instead.”According to the minister, the police would work with the National Disaster Office, PNG Defence Force, non-governmental organizations, provincial authorities, and other government agencies to maintain public safety during the period.He further stated that this shared cooperation would be particularly important as Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election.Meanwhile, the government has urged communities and agencies to plan ahead for possible disruptions to water, food production, electricity, and other essential services as the country prepares for the potential impacts of El Niño.

Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa has called on Milne Bay communities to take ownership of the newly opened Gurney Airport terminal and protect it as a long-term public asset.Speaking at the official opening of the upgraded airport in Alotau on Friday, August 21st, Tomuriesa said the new terminal represented a major transformation in aviation infrastructure and an opportunity for the province.“Let us take ownership of this terminal. Let us keep this terminal clean. Let us treat staff and passengers with respect. That famous Milne Bay hospitality. Let us protect this asset from vandalism and damage.”Minister Tomuriesa said the terminal was more than a new building, describing it as a gateway to economic opportunities for Milne Bay and Papua New Guinea.He acknowledged the traditional landowners for supporting the project and said the government was committed to ensuring the development continued to benefit local communities.“This is more than a concrete and steel structure. This is a door to opportunity for every person in Milne Bay province and Papua New Guinea as well.”He also called for stronger cooperation with airlines to improve air services to the province.“Let us work with airlines to bring more frequent and affordable flights to Milne Bay.”Furthermore, he thanked the Asian Development Bank, National Airports Corporation, project engineers, contractors, and local workers for their contribution to the airport upgrade.The K76.8 million project was delivered under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II, with improvements including a new terminal, upgraded runway, apron, taxiway, airfield lighting and other supporting infrastructure.

The Government of Japan has handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to strengthen police mobility and operational capacity across the country, particularly ahead of the 2027 National General Election.The vehicles were formally handed over at the Bomana National Centre of Excellence today, where Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Hisanobu Mochizuki presented them to Police Commissioner David Manning.The handover was witnessed by Police Minister Sir John Pundari, senior government officials, representatives from the departments of Treasury and National Planning, and senior RPNGC officers.Mochizuki said the vehicles would strengthen the ability of police officers to reach communities and carry out their duties, particularly in areas where transport and logistical challenges affect police operations.He said Japan remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea through practical cooperation that strengthens public institutions and contributes to national development.The vehicles were provided through Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme under a K12.8 million grant.Pundari welcomed the donation on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government and the people of Papua New Guinea, describing it as a practical expression of the friendship and partnership between the two countries.“This donation of 60 vehicles is far more than just a fleet announcement. It is an investment in the ability of the state to be present, visible and responsive in the communities that require policing services every day, every night, 24/7,” Pundari said.He said law and order remains one of the Government’s highest priorities, with safer communities supporting economic growth, investor confidence and the delivery of essential services.“For the Marape-Rosso Government, law and order remains one of the highest national priorities. Safer communities are fundamental to economic growth, investor confidence, education, health service delivery, transport, tourism, commerce and the peaceful daily life of our people,” he said.Pundari said the Government was focused on strengthening frontline policing by improving police mobility, supporting provincial commands and ensuring officers had the basic tools required to perform their duties.He said the vehicles would also support wider reforms within the RPNGC, including improving capability, discipline and accountability, while modernizing police operations and strengthening community-focused policing.“A police service cannot meet public expectations if it lacks the means to move. Mobility affects response times, investigations, victim support, traffic enforcement and public order operations. These 60 vehicles will help address a practical gap,” Pundari said.He said the Government expected the vehicles to be properly managed, maintained and used strictly for policing and public safety.“These vehicles have been provided for public purpose and must be maintained, protected and used only to support policing, public safety and service delivery. Every vehicle must be properly managed, assigned and cared for, so that this donation delivers long-term value and is not diminished by misuse, neglect or poor maintenance,” he said.Pundari said police officers continued to work in difficult environments where distance, terrain, road conditions and logistical challenges could make policing more difficult.He said international partnerships, government investment and institutional reforms must work together to build a more mobile, professional, accountable and trusted police force.The donation comes as the RPNGC prepares for the 2027 National General Election, when police will be required to provide security and maintain public order across the country.Pundari thanked the Government and people of Japan for continuing to support Papua New Guinea’s law and order sector, describing the vehicle handover as another demonstration of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Correctional Service (CS) has released K4 million to the Enga Provincial Government for work on the long-delayed Mukurumanda Correctional Institution, with the facility expected to open in September.CS Commissioner Noel Sarei presented the cheque to Enga Deputy Provincial Administrator Henry Kapao yesterday, saying the funding would support final preparations for the facility to begin operations.Sarei said K2 million had previously been paid toward the project, with the latest K4 million payment bringing the stated payments to K6 million.