As the OFC Women's Nations Cup in Fiji approaches this July, both Papua New Guinea and Fiji are seizing the opportunity to fine-tune their squads through a series of friendly international matches in Port Moresby. PNG Football Association (PNGFA) stated that PNG Coach Eric Komeng is particularly enthusiastic about these friendlies, viewing them as crucial for his final team selection. Komeng has lauded his team's fitness and technical prowess, noting their dedication in training. He acknowledges Fiji as a formidable opponent, especially with the inclusion of two Hekari players, Maria Veronica and Adi Litia Bakaniceva. Komeng stressed that there will be no room for complacency when PNG faces Fiji. “The return of key players Meagan Gunemba and Olive Upaupa from Frigate United FC in the Solomon Islands is expected to significantly bolster the squad, which is primarily comprised of players from Lae and Port Moresby clubs,” he said. Fiji Coach Angeline Huan and Captain Jotivini Tabua echoed Komeng's sentiments, expressing their gratitude for securing the friendly matches during the open window period. They emphasized the importance of these challenges in their preparations for the upcoming Nations Cup. Jotivini Tabua, a familiar face in PNG from her participation with Labasa in the inaugural OFC Women's Champions League, expressed her honor at being named captain to lead the Fiji Kulas against PNG. "We are here for a good and strong friendly challenge as we both prepare for July's challenge in Lautoka and Suva, Fiji," she stated. PNG Captain Faith Kasiray also shared her pride in representing her country, now with the added responsibility of leading her team. “She's ready to command the defense and ignite her team's offensive efforts for strong results,” she said.

The Porebada Community Clinc in Central province has received timely assistance from ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG) to continue its work of providing basic health care services to the Porebada community and its surrounding communities. ExxonMobil PNG stated that under its Volunteer Program they have provided much needed projects to the impacted communities of the PNG LNG Project. “Under this Volunteer Program ExxonMobil built and donated a couple of cupboards, shelves and sitting benches to the Porebada Community Clinic, which was something the clinic needed,” EMPNG said. Porebada Community Clinic Sister in-Charge Sr. Sarah Otma said in the clinic storeroom, there is much space to put their medical supplies, and they usually put boxes on top of each to make space for storage. “We requested cupboards, shelves and benches and ExxonMobil has come on board to donate to the clinic with these needs, and it is very good because it will help us store our medical supplies. Currently our medical supplies are on the floor and our patients are also sitting on the floor waiting to be served. Now with the donation from ExxonMobil to the clinic, I am very happy, and it will help us a lot as the cupboards and shelves will be used to store our medicines properly and now our patients can sit properly and wait to be served,” Sr. Sarah said. She added that one of the many challenges that they face every day is to access clean water and power. “We see about 40-50 patients per day and when the power is out, it affects our work because sometimes we need to operate a few medical equipment with power like a nebulizer but when the power is out, we will have to refer patients. Water supply is another issue, and any clinic or hospital needs water to operate. Sometimes the Central Provincial Health Authority (CPHA) provides water for us, but most days we depend on rainwater. Why I say we need water to operate a clinic is for example, when a pregnant lady gives birth, she will need water to wash, when a patient is very sick, he or she will need water to drink and wash. We have good facilities here, but the problem is water and power,” she said. Sr. Sarah added that they are truly grateful that ExxonMobil has been assisting them with the much-needed equipment they need, and it will contribute positively to their work of providing basic healthcare to their patients.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) is participating in the Currency Conference, currently underway in Bangkok, Thailand. BSP stated that this global conference is held annually uniting influential leaders, Central Banks and Monetary Authorities as well as leading currency industry suppliers to deliberate on policies, best practices and emerging strategies and technology to manage currency. BSP’s Group Chief Operations Officer, Mrs. Nuni Kulu was a keynote speaker at the Digital Currency Workshop Wednesday, 28th May 2025. Her presentation highlighted the significant role BSP plays across the cash management cycle across the South Pacific, with a focus on balancing digital transformation with effective cash optimization strategies. “BSP is embracing the shift towards digital financial services to better serve our customers and support economic growth. At the same time, we recognize the ongoing relevance of cash in many of our communities. Our approach is to strike the right balance, optimizing cash handling while expanding digital access, to ensure that no one is left behind in this transition,” Mrs. Kulu said. Her presentation showcased initiatives that BSP is undertaking, to driving digital financial inclusion and innovation through mobile and electronic banking platforms, as well as cash management practices across the markets to improve operational efficiency, reliability, security, and customer experience. BSP’s participation in the Currency Conference underscores its commitment to adopting emerging digital payments solutions while maintaining reliable cash services, enabling inclusive, and customer-centric financial infrastructure across the region.

