AGP Executive Report

Climate Watch: A new UN report warns the Southwest Pacific is heading into hotter oceans, rising seas, more marine heatwaves, and a strengthening El Niño—prompting PNG’s Education Department to set up a drought-prep taskforce for schools. Marine Protection: Melanesian nations are moving toward a massive transboundary ocean reserve corridor (MOCOR), with Solomon Islands joining PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji—big potential for biodiversity, but only if management and enforcement are real. Energy & Reform: PNG says the US$14.5b Papua LNG project is targeting a final investment decision before end-2026 as petroleum reforms aim to boost investor confidence. Governance & Inclusion: PNG CORE launched a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy for mining, petroleum and energy—pushing safer workplaces, fair recruitment and support for people facing family and domestic violence. Biodiversity News: Conservationists mourn marine scientist Dr. Kent Carpenter, whose work helped shape marine conservation thinking. Local Services: National St John Ambulance welcomed PM Marape’s pledge to strengthen ambulance services through legislation. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote PNG and other Pacific islands. Diplomacy: Taiwan says PNG’s Taiwan office closure may not reflect full government consensus, as PNG cites its “one China” policy.

Emergency Care & Governance: National St John Ambulance welcomed Prime Minister James Marape’s pledge to introduce legislation formally recognising the service as PNG’s national emergency ambulance provider, aiming to strengthen long-term support for frontline responders. Youth & Livelihoods: Marape’s “I will find you” promise is turning into a National Youth Engagement Strategy (2025–2029) targeting one million youth jobs through pathways like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, SMEs, digital work and labour mobility. Mining, Money & Rules: Mining Minister Solen Loifa says mineral exports hit a record K32 billion last year, while PNG CORE launched a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy to tackle barriers in mining, petroleum and energy workplaces. Extractives Trust: PNG Resources Week also pushed stronger transparency, governance and compliance to build investor confidence and ensure fair community benefits. Digital Access: Digicel PNG signed on as a Gold Sponsor of DTS26, backing a more connected and inclusive digital public ecosystem. Environment & Coasts: National Volunteer Service planted mangroves in Central’s Barakau as a climate-resilience move, linking volunteering with a greener, more resilient PNG. Biodiversity & Safety: Air Niugini confirmed a return Auckland–Port Moresby route after 26 years, highlighting PNG’s marine biodiversity as a draw for divers and war historians. Regional Ocean Work: PNG and Solomon Islands advanced maritime boundary treaty discussions, progressing technical and legal steps toward bringing the treaty into force.

GESI in Resources: PNG CORE launched a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy for mining, petroleum and energy, calling out bullying, harassment, bias and barriers to women’s recruitment, pay and promotion. Extractives Governance: At PNG Resources Week, leaders stressed transparency, accountability and compliance as the way to build trust, reduce conflict and attract investment that also benefits resource-owning communities. Climate-Resilient Growth: The Climate Change Development Authority said PNG must balance development with climate resilience, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and 50% by 2030 through stronger rules and investment aligned to mitigation. Maritime Progress: PNG and Solomon Islands wrapped up talks on their maritime boundary treaty line, with UNCLOS support from the Pacific Community. Safer Seas: Australia’s HMAS Leeuwin will run a five-week hydrographic survey with PNGDF to improve navigation safety and maritime capability. Mangrove Action: PNG’s National Volunteer Service planted mangroves in Central’s Barakau as part of National Volunteer Day, linking volunteerism to climate resilience and safer coasts. Election Security: A PNG Hausbung discussion asked whether authorities can guarantee a safe 2027 election, with calls for stronger policing, joint security deployment and better civil education. Local Content Push: PNG CORE renewed pressure for more local businesses and landowner participation in resource projects, stressing reliable delivery and fair opportunities. Health Watch: WHO/UNICEF estimates warn immunisation progress in the Western Pacific is uneven, with many children still missing vaccines.

GESI in Resources: PNG CORE launched a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy statement at PNG Resources Week 2026, pushing for safer, more respectful workplaces in mining, petroleum and energy—targeting bullying, harassment, bias, and barriers to women’s recruitment, pay and leadership. Extractives Governance: A PNG Resources Week session stressed that transparency, governance and compliance are key to investor confidence and fair benefit-sharing, with calls for stronger oversight and anti-corruption across the sector. Climate Resilience & Growth: CCDA acting managing director Debra Sungi said PNG must balance economic development with climate resilience, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and 50% by 2030 through stronger rules and climate-resilient investment. Maritime Safety: Australia’s Royal Australian Navy will run a five-week hydrographic survey with PNGDF using HMAS Leeuwin to improve navigation safety and strengthen PNG’s maritime capability. Mangroves for Resilience: PNG National Volunteer Service marked National Volunteer Day with a mangrove-planting drive in Central’s Barakau, linking volunteerism to coastal protection and disaster risk reduction. Land, Rainfall & Violence: A research piece explores how extreme rainfall can act as an environmental stressor that may help trigger tribal violence in PNG’s land-dispute context. Pacific Maritime Talks: PNG and Solomon Islands wrapped up technical and legal talks on their maritime boundary treaty line, supported by SPC and UNCLOS approaches. Local Protein Boost: Bougainville’s “Golden Flock” project will expand community chicken farming to improve affordable protein, with village-level ownership and training. War Remnants Clearance: Defence reporting highlights ongoing explosive remnants of war removal in East New Britain under Operation Render Safe, reducing long-term hazards for communities.

Mangroves for climate resilience: The National Volunteer Service planted mangroves in Central’s Barakau (Eda Davara) to mark National Volunteer Day, linking volunteerism with environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction. Cabinet reshuffle, same delivery test: A new reshuffle puts fresh faces into portfolios, but critics warn systemic dysfunction and weak accountability won’t be fixed by ceremony alone—citizens want working hospitals, schools and law enforcement. Climate-smart governance: The Climate Change Development Authority says PNG must balance growth with climate resilience through stronger rules, aiming for carbon-neutrality by 2050 and 50% by 2030. Resources Week push for local benefits: PNG CORE and resource leaders urged stronger partnerships and more local content so mining and LNG projects deliver lasting jobs, skills and community confidence. Jobs gap despite growth: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy is growing, but formal jobs aren’t keeping up, with many new workers stuck in subsistence and informal work. Pacific security tensions: PM Fakafanua joined regional concern over China’s missile test, warning against militarising the ocean and calling for a coordinated Pacific response. War remnants cleared: Defence reporting highlights ongoing explosive ordnance disposal work in East New Britain to reduce hazards left from World War II. Bougainville protein boost: The “Golden Flock” village chicken project launches in Bougainville to expand affordable local protein through community-owned, training-centre farms. Education access pressure: A call to prioritise teachers and remote schools warns that shortages, absenteeism and weak monitoring keep children out of quality learning.

Cabinet reshuffle & climate portfolio change: Prime Minister James Marape swore in new ministers and reshuffled key roles, including John Kaupa taking over Environment, Conservation and Climate Change—while Dr Billy Joseph moves to Health and Disaster and Emergency Services. Climate resilience governance: CCDA acting managing director Debra Sungi says PNG must balance growth with climate resilience, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and 50% by 2030 through stronger laws and investment-ready frameworks. Resource benefits & local participation: PNG CORE president Anthony Smaré urged stronger partnerships so resource projects deliver lasting benefits, as the Chamber pushes for more local firms and landowner companies to win work and build skills. Ports upgrade for greener growth: PNG Ports unveiled a 30-year infrastructure master plan to modernize 15 declared ports, backed by major financing, to strengthen resilient connectivity across provinces. Mining wealth that sticks: Ok Tedi Mining says community-owned businesses are central, with a target of 80% local procurement by 2030 and long-term host-community income plans. Bougainville protein project: Island Passage Exploration and Isina Resource Holdings launched the “Golden Flock” village chicken project to expand affordable local protein through community-run farms and training. War remnants cleared: Defence reporting highlights ongoing explosive remnants of war removal in East New Britain under Operation Render Safe, protecting communities from hidden hazards. Jobs gap warning: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy is growing but formal jobs lag, urging better infrastructure, human capital, and conditions for private hiring. Blue Pacific security debate: PNG and Pacific leaders renewed calls for restraint after a reported Chinese nuclear-capable missile test, warning about risks to maritime safety and the environment. Education pressure in rural PNG: A call for better teacher support and remote school resourcing warns that weak service delivery and materials shortages are blocking quality learning.

Sovereign Wealth Fund Push: PNG’s Sovereign Wealth Fund chief technical adviser Ian Tarutia says the long-awaited fund could be PNG’s “game-changer” for turning finite resource wealth into long-term independence, framing it as the country’s superannuation for future generations. Mining Benefits & Local Jobs: PNG Resource Week coverage highlights pressure for mining communities to gain more through local businesses and landowner participation, with Ok Tedi Mining targeting 80% local procurement by 2030 and Marape outlining a new phase of mining and LNG development. Food Security Warning: The Agriculture and Livestock department says PNG must cut reliance on imported food as prices rise, citing food safety risks and climate-linked threats to local food systems. Fisheries Cooperation: PNG and Timor-Leste fisheries officers are exchanging skills to strengthen compliance and tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Rural Energy & Services: A solar lighting project in Simbu’s Kakondo is bringing clean power, streetlights, and a community resource centre to dozens of households. Blue Pacific Peace Call: PNG and Pacific leaders renew calls for an “Ocean of Peace” after reports of a Chinese long-range missile test, linking regional security to maritime safety and environmental protection. Education Access: Voices from across PNG urge faster action on teacher shortages and remote school support, warning that weak service delivery is widening learning gaps.

Sustainable Development Goals: PNG reaffirmed its commitment to the 2030 Agenda at the UN’s 2026 High-level Political Forum, keeping sustainability on the national agenda. Local livelihoods & food security: In Bougainville, Island Passage Exploration and Isina Resource