“The reason why we are doing this is because we are trying to open the Mukurumanda jail by September. We went up last week and had a meeting with the administrator, and we set a tentative date, which we will announce later. Our date is probably in the second week of September, before Independence,” Sarei said.He said Correctional Service teams were already working at the facility and preparing for the transfer of remandees from Baisu Correctional Institution.“Currently, on the ground, we have our team working on the transfer of remandees from Baisu to Enga. Before the opening, we should have all the prisoners inside the facility. While we are doing the opening, the prisoners will already be inside, and they will also assist us in some other little work in terms of cleaning up and all this,” Sarei said.Sarei said 11 Correctional Service personnel were currently on the ground at Mukurumanda, including four female and seven male officers.A new correctional commander for Enga is expected to arrive this week, while the service is also working on transport arrangements and additional staffing.Sarei said he planned to change the way officers were deployed to provincial facilities by bringing personnel from other provinces to work in Enga.“For my administration and my plan, I will not allow that. I am going to change the whole scope of staffing, meaning that I am going to bring people from other provinces to go and work for the Enga jail, so that we try to look at service delivery and measure all these kinds of things in terms of staffing,” he said.He said the remaining infrastructure work included perimeter fencing, two external towers, and a boom gate.“Fencing is very important so that the presence of the national function of Correctional Service is felt in Enga Province, because we must contribute toward keeping our country safe and keeping our province safe by putting those that are in conflict with the law in their right place,” Sarei said.Kapao welcomed the funding and said the provincial government was prepared to work closely with Correctional Service to ensure Mukurumanda became fully operational.“On behalf of the Enga Provincial Administration and the people of Enga, thank you. Since in the province we have a jail, the provincial administration will be looking forward working very closely with you and your offices and the department, so we can partner to help the project run and operate,” Kapao said.Kapao said the Mukurumanda project had remained incomplete for about 28 years.“The Mukurumanda Correctional Service project is 28 years old, and we haven't opened that yet. We haven't had prisoners there. Maybe when we started the project, I was teaching in high school. Now I am the Deputy Provincial Administrator,” he said.He said the provincial government would use its works program and technical officers to ensure the K4 million was directed toward the intended work.“I can assure you, Commissioner, that we will put the money into our works program. We have technical officers who will ensure that the money is spent where it is supposed to be spent. Most of the work you have noticed that we have done is getting ready for the remandees to come and start the project,” Kapao said.Kapao said the opening was significant for Enga and could help reduce pressure on Baisu Correctional Institution.“Many of our issues that have come about as a result of crowding in Baisu will be solved. We have waited for a long time, and we hope that come Sept. 14, we will go back and organize that program so that we will make it colorful, small but significant. We waited for a long time, and we will open the jail,” he said.The Correctional Service and Enga Provincial Government are expected to continue working together on the remaining preparations before the facility opens.

Prime Minister James Marape said it is time to establish international flights between Brisbane and Alotau as it aligns the tourism potential that Milne Bay Possess as Gurney Airport gets K76 million-kina upgrade. Giving his keynote address at the Official Upgrade Opening ceremony at Gurney Airport on Friday 14th August, he said the Government will work with aviation agencies and the Milne Bay Provincial Government to establish the customs, immigration, screening and safety arrangements required for international operations.“I want this airport to be the first of our tourism airports in our country. I want us to target Alotau and Milne Bay as a tourism hub.”Marape said Brisbane was being considered because of existing cruise ship movements between Australia and the Pacific, creating an opportunity to connect international air and sea tourism with Milne Bay.“We can work towards having a flight from Brisbane at the earliest coming here. You come on a boat, and you want to fly out of Alotau, there's a flight for you to fly out. You want to fly in and jump on a boat here; you can fly in and jump on a boat.”He said the airport upgrade should be supported by local investment in guesthouses, lodges and other tourism businesses so communities can retain more of the economic benefits generated by visitors.Marape also urged customary landowners to register their land and develop tourism businesses rather than sell their land, saying the government would work with the National Development Bank to support such ventures.The prime minister said the K76.8 million project was financed through concessional borrowing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at less than 3% interest, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He said the investment should be viewed as an economic asset capable of generating revenue while providing improved transport infrastructure for Milne Bay.Marape said the airport upgrade was launched on May 24th, 2024, and completed 819 days later.He also called on local leaders and communities to maintain law and order and support the development of Milne Bay as a tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and mining centre.

