The Papua New Guinea U16 Men’s National Football Team has departed Port Moresby today for Honiara, Solomon Islands, to compete in the OFC U16 Men’s Championship, the official qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Under the guidance of Head Coach Mathew Witu, the 23-man squad will proudly represent PNG on the regional stage. Their mission: to claim one of the two qualification spots available for next year’s World Cup, a feat that would mark a historic first for PNG’s men’s youth football. Coach Witu expressed his confidence in the team’s readiness and stated, “Our boys have…
Author: Paula DAVID
As part of its ongoing commitment to support health and wellbeing within Papua New Guinea’s justice system, Pacific International Hospital (PIH) conducted free eye screenings for members of the judiciary during a retreat held at Loloata Island Resort on 5 August 2025. The screening was part of the Judicial Wellness Initiative, a collaborative effort between PIH and the Papua New Guinea Judiciary aimed at promoting long-term health among judiciary staff. A total of 24 Judges and their spouses benefited from the service, which focused on the early detection of vision issues and raising awareness about preventive eye care. PIH General…
In a powerful show of unity and commitment, the World Health Organization joined the Government of Papua New Guinea and partners at New Erima Primary School in Port Moresby to launch a nationwide campaign to protect children from the threat of polio. This vital initiative marks a bold step forward in safeguarding the health and future of the country’s youngest generation. Speaking at the launch, Dr Masahiro Zakoji, on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Papua New Guinea, emphasized the significance of the campaign. “This moment represents more than just a public health initiative; it is a…
South Pacific Brewery (SP Brewery) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting culture and community by partnering with the Enga Cultural Show Committee. The brewery donated K5,000 to support the 31st Enga Cultural Show, which commenced on Friday 8th and ending tomorrow, Sunday 10th August at John Siki Oval in Wabag. The annual show is one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic cultural festivals, celebrating the unique heritage and traditions of the Enga Province. SP Brewery’s External Affairs Manager, Luke Beliga, expressed the company’s pride in supporting the event. “SP Brewery is happy to support the 31st Enga Cultural Show. We…
The United States Department of Defense’s Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency (DPAA) has launched new recovery missions across Papua New Guinea, running from July 12 through September 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate American service members missing from World War II. The DPAA has been active in Papua New Guinea since 1978, seeking to account for the approximately 3,300 U.S. personnel who went missing in the country during the war. This year’s missions focus on areas within Madang, Morobe, East New Britain, and Oro provinces, where significant WWII battles occurred. DPAA teams are working…
The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has announced the return of the Pawa Meri Round this weekend, in partnership with the SP PNG Hunters, Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, and Santos Cup. Now in its second year, the Pawa Meri Round honors the significant contributions of women to the game of rugby league in Papua New Guinea (PNG), both on and off the field. From players and coaches to team managers, trainers, and game day staff, the round highlights the essential roles women play in the rugby league ecosystem. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina said the initiative is a direct…
A night of celebration, recognition, and hope for the future marked the 10th anniversary of the STEM program in Papua New Guinea (PNG), as 80 top-performing students were honored ahead of their academic journeys to the United States, India, China, Malaysia, and Fiji. The event, held in Port Moresby, brought together key government officials, international diplomatic representatives, education leaders, proud parents, and scholarship recipients under one roof to celebrate the third cohort of PNG’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students selected for overseas scholarships. Dr. Uke Kombra, Secretary for the Department of Education, emphasized the significance of the evening,…
Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter, has reaffirmed the Marape-Rosso government’s commitment to inclusive development with a K20,000 donation to Mt Sion Blind Centre in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province. The donation, presented during a visit on Monday, 28 July 2025, is part of the Church-State Partnership Program and aims to support the centre’s ongoing work in empowering people with special needs. Minister Peter was accompanied by Secretary Jerry Ubase and members of the Church Development Council (CDC). He commended Mt Sion’s work, acknowledging the Catholic Church’s leadership in delivering inclusive community services. “Every citizen, regardless of ability,…
More than 40 members of the Eastern Highlands-Simbu Mission (EHSM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church have successfully completed a two-day Financial Literacy Retail Training, receiving certificates during a ceremony held last week in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province. The training, organized by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DfCDR), focused on equipping participants with essential financial management skills, including budgeting, saving, emergency planning, and time management. Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter MP, addressed the graduating participants and encouraged them to apply what they had learned with discipline—while also staying committed to their spiritual responsibilities. “Never forget…
The National Rugby League (NRL) has unveiled the official draw for the 2025 Pacific Championships, which will see elite men’s and women’s international rugby league teams compete across three countries over four action-packed weekends in October and November. Following the thrilling conclusion to last year’s tournament—where the Kangaroos and Jillaroos lifted their respective Pacific Cup trophies in front of a sell-out crowd at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium—the 2025 edition promises even more high-intensity clashes and passionate national pride. Samoa will return to the men’s Pacific Cup after touring the UK in 2024, and will headline a blockbuster opening double-header on Sunday,…