Prime Minister James Marape in Parliament reasserted his government's steadfast commitment to the Connect PNG Programme. A transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at linking the nation through modern highways and roads. In response to questions raised by Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa during Question Time, PM Marape emphasized that his government welcomes scrutiny and remains steadfast in its mission to develop Papua New Guinea. PM Marape addressed concerns regarding an independent investigation into the Connect PNG Programme, confirming that Deloitte, a globally recognized audit firm, has been engaged to conduct a comprehensive review. Additionally, an Australian-based engineering firm Norths Projects Ltd has been enlisted to assess the scope and quality of work undertaken. These measures, he stated, reflect his government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and value for money. “Unlike past Governments, we do not shy away from scrutiny. We welcome every effort to ensure that public funds are spent wisely and that our people receive the infrastructure they deserve,” said PM Marape. Mr. Marape reiterated that the Connect PNG Programme will not be halted during the investigation. He assured Parliament that the Government will continue to finance and support ongoing contracts, ensuring that vital road networks are completed to benefit rural communities, businesses, and the national economy. “We cannot allow baseless allegations to derail a programme that is bringing real change to our people. Roads are the lifeline of development, connecting farmers to markets, students to schools, and patients to hospitals. This initiative is about empowering Papua New Guineans and unlocking economic opportunities,” he stated. PM Marape also highlighted the economic benefits of the Connect PNG Programme, urging citizens to embrace productive agriculture and trade opportunities made possible by improved infrastructure. He encouraged farmers to transition from subsistence farming to cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, and oil palm, while ensuring sustainable livelihoods. “We must move beyond dependency and embrace productivity. These roads are not just for travel— they are pathways to prosperity,” he said.  In concluding his response statement, PM Marape assured the nation that his government remains committed to development, transparency, and good governance. He emphasized that the independent audit would proceed, and if any improprieties are found, they will be addressed accordingly. However, he made it clear that progress will not be stalled.  "We will listen to expert advice, but we will not compromise on the future of our people. Connect PNG is a vision for a stronger, more connected Papua New Guinea, and we will see it through," he concluded.

The Marape-Rosso Government is committed to creating a more attractive business environment through investments in ease of doing business interventions by the Government and key Government Agencies, says the Minister for International Trade and Investment, Richard Maru. Minister Maru said this to members of the Government Agencies and the private sector who gathered in Lae city for the 8th Customs Business Consultative Forum under the theme, “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”, hosted by the PNG Customs Service. “We all know that PNG is not an attractive place to do business right now compared to our competitors and I am very much aware of that. As the Minister responsible for international trade and investment, I want to thank all our Government Agencies and our private sector for hanging in there despite all the challenges that we are facing as a country including highest unemployment, highest law-and-order problems, serious foreign currency issues, national debt of over K60 billion, and depreciating Kina value which have made it very difficult, especially for our private sector. Our biggest problem in the last 50 years has been this: We have failed to build a strong and robust economy like other countries. After 50 years, PNG’s GDP sits at about US$ 30 billion, Japan’s GDP is over US$ 4 trillion, New Zealand’s GDP is over US$ 252 billion, Singapore’s GDP is over US$ 501 billion, and the Philippines’ GDP is about US$ 437 billion. These countries are one-third our size, except Singapore, and are not endowed with natural resources like our country and yet on average their economy are ten times bigger than ours,” he said. Minister Maru added that the exciting thing is, it is not all doom and gloom, because PNG have seven new resource projects coming up including Papua LNG, Pasca Gas, P’nyang Gas Project, Wafi-Golpu Mine, Freda Mine, Wildebeest and Namabarope, these resource projects will underpin the economy going forward. “To create the 1 million jobs as stipulated in our Medium-Term Development Plan 4, we must change our policies, we must downstream process all our resources, we must compete with the rest of the world to bring in foreign direct investments, and the best way to do it is to develop Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as the main driver of future economy growth. SEZs will be very critical. If a country like the Philippines, which is a one-third our size, can have over 420 SEZs driving their economic growth at the rate of 5% per annum, generating over US$63 billion in export income, and creating over 4 million jobs, we can do it too,” Minister Maru said.