With the recent completion of the newly 76 million-kina upgraded Gurney airport, this will enable more tourism opportunities for the people of Milne Bay Province. Prime Minister James Marape stated that it is time to establish international flights between Brisbane and Alotau as it aligns the tourism potential that Milne Bay possesses. Giving his keynote address at the Official Upgrade Opening ceremony at Gurney Airport, Prime Minister Marape explained that the National Government will collaborate with aviation agencies and the Milne Bay Provincial Government to establish the customs, immigration, screening, and safety arrangements required for international operations.“I want this airport to be the first of our tourism airports in our country. I want us to target Alotau and Milne Bay as a tourism hub.”The Prime Minister noted that Brisbane selected for consideration due to existing cruise ship movements between Australia and the Pacific, which creates a strategic opportunity to connect international air and sea travel with Milne Bay.“We can work towards having a flight from Brisbane at the earliest coming here. You come on a boat, and you want to fly out of Alotau.”“There is a flight for you to fly out. You want to fly in and jump on a boat here, you can fly in and jump on a boat.”He said the airport upgrade should be supported by local investment in guesthouses, lodges and other tourism businesses, so communities can retain more of the economic benefits generated by visitors.He also urged customary landowners to register their land and develop tourism businesses rather than sell their land, saying the government would work with the National Development Bank to support such ventures.In addition, he stated that the K76.8 million project was financed through concessional borrowing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at less than 3% interest, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He highlighted that this investment should be viewed as an economic asset capable of generating revenue while providing improved transport infrastructure for Milne Bay.Launched on May 24, 2024, the airport upgrade was completed 819 days later. Prime Minister Marape concluded by calling on local leaders and surrounding communities to maintain law and order, ensuring Milne Bay can develop into a thrives as a hub for tourism, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and mining.

The upgraded Gurney Airport in Alotau has officially opened as the first of five major airport projects under Papua New Guinea’s Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II, following a K76.8 million investment supported by the Asian Development Bank.Prime Minister James Marape, Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley, and National Airports Corporation (NAC) officials joined development partners and local leaders for the official opening on Friday, August 21, 2026.The project includes a new terminal building, upgraded runway, apron and taxiway, airfield lighting, standby power, water facilities, staff residences, and cargo storage facilities.Construction began on April 15, 2024, with the project awarded to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Corporation Limited. The revised completion date was August 14, 2026.The upgrade is expected to improve passenger processing, aviation safety and aircraft operations while strengthening Gurney Airport’s capacity to support economic activity and connectivity across Milne Bay.Prime Minister Marape thanked the Asian Development Bank for its continued support of PNG’s infrastructure development, saying the bank had remained a development partner during periods when other partners reduced their involvement.“ADB has emerged as the biggest supporter of many of our development work in roads, in airports, in schools. I just want to say thank you again on our 50th anniversary year and as we step on into our 51st, ADB, you have been certainly a wonderful partner,” Prime Minister Marape said.He said the Gurney project demonstrated how concessional borrowing could be used to finance infrastructure that provides public services while generating economic activity capable of supporting repayment.“You borrow cheaply to finance an infrastructure that can pay itself out over time whilst giving service to our people. This is good borrowing.”The Prime Minister stated that the project was financed at an interest rate of less than 3 percent, with repayments scheduled to begin in 2028.He said the Government must now ensure the infrastructure generates economic activity and returns to the economy, the country and local communities.“So, partnering with ADB, we have borrowed responsibly and investing in assets all over our country. It is now our job to make sure these assets earn on investment and there is a return on investment to the economy, to the country and to the local community.”Prime Minister Marape also acknowledged NAC, Civil Aviation agencies, and China Railway Construction Engineering Group for their roles in delivering the project.He noted that the airport was opened 819 days after the project was launched in Alotau in 2024.“Everyday matters. No day must be wasted. Every day matters in doing work for our country.”Meanwhile, NAC stated that the upgrade will extend the runway and pavement lifespan by 15 to 20 years, improve passenger processing and safety, and allow the expanded apron to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Fokker 100, Boeing 737 and Air Niugini’s A220.Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley also shared similar sentiments noting that the upgraded airport should also strengthen connections between Alotau and the province’s outer islands and remote communities.He called for district airstrips to be certified and maintained so communities outside Alotau can benefit from the improved aviation infrastructure.“We need these district airstrips to be certified and operational so that our people in the outer islands can share in the benefits of this upgrade,” Governor Wesley said.He specifically identified the Losuia, Misima and Guasopa airfields as needing to meet regulatory requirements and become operational as feeder airports to Gurney.Furthermore, Civil Aviation Minister Douglas Tomuriesa said the opening was part of the Government’s broader aviation development program, with further projects under CADIP II continuing across the country.He also called on the people of Milne Bay to take ownership of the new facility and protect it from damage and vandalism.“Let us take ownership of this terminal. Let us keep this terminal clean. Let us treat staff and passengers with respect. That famous Milne Bay hospitality. Let us protect this asset from vandalism and damage,” Minister Tomuriesa said.The wider CADIP II program is valued at US$171.5 million and covers five major airport upgrades nationwide, alongside improvements to rural airstrips, weather facilities, information and communications technology, navigation systems and civil aviation capacity.Gurney Airport is the first of the five major CADIP II airport projects to be completed, with the wider program continuing to upgrade aviation infrastructure and services across Papua New Guinea.

