It seems poverty looks to be increasing in Major Urban areas of the country, however it is difficult for many to admit that it exists. This can be attributed to the breakdown of the traditional support system in local PNG society. The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 11 titled “Papua New Guinea is facing the development challenges of poverty in urban centers” by Senior Research Fellow, Dr. Philip Kavan, focuses on urban poverty and suggests strategies to mitigate poverty. The paper looks into the four (4) areas of importance: 1. Characteristics of urban poverty, 2. What causes poverty, 3. Groups affected by poverty, and 4. Poverty reduction strategies. According to these findings, poverty is robbing people of their dignity, potential, and in some cases, their lives. Traditional social values and kin-based practices of taking care of those in need have broken down. The paper highlighted that the most important factors that cause poverty are lack of jobs, no land for farming, and no access to education, water supply, healthcare, transport, and markets. Children, youth, and women are most affected by poverty. In this, the strategies for poverty reduction must be informed by a better understanding of the needs, views, and priorities of the poor and implemented through a collaborative approach led by the government with the participation of churches, the private sector, NGOs, and communities.