AGP Executive Report

Bougainville in Parliament: Bougainville Affairs Minister Manasseh Makiba is set to table a draft sessional order to bring the 2019 referendum result into PNG Parliament for formal consideration, with leaders urged not to treat Tuesday’s procedural vote as a decision on independence. Disability inclusion lag: PNG’s Disability Services Act 2025 still isn’t being implemented, and NCDC has been told to make disability inclusion a core responsibility despite lacking a dedicated coordination unit. IMF support: The IMF approved reviews of PNG’s lending arrangements, unlocking about US$163m in disbursements and projecting growth easing to 3.8% in 2026 with inflation edging up to 4.8%. Port Moresby sports & youth: PNGOC approved a 520-strong Team PNG contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, while the Electoral Commission urged young people to register for GE27. Business & mining: K92 plans up to K150m more exploration investment, and PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director to strengthen energy and resource advocacy. Environment & community: Ok Tedi marked World Environment Day with tree planting and sustainability initiatives. Rugby league fan push: Coca-Cola PNG launched a limited-edition Digicel ExxonMobil Cup collectible series.

Cybersecurity Push: Legal experts meeting in Fiji are finalising a Pacific handbook to help countries strengthen cybercrime laws and defenses, with PNG among the participants. Aviation Upgrade: Port Moresby International Airport is set for a K2.5b redevelopment in four phases, starting with a Domestic Terminal extension and moving toward new check-in, aerobridges, and expanded apron capacity. Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across the region, with reports of deaths and hundreds injured as authorities urged coastal evacuations. Mobile Internet Costs: Research says PNG mobile internet prices stayed stable through 2025 despite major connectivity work, including new undersea cable plans. Governance & Youth: In Port Moresby, youth forums backed corruption-free voting and urged young people to enrol and verify on the electoral roll ahead of the 2027 election. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters, including steps tied to the 2019 referendum result. Environment Day in NCD: NCD Governor Parkop urged practical climate action, including tree planting and expanding urban green space. Energy & Industry Leadership: PNG CORE appointed Richard Kassman as executive director, boosting its policy and stakeholder advocacy role. Education Fundraiser: Kokoda Primary School launched a K2m walkathon fundraising drive along the Kokoda Trail. Marine & Forest Moves: PNG reaffirmed its push for marine eco-tourism and ratified international ocean biodiversity efforts, while timber legality standards are being roadmapped for stronger forest governance. NRL Chiefs Momentum: PNG Chiefs coaching and recruitment plans continue to draw international backing as the club prepares for its 2028 NRL debut.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: Port Moresby International Airport is set for a major K2.5 billion redevelopment, with phased works to expand the domestic terminal, improve passenger facilities, and upgrade airfield capacity for future aircraft. PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing decades of experience across energy, governance and community work. World Environment Day in PNG: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged residents to take climate action at home, while Alotau marked the day with community clean-up and tree-focused activities. Youth and Elections: A Port Moresby youth forum pushed students to register, verify their details, and vote responsibly ahead of the 2027 national general election. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters as a draft process moves to table the 2019 referendum results. Bougainville Political Status Debate: Ongoing national debate continues over independence, constitutional process, and long-term security readiness. PNG LNG Forum Prep: Prime Minister Marape visited Kikori to inspect the Papua LNG Development Forum venue and consult Gulf leaders. Earthquake Watch (Region): A powerful 7.8 quake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including PNG, with coastal advisories issued. Marine and Forest Governance: PNG reaffirmed its push for marine eco-tourism after ratifying the BBNJ deal, while timber legality standards are moving forward with calls for stronger stakeholder coordination. Sports and Community: The PNG Chiefs’ NRL build-up continues with coaching endorsements, and Kokoda Primary School launched a K2 million walkathon fundraising drive.