The national gun amnesty and proposed gun buyback program must do more than remove firearms from communities and should be linked to long term peace agreements, Says Paul Barker the Executive Director of Institute of National Affairs.Speaking with PNG Hausbung, Barker said the buyback could contribute to reducing the number of illegal firearms in communities but warned that its success would depend on how the program is designed and implemented.He said authorities must ensure the buyback does not simply become a cash transaction where people surrender firearms, receive money and then use the proceeds to purchase new weapons or ammunition.“The buyback can make a contribution, so long as one makes sure that it’s not just a buyout where weapons are handed in and people make some money out of it and then use the proceeds to buy new weapons or ammunition,” Barker said.Barker said removing ammunition from circulation should be given particular attention because firearms themselves do not cause the injuries and deaths seen during armed conflicts without ammunition.“It’s not the weapons that really cause the damage. It’s the ammunition. The bullets that are flying,” he said.However, Barker said taking firearms and ammunition out of communities would only address part of the problem if the conflicts that drive people to use them remain unresolved.He said communities affected by tribal fighting must be involved in finding lasting solutions, with leaders on opposing sides working towards local peace agreements and using customary conflict resolution mechanisms to maintain those agreements.“It has to be at the grassroots level, where the community itself and the communities on both sides of a conflict are agreeable, want to see peace and see a net benefit from achieving peace,” Barker said.Barker pointed to communities in Chimbu and Eastern Highlands, including Ungai Bena, as well as parts of Western Highlands, where local leaders have worked to bring rival groups together and reduce the influence of individuals who benefit from continued conflict.He said such local efforts demonstrate why communities themselves must have ownership of peace agreements rather than relying entirely on police or defence forces to impose stability.While acknowledging the role of police and defence forces in supporting local peace efforts, Barker said lasting peace could not be achieved through security operations alone.He also warned that the government must consider the economic interests that can develop around prolonged conflict.Barker said continued instability can create financial opportunities for people providing accommodation and other services to police, defence and law enforcement personnel deployed to conflict affected areas.“People are also making money out of renting out accommodation to the police, the defence and others, to law enforcement agents. And they have a bit of an incentive to see conflict continuing,” he said.Barker said these potential incentives should be considered when designing the gun amnesty and buyback program so that financial interests do not undermine efforts to end violence.He said the government should therefore combine the removal of firearms and ammunition with strong community participation, clear safeguards and locally negotiated peace agreements.For Barker, the measure of success should not simply be how many guns are surrendered, but whether the program helps communities move away from armed conflict and maintain peace after the weapons have been removed.