The government officially launched the 2025 Inter-departmental Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Program in Mt Hagen city, Western Highlands province. Spearheaded by the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), and supported by the Departments of Treasury, Finance, Provincial and Local Government Affairs and DIRD, the M&E exercise reaffirms the Government’s commitment to enhance accountability in public spending for key capital Investments over the medium term. On behalf of the Minister and Secretary, the DNPM Deputy Secretary for Programming and Monitoring Wing, Mr. Roger Kara, officiated the event alongside senior government officials, and representatives from participating agencies. Western Highlands Provincial Administrator, Mr. Joseph Mangil and Mt Hagen City Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Leo Noki, and representatives of national agencies on the ground were also present at the event. Speaking at the launch, Mr. Kara said the event marked the beginning of a nationwide, government-led coordination effort to track the impact of development funds allocated through the Public Investment Program (PIP) between 2022 and 2024. “Over the last three years, through the government’s national budget, over K34 billion was expensed to agencies and provinces to fund critical investments. This funding was inclusive of PNG Government funding as well as development financing. With issues of capacity faced by many agencies, monitoring and reporting has been problematic, thereby affecting the national government’s ability to properly account and report on these funds.  This particular M&E Program is intended to cater for some aspects of these accountability and reporting,” Mr. Kara explained. The participation of the Departments Treasury, Finance, Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), and Implementation and Rural Development (DIRD) emphasizes the whole of Government approach to CIB management, performance assessment and reporting. As this is a national initiative the Interdepartmental M&E program will cover all 22 Provinces in the country. Mrs. Napa Hurim, Deputy Secretary, Budget & Financial Management Wing, Department of Treasury urged the participating agencies and program managers to provide true information on the selected projects that will be visited and assessed. “We are not auditors; we are not here to find wrong and accuse you or bring a bad report back. We are a team, and we are here to emphasize the message of unity. We are not here to stop any project or activity of Government. We are here to see what is happening on the ground on funds disbursed from the national budget over the last three years and report back to Government.   We want everyone to be open and honest in responses and supporting our teams in the provinces,” Mrs. Hurim said. Western Highlands Provincial Administrator, Mr. Joseph Mangil, welcomed the gathering and acknowledged the significance of this M&E exercise adding that planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting were key tools for the development aspirations of any government. He said in his 25 years of public service, he has not seen any program of this magnitude and thus welcomed the team and hoped this exercise would bring a fruitful outcome. “This is the way forward, bringing all the responsible national agencies together and working together because 50 years on and our people are still suffering,”Mr. Mangil said. Mr. Kara said the program reaffirms the Marape-Rosso Government’s commitment to evidence-based development. “This launch marks not just a program start, but a renewed dedication to measuring and improving our development efforts across the country,” Mr. Kara said. Mt. Hagen was chosen as the launch site because of its centrality in the fast-developing Highlands region, where a large volume of national infrastructure and service delivery projects are being implemented.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was pleased to attend the First Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the Public Investment Managment Project in Papua New Guinea. JICA Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki said this Technical Cooperation Project, the Public Investment Managment Project in Papua New Guinea commenced in the last quarter of 2024 based on the Record of Discussions between Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and JICA that was signed in August last year. “The project aims to enhance the efficiency and transparency of public investment by strengthening capacities in making project proposals, appraised and selection, and monitoring and evaluation of investment projects in accordance with the Public Investment Program (PIP) Managment Guidelines, which was developed in the former phase of JICA PIM Project. Looking back at the history of Public Investment Managment, we all can understand the significance of this project. In the Papua New Guinea Development Strategic Plan 2010-2023, PNG aims to become a middle-income country by 2023, and the PNG Vision 2025 sets a long-term goal of becoming one of the top 50 countries in the Human Development Index 2025. To materialize these visions and strategies, the government of PNG sets out a Medium-Term Development Plan every 5 years, identifying the projects with strategic importance over long-term socio-economic growth of PNG. Within this context, good management of public investment is crucial to achieve these goals, making the foundation of public services and fostering economic growth,” Mr. Matsuoka said. Mr. Matsuoka said there are many challenges to tackle to implement the PIP in an efficient and effective manner. “Therefore, we have been implementing this project in collaboration with the government of PNG and JICA. As a result of this project, we can expect the following improvements. As the formulation of a project and proposed stage, the line departments of PNG Government will follow the Public Investment Managment Guidelines, so that the costs and benefits of projects become clearer, and the assessment and selection of projects will be done through more objective and transparent ways. Selected investment projects will be implemented in a consistent manner with updated reports in every three quarters and physical and financial progress will be monitored with Transparency,” he said.

This week on 26-29 May 2025, UNDP, UNITAR, UNOSAT and the PNG National Disaster Centre are facilitating a training on the use of Geospatial Information Technology for disaster risk reduction for key stakeholders in Papua New Guinea’s humanitarian sector. UNDP stated that Papua New Guinea is prone to frequent natural hazards, such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. “These risks are intensified by complex geography, climate-related vulnerabilities, and limited access to timely warnings and spatial risk data, particularly in remote and coastal communities. The four-day training will aim to develop national capacity in the use of geospatial technologies to improve disaster preparedness, response, and long-term climate resilience, which will promote evidence-based decision-making at national and sub-national levels, aligned with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework. This training marks an important step in UNDP’s commitment to the PNG National Disaster Centre to enhance the capacity of national stakeholders in leveraging geospatial technologies for improved disaster risk management and climate resilience in Papua New Guinea,’’ said Mr. Aadil Mansoor, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP. UNDP said that the training delivered through a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, will give participants an opportunity to gain insight on collecting and processing free geospatial data from web-based sources, use open-source GIS software for hazard mapping, and apply spatial analysis techniques to support evidence-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning. “By equipping our technical teams with practical skills in geospatial technologies, we are enhancing our ability to anticipate hazards, assess risks, and make informed decisions that can save lives and protect communities. We are grateful to UNDP, UNOSAT, and DFAT for their continued support and partnership,’’ said Mr. Martin Mose, Assistant Director – Government Liaison and Community Engagement of the National Disaster Centre. "Australia is proud to support Papua New Guinea’s efforts in strengthening disaster resilience. We are committed to enhancing coordination and empower communities through better decision-making for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience," said Ms. Caludia Cooney, First Secretary, Program Strategy and Humanitarian, Australian High Commission. Key representatives from the National Disaster Centre, Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, and the National Weather Service, and other relevant ministries and agencies with a basic understanding of GIS and remote sensing, were selected by NDC and UNDP to undergo the training. The training is a core component of the ‘Enhanced Geospatial Decision Support for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience in Papua New Guinea (GeoDRR PNG)’ project, jointly implemented by UNITAR-UNOSAT and UNDP, and generously funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Parliament today has established a Special Parliamentary Committee for Child and Youth Wellbeing. Member for Government Business and Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr moved that the question be put to establish the committee and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan moved the motion, where the entire house was in favor. Minister Tsiamalili Jnr said that PNG has made important legal and policy commitments to uphold the rights of children, including through the constitution “The Lukautim Pikini Act of 2015” and its rectification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Children. “Yet despite these frameworks children across PNG continue to face serious challenges to their survival, development, protection and participation and now Parliament shall establish a special parliamentary committee for child and youth wellbeing. The committee should consist of the following members: Chairman- NCD Governor Powes Parkop Deputy Chair -Francesca Semaso (MP North Bougainville Open) Marsh Narewec (MP Wau-Waria) Sasindran Muthuvel (Governor West New Britain) Francis Alua – (MP Karimui-Nomane open) Luther Wenge- (Governor Morobe Province) Simon Kaiwi- (Governor Jiwaka) Lohia Boe Samuel- (MP Moresby North-West) Solan Loifa - (MP Manyamya Open) Keith Iduhu – (MP Hiri Koiari) Rufina Peter- (Central Governor) As members of the committee,” Minister Tsiamalili Jnr said. He said the committee shall have the following terms of reference Examine key issues affecting wellbeing for children and youth in PNG (Including health and wellbeing), Access to quality to education, birth registration and legal identity, Children protection and juvenile justice and access to clean water, sanitation and basic social service, government financing and the effectiveness of service delivery Monitor the implementation of Lukautim Pikini Act 2015, the convention of the rights of child (CRC) and other national and international commitments including its status as a path finding country under the global partnership to end violence against children Review performance and accountability of relevant ministries and agencies responsible for delivering child and youth related services Examine how budgets are planned, allocated and spend on child related priorities and assess whether they deliver results Assesses the effectiveness of coordination's across sectors and between national, provincial and district levels and prioritize measures and prevent and respond to all forms of violence against children and strengthen PNG’s child’s protection system  The committee shall have the powers to summon written submissions and borrow evidence from any individual or institution relevant to its mandate Request documentation from government ministries, agencies and departments, undertake site visits and consultations across the country

Local civil construction firm Global Constructions Limited has been awarded the Land component of Kimbe Port upgrade project in West New Britain province. PNG Ports Limited said that the project is worth approximately K80million, Global Construction will deliver critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance Kimbe Port’s safety, productivity and resilience to climate and disaster risks. "The land package works includes pavement reconstruction, drainage repairs, line marking, utility upgrades and installation of firefighting and terminal lighting systems. Building works cover the refurbishment of key facilities including the port office, passenger terminal (kiosk and restrooms), stevedores’ amenities and the cargo shed. Present for this milestone event was the Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Ewen McDonald, West New Britain Governor, Sasindran Muthuvel, Minister Counsellor of the Australian High Commission, Dr Cate Rogers, Global Construction Ltd General Manager, Neil Nakikus, Global Construction Ltd, Construction Manager, James Jepson, PNG Ports Chairman Harvey Nii and CEO, Neil Papenfus, among others," PNG Ports said. PNG Ports added that Kimbe Port is the first of five ports which will be upgraded under a K1.5billion funding from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. "The Marine component of the project was awarded to Pacific Marine Group in January this year," PNG Ports said.

Air Niugini’s first brand new A220, dubbed the “People’s Balus”, has now entered final assembly at the Airbus Canada factory at Mirabel, Montreal. Air Niugini said that the aircraft is planned for delivery to Port Moresby in September coinciding with Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations. "Air Niugini will be the 25th airline to operate the state-of-the-art A220, with over 900 of these latest technology jets having been ordered by 24 other airlines around the world, of which over 400 are already in operation. Air Niugini’s eleven brand- new A220s will come in two variants – three A220-300 series seating 138 customers, and eight smaller A220-100 series with 114 seats, for a total of eleven aircraft. The A220s will initially replace the airline’s long serving Fokker 100/70 fleet on domestic routes, and eventually the Boeing 737s as well. Whilst the initial focus is to upgrade domestic services, the A220 is also capable of servicing all Air Niugini international destinations as well as some potential new routes which the airline is studying," Air Niugini said. The National Airline said all the A220 aircraft will be fitted with comfortable Business and Economy seating and will offer complimentary WiFi for all customers so they can stream their favorite programs and keep in touch with family, friends and work while they are travelling. "Air Niugini engineers, cabin crew and pilots have commenced intensive training, with the airline progressing through a comprehensive entry into service program to be ready to welcome the new aircraft during the first week of September. We look forward to bringing you more updates as our new “Birds of Paradise” continue to take shape prior to their arrival on our shores from September this year," Air Niugini stated.

Alluvial Mining industry in Papua New Guinea (PNG) should be a restricted business. This was raised by the Provincial Member for Northern province, Gary Juffa in Parliament this morning, stating that Alluvial Mining is a restricted business and only Nationals should participate in it; however, recently there has been an increase in the number of foreigners participating in this industry. "There is a lot of foreigners taking part in this business that is restricted for nationals and these foreigners are using big machinery to mine and this has caused a lot of issues in the community between the locals and the foreigners," Mr. Juffa said. Mr. Juffa said there are instances where foreigners were attacked due to this restricted business that is supposed to be for nationals. He questioned the Ministers and organization under the government who are responsible for this industry and also ICAC and Immigration to do their job and monitor these foreigners who might be operating illegally in the country. "Production for Alluvial Mining is increasing in the country but there are a lot of foreigners operating in this industry as well," he added. In response, Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso stated that yes, there is a lot of foreigners participating in Alluvial Mining because nationals are going into partnership with these foreigners. Deputy PM Rosso said Alluvial Mining license are given to nationals and most licenses are held by locals. "These locals with licenses go into partnership with foreigners to do business hence there are big machines operating in this industry and the foreigners are there because they are partnering up with nationals. I have ensured few foreigners were deported for conducting illegal businesses in the country and I will continue to make sure more are deported," Mr. Rosso said.