Port Moresby Airport Redevelopment: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation and the government have launched a major Port Moresby International Airport expansion, a K2.5 billion push to modernise facilities and strengthen the capital’s role as a regional aviation hub. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June, with the sessional order brought in by Minister Manasseh Makiba, as the independence debate continues to heat up. Green Finance Push: Bank of Papua New Guinea Governor Elizabeth Genia says PNG is well placed to attract more sustainable investment after the Green Finance Summit 2026 focused on greening the country’s financial systems. Digital Education Boost: The International Education Agency marks 50 years in PNG by announcing plans for digital learning tools and teacher training. Youth Sport & Community: PNGTA and the ITF ran an ITF U12 West Pacific training camp in Port Moresby, while in South Bougainville Care Bougainville donated footballs to support youth development. Sport Calendar: Wan Fire festival lands in Port Moresby with two shows on 20 June, and the Rosso Mountain Bike Race in Lae continues to build sponsorship momentum ahead of its June 20-21 and June 27-28 events.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Government and NAC have launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a K2.5 billion push to modernise the gateway and support future air-travel growth. EU Water Boost: At the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, the EU and EIB backed the Water Wise Communities Project with a loan and grant package worth over K209 million, targeting improved drinking-water access for about 400,000 people. EU–PNG Business Push: The forum drew 300+ participants and 77 companies, with talks focused on renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity and trade rules. Bougainville in Parliament: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June as the independence agenda and constitutional steps stay in focus. Digital Media Trust: ICT leaders say Digital Public Infrastructure could help PNG’s media by supporting digital identity for journalists, safer data sharing, and new subscription-style revenue models. Sports & Community: JV PNG increased sponsorship for the Rosso Mountain Bike Race in Lae, while Care Bougainville donated footballs to youth teams in South Bougainville. Culture & Music: Wan Fire Festival details were released for 20 June in Port Moresby, with a lineup headlined by Jaro Local.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Government and National Airports Corporation have launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a K2.5 billion push to modernise the gateway and support PNG’s growth as a regional hub. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament is set to discuss Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June, with the sessional order to be brought by Minister Manasseh Makiba, as leaders warn the debate will test independence mandate processes. EU Water Funding: The EU and EIB have backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional loan plus €16.4m grant, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people, including Port Moresby. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: ICT officials say DPI—digital identity, payments and secure data exchange—could help PNG media tackle fake accounts, improve trust, and diversify revenue. World Environment Day in PNG: 321 Group joined mangrove planting at Koke Hanua, while Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure festival. Music & Culture: Kick Entertainment revealed Wan Fire Festival plans for 20 June with a daytime family show and a night show headlined by Jaro Local, featuring local Melanesian talent. Telecom Disruption: Vandalism knocked out a critical Digicel hub in Gogohe, disrupting service across northern Bougainville. Sports (Regional): Cook Islands U-19 men’s qualifiers kick off in Rarotonga with Tonga and PNG chasing OFC qualification.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Airports Corporation and government launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a K2.5 billion push to modernise the gateway and support PNG’s growth. Bougainville on the Agenda: Parliament will take up Bougainville matters on Tuesday 9 June, with Minister Manasseh Makiba bringing in the sessional order as leaders warn the debate will test independence arrangements. EU Water Funding: The EU and EIB backed a Water Wise Communities project with €25m concessional financing plus a €16.4m grant, targeting safer drinking water for an extra 400,000 people, including Port Moresby. EU-PNG Business Forum: Marape urged European and PNG firms to “grow together” as 77 companies met in Port Moresby, focusing on renewables, water, digital transformation, connectivity, mining, and agriculture value chains. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: ICT officials say DPI—digital identity, payments, and secure data exchange—could help tackle fake accounts and strengthen trusted information. Telecom Vandalism in Bougainville: A Digicel hub tower in Gogohe was vandalised, knocking out service across parts of northern Bougainville. Sports & Culture: PNG Chiefs’ Alex Johnston plans a family trip to Port Moresby ahead of the 2028 NRL season; and Mereani Masani (“Mama Masalai”) released her new single “MI GO” and will perform at the Wan Fire Festival. Environment Push: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure Sculpture Festival for World Environment Day.

EU–PNG Business Forum: PM James Marape urged European and PNG firms to “grow together” as 77 companies (23 European) met in Port Moresby on renewable energy, water security, digital transformation, connectivity, extractives and agriculture. Water Security: The forum also backed the Water Wise Communities project, with the EU and European Investment Bank pledging over K209m to improve safe drinking water for about 400,000 people. Energy Outlook: Marape said Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and P’nyang could drive 10–15 years of sustained growth and investment. Digital Public Infrastructure for Media: PNG’s ICT department says DPI—digital identity, payments and secure data exchange—could help cut fake accounts and boost trusted, sustainable media. Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: NAC marked the start of works on the domestic terminal extension project. Telecom Disruption in Bougainville: A vandalised Digicel hub in Gogohe knocked out services across northern Bougainville villages. Culture & Community: Port Moresby Nature Park launched its month-long Trash to Treasure festival, turning waste into student-made sculptures. Sports Pathways: A rural talent programme in Gulf selected six young women for further training in Port Moresby. Music: Mereani Masani (Mama Masalai) released new single “Mi GO” and confirmed a Wan Fire Festival performance.