More than 300 police officers from across the Pacific are expected to support the country security operations during the 2027 National General Election.Police Minister Sir John Pundari said the planned deployment reflects PNG's growing role in regional policing and its commitment to strengthening security cooperation across the Pacific.Sir John said PNG is no longer simply receiving police support from regional partners but is also contributing to policing efforts across the region.“Papua New Guinea is not just a recipient of police support. We are contributing to the policing work in the Pacific region,” Sir John said.He said more than 300 Pacific police officers are expected to assist PNG during the 2027 election.“Coming, these elections, our brothers from the Pacific will all come. All will come and help us in providing security in our time of elections. Maybe more than 300 will come,” he said.Sir John said the Pacific officers will work alongside the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and other security personnel to support a peaceful and secure election. The planned deployment forms part of a broader Pacific policing partnership, with officers from different Pacific nations already training together in Australia.“This training will come up to Brisbane, in Australia. Australia is bringing all these policemen together as mates, as comrades, to unite together for policing work in the region,” Sir John said.He said the joint training is designed to prepare Pacific police officers to respond collectively to regional challenges, including civil unrest, disasters and climate related emergencies.According to the Police Minister's briefing, more than 300 Pacific police officers from 10 countries have already been trained at the Pinkenba training hub in Australia through 10 deployment training programs. The briefing also says 70 police personnel from 12 countries have been deployed on three operational deployments under the Pacific Police Support Group.Sir John also highlighted the role of RPNGC Commissioner David Manning in strengthening PNG's leadership within the regional policing partnership.“I must take my hat off to our Commissioner at his level, providing that leadership in our part of the region,” Sir John said.PNG is also leading the development of a proposed Pacific Policing Body, known as PACPOL, aimed at strengthening cooperation between police forces across the region.Sir John said PNG's position as the largest Pacific nation gives it an important leadership role in developing the regional policing framework.“PNG is the largest Pacific Nation and we are leading from the front in the evolution of PACPOL,” he said.He said stronger regional policing cooperation will help Pacific countries respond to international criminal networks and provide specialist support when countries face major security challenges.“PACPOL will provide opportunity for us to both support, and be supported by, our brother and sister police forces in the region during times of challenge, disaster, or when specialist skills are required,” Sir John said.Sir John said the regional partnership will strengthen PNG's capacity to provide security during the 2027 National General Election while also contributing to wider peace and security across the Pacific.

In recognizing the profession of Architecture, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects (PNGIA) is reviving its Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year hiatus, with DuluxGroup PNG returning as platinum sponsor and Hilton Port Moresby supporting the event as venue sponsor as the awards is set for October 17th at Hilton Banquet Hall.The awards were last held in 2018 before activities were disrupted by the COVID 19 period.PNGIA President Jordan Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi 85 Architecture, said strong partnerships are essential to recognizing outstanding architectural work and supporting the development of the profession in Papua New Guinea.“We are essentially trying to put together the Dulux Design Excellence Awards, and within that activity it has been dormant for more than seven to eight years,” Seladi said.Seladi said the 2026 awards will focus on architecture and the country's development rather than political interests.“This will be the best event in the country. It’s not going to be anything political but will be a celebration about the country’s development and progress since its inception in 1975,” he said.He said the awards will recognize a broad range of work across the architectural sector.“The award captures all the activities within the architectural industry. One that exemplifies architectural excellence and the work that we do and also covers the whole range of sectors in the industry,” Seladi said.The partnership also introduces the Dulux Colour Award for the first time the country while it has been a prestigious awards event recognizing creatives in Australia and New Zealand for 4 decades which will now recognize the use of color in creating innovative here in the country.DuluxGroup PNG General Manager Simon Antony Barstow said the company is partnering with PNGIA as platinum sponsor of the architectural awards.Barstow said Dulux will support PNGIA members through training and professional development programs covering colour, specification practices and protective coatings used in major infrastructure and resource projects.He said Dulux has operated in Papua New Guinea for more than 60 years, employs more than 176 Papua New Guineans and manufactures locally. Barstow said the company is also investing in training painters and contractors as part of efforts to develop local skills and support the country's construction sector.“We are delighted to partner with PNGIA as we help create a brighter, more colorful future for Papua New Guinea,” Barstow said.As the proud venue sponsor Hilton Commercial Director Robbie Turner said the partnership aligns with Hilton's Travel with Purpose program, which focuses on hotels contributing to the communities where they operate.Adding, Hilton Port Moresby General Manager David Wain said the hotel is pleased to support PNGIA and Dulux in recognizing local architectural talent.“We are very privileged to partner with PNGIA and Dulux to be able to recognize and showcase local talent, which is important to us,” Wain said.The awards are expected to provide architects and other professionals in the built environment sector with a platform to showcase architectural work from across Papua New Guinea.Details for Design Excellence Award Gala Evening 2026Date: 17th October 2026Location: Hilton Banquet HallEvent Nature: Awards and FundraiserK10,000 per tableContact Info: events@pngia.com.pg