As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence, UNICEF has called for renewed national commitment and investment in children, warning that too many are still being left behind despite five decades of progress.

During her week-long visit to the country, UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Ms. June Kunugi, urged the Government, civil society, and private sector to unite around a shared vision for children’s well-being over the next fifty years.

“Papua New Guinea has made important progress over the past five decades, but too many children are still being left behind.”

“The country is falling behind its neighbors across Asia and the Pacific on multiple fronts crucial for child survival, education, and protection. Now is the time for change.”

Ms. Kunugi congratulated Papua New Guinea on reaching its Golden Jubilee, commending the Government’s efforts to place children at the heart of its development agenda.

She welcomed the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Youth and Children, describing it as a “key milestone toward stronger national dialogue and accountability for child well-being.”

“Lasting progress for children requires collective effort.”

“Government leadership is vital, but it must be supported by communities, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that no child is left behind.”

UNICEF acknowledged notable achievements in several sectors, including strengthening the national immunization programme through rehabilitation of the cold chain system, expanded financing for vaccines, and improved service delivery.

Ms. Kunugi also praised the Government’s commitment to ending violence against children, citing the development of a comprehensive National Roadmap to End Violence Against Children as an important step toward safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child.

Despite positive progress, UNICEF warned that major challenges continue to hold back many of the country’s 4.5 million children.

Immunization coverage remains critically low, with most provinces reporting only 50 - 60% coverage among children under five, and no province achieving full coverage.

Child malnutrition continues to affect growth and cognitive development, with stunting rates remaining high nationwide.

Access to quality education is uneven, and school retention rates remain low, with only 10–15% of children reaching tertiary education.

Violence and abuse are widespread, with many children experiencing or witnessing gender-based and domestic violence, increasing their vulnerability later in life.

“Too many children still miss out on essential services; from routine immunization to safe learning opportunities and protection from violence.”

“I have witnessed immense resilience and eagerness to improve across the country, but communities cannot do it alone.”

“They need strong, sustained government leadership, support, and partnerships.”

UNICEF reiterated its continued partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and development partners to strengthen systems for health, education, and protection, and to ensure that every child survives, learns, and thrives.

As the nation looks toward its centenary in 2075, Ms. Kunugi underscored the urgency of acting now.

“The next fifty years must be defined by bold investment in our children, because their future is the nation’s future.”