Airport Upgrade: NAC has launched the Port Moresby Jackson International Airport redevelopment, kicking off works on the domestic terminal extension. Governance & Civic Space: TIPNG says government responsiveness to civil society is declining, warning PNG’s civic space is under pressure. Digital Security: PNG is moving to biometric tools to tackle fake social media accounts, harassment and misinformation, alongside a push for legal backing for verifiable credentials under the Sevis DPI rollout. Telecom Disruption: Vandalism at a Digicel hub in Gogohe has knocked out service across parts of northern Bougainville. EU Business Push: PM Marape told European and PNG firms to “grow together” at the EU-PNG Business Forum, with sessions on exporting, deforestation rules and new investment links. Mining & Industry: A women-led limestone mine in Morobe showcased products at the forum, while K92 reported expanded high-grade drilling at Arakompa. Sports Pathways: A rural talent programme in Gulf is selecting young women for further rugby league training in Port Moresby. Health Spotlight: Nurse Peter Fore has been named a top-10 finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Community & Faith: A historic Marimari Lutheran Church in Port Moresby is preparing for deconsecration ahead of a new building. Infrastructure for Daily Life: NCDC and Bomana correctional services carried out a Port Moresby clean-up with detainees.

Capital Clean-Up: Port Moresby’s NCDC teamed up with Bomana Correctional Services for a city-wide sanitation drive, with 30 detainees helping remove litter from Waigani to City Hall, supported by PPE and waste collection. Bougainville Politics: ABG President Ishmael Toroama says Bougainville’s 2019 independence mandate will be “tested” as Parliament tables the bipartisan referendum report, urging unity as independence timelines remain under debate. Health & Awards: Nurse Peter Fore (PMGH) is named a top-10 finalist for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026, while a separate push highlights PNG’s rising esophageal cancer burden and the need for earlier care. Climate Watch: The Pacific RCC flags an El Niño shift, with high odds of an event from June–August 2026, urging communities to prepare. Sports & Youth: Gulf communities backed Cathy Neap’s rural talent programme using rugby league to empower girls, and PNG’s women’s cricket Lewas celebrate SP Sports Awards recognition while targeting Cricket World Cup qualification. Business & Connectivity: PNG Air relaunches ticketing with Post PNG outlets nationwide, and Metso eyes PNG expansion but wants faster work-permit processes for experts. Mining: K92 reports progress at the Wera gold prospect as drilling ramps up.

Medical Relief in West New Britain: Nakanai District Administration provided K5,000 to former PNG Kumuls legend Darius Haili to help cover medical referral costs after he was sent to Port Moresby for specialist treatment. Homecoming After Surgery: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian returned to Port Moresby after six months in Australia following conjoined-twin separation surgery, with officials and donors credited for the successful outcome after a life-threatening infection. Bougainville Independence Tension: President Ishmael Toroama warned that the 2019 referendum mandate will be “tested” as the Bi-Partisan Report is tabled in PNG Parliament, urging calm and unity. Public Health Recognition: Dr Pamela Toliman won the 2025 WOW Awards Public Sector category for work on cervical cancer prevention, including HPV point-of-care testing models. Transport Access Boost: PNG Air relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting people buy tickets at Post PNG outlets in Port Moresby, with wider rollout planned. Aviation Upgrade (Highlands): Kagamuga Airport runway rehabilitation has started to enable Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026. Sports & Development: PNG’s women’s cricket Lewas celebrated Carbine Club Team of the Year and set sights on qualifying for the Cricket World Cup; meanwhile, a Gulf Province rural talent program is identifying young female rugby league players. Mining Update: K92 is advancing drilling at the Wera gold prospect after defining a large gold system near its Kora and Judd deposits. Marine Conservation Plan: PNG plans a Western Manus no-take marine sanctuary covering over 214,000 sq km, aiming to protect biodiversity and support sustainable fisheries.

Bougainville Peace Process: PNG Parliament debate is heating up over the 2019 Bougainville referendum, with PM James Marape urging wisdom, respect and unity as the Bipartisan Committee report moves forward, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt warns ratification talk is premature and says key negotiations and consultation steps aren’t finished; Opposition MP Belden Namah also calls for rejecting ratification, arguing constitutional conditions weren’t met. Charity Oversight: In Connecticut (not PNG), Attorney-General Tong and Consumer Protection Commissioner Cafferelli opened an investigation into former New Britain mayor Erin Stewart’s handling of charitable assets tied to the Mayor’s Trophy Charitable Fund. Transport & Connectivity: PNG Air relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, letting customers buy airline tickets at multiple Post PNG outlets in Port Moresby, while PNG Air also expands its fleet and begins phasing out Dash 8 aircraft. Digital Policy: PNG is developing a national AI strategy to tackle misinformation and AI-generated content risks, with a focus on transparency, accountability and safeguards. Sports Pathways: A rural women’s rugby league talent program in Gulf identified standout players for further development in Port Moresby. Business & Investment: Marape opened the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum, urging European investors to back sustainable, responsible investment beyond raw exports. Media Sector: NBC managing director Kora Nou says social media and new tech are forcing PNG newsrooms to adapt fast.

Bougainville Peace Process: Parliament debate over whether to ratify the 2019 independence referendum is heating up, with PM James Marape urging unity, wisdom and constitutional process, while Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt calls the move “foolish and premature” and says key agreements and the post-referendum report aren’t final; Opposition MP Belden Namah also urges MPs to reject ratification, citing constitutional and Bougainville Peace Agreement steps not yet met. Economy & Trade: Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey says PNG export earnings have reached a record K51b since 2022, alongside improved fiscal control and foreign exchange reserves. EU Investment Push: Marape tells EU partners to invest sustainably at the 5th EU–PNG Business Forum, where EIB and the EU back a water expansion project for 400,000 people. Media & Tech: NBC MD Kora Nou warns that citizen journalism and social media are straining traditional newsrooms. Sports (NRL): PNG Chiefs add England prop Matty Lees (Player 004) and earlier Connor Watson (Player 003), while questions remain over who truly owns and funds the franchise. Community: Ororo Primary School gets 30 desks from Rotary; Umbaku Ward in Markham launches a locally owned five-year disaster risk plan. Digital Integrity: PNG’s National Research Institute flags rising misuse of AI as a threat to trust and information integrity.

Health System Under Strain: Port Moresby General Hospital is struggling with broken systems—equipment failures, supply shortages and weak management—raising fears of worsening patient care and brain drain. Cancer Specialist Shortage: PNG faces a deadly mouth cancer surge but has only 13 ENT specialists for a population of over 10 million, far below global standards. Water Infrastructure Boost: EIB Global and the EU are funding drinking-water expansion with a $25m concessional loan (plus EU grants/assistance) to add potable water access for 400,000 more people, including Port Moresby. Green Finance Push: PNG has launched new green finance standards and tools, including updated green loan classification and a Green Finance Academy, to unlock climate-resilient investment. LNG Development Focus: PM James Marape toured Kikori to consult on the Papua LNG Development Forum, underscoring expectations for major jobs and foreign exchange gains. Regional Media Spotlight: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient journalism and cooperation amid digital disruption. Sporting Highlights: SP Sports Awards crowned sprint star Pais Wisil and footballer Ramona Padio; meanwhile, PNG Chiefs keep building their inaugural roster with Connor Watson and Matty Lees.

NRL Chiefs Build Momentum: Connor Watson has confirmed he’ll leave the Roosters and join the PNG Chiefs for their 2028 debut, with a two-year deal (and Matty Lees also signed for 2028), as the franchise targets further signings ahead of launch. Bougainville Politics: Peter O’Neill told Parliament the Bougainville Peace Agreement must be handled carefully, while a major parliamentary committee report frames Bougainville’s political future as the nation’s most important issue. Water for Port Moresby: The EU and EIB Global will fund K109.4m to expand drinking-water networks, aiming to add potable supply for 400,000 more people and cut losses in the capital. Regional Media Push: PNG hosted the Pacific Media Partnership Conference, focusing on resilient journalism amid digital disruption and misinformation. Sport Facilities & Awards: New softball facilities are set for UPNG by October, and the SP Sports Awards crowned Ramona Padio and Pais Wisil among top athletes. Fuel Market Concern: A lawmaker warned Puma Energy’s dominance in PNG’s fuel market gives it too much influence, calling for more competition.

Digital Identity & DPI Watch: World Bank adviser Tariq Malik warned that digital public infrastructure can “redistribute power” and concentrate risk, with AI making control issues harder. PNG Digital Push: PNG joined the 50-in-5 DPI campaign, linking its SevisPNG digital ID, SevisPass, SevisWallet and data exchange to wider interoperability goals. Health—Malaria: Governors launched the 2026-2030 Governors Ending Malaria coalition, aiming to cut PNG malaria deaths sharply by shifting stronger provincial leadership into action. Health—Progress Story: PNG reported a dramatic fall in malaria deaths (down 92%), driven by expanded rapid testing and treatment. Business & Investment: PM James Marape told Australia-PNG business leaders to look beyond mining and petroleum, promising policy support to improve profitability and services. Telecom Connectivity: Telikom is now an authorised Starlink reseller, offering managed services for households, government and enterprise. Sports Facilities: Australia-backed funding will build new competition softball fields at UPNG by October 2026. Governance & LNG Equity: Marape says Kroton equity for PNG LNG provinces isn’t a legal entitlement but policy under the UBSA, sparking parliamentary debate. Regional Trade: PNG expects a first PNG-China business forum in October, with talks aimed at deeper trade and investment.