The Kokoda Track Foundation (KTF) has graduated 12 young leaders from its 2025 Archer Leadership Program and announced a new cohort of 12 participants for 2026, reinforcing its long-term investment in leadership development across Papua New Guinea.

A Kokoda Track Foundation Archer event held in Port Moresby city this week that brought together government officials, corporate partners and development agencies, celebrated the outgoing cohort and formally welcome the new Archer leaders.

Now in its 16th year, the Archer Leadership Program has built an alumni network of 140 young professionals working across sectors including education, law, health, business and community development.

KTF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Genevieve Nelson said the program extends beyond financial support.

“The Archer program is not just a scholarship program; it is a holistic program filled with mentoring, community development projects, work experience and a life changing exchange program,” she said.

The 2025 cohort completed a year-long leadership journey that included professional mentoring, adaptive leadership workshops, work placements and an exchange program to Australia.

Dr. Nelson emphasized that leadership development requires sustained commitment.

“Leadership development does not happen in 12 months, it happens over time in community and with accountability,” she said.

During the event, KTF also highlighted its broader impact in 2025, including support for more than 3,000 students through second-chance high school education programs and measurable literacy and numeracy improvements for 43,000 early childhood and primary students.

Last year, the foundation installed 20,000 solar lighting systems, bringing its nationwide solar lighting total to 50,000.

Dr Nelson acknowledged the role of partners supporting the initiative.

“You are not simply supporting a scholarship. You are backing a disciplined, long-term investment in PNG’s leadership capacity,” she told supporters.

The Archer Leadership Program is supported by partners including Kina Bank, the Australian Government and the Fred P. Archer Trust, with additional funding this year from the Canadian Government through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

The newly selected 2026 cohort will begin their leadership journey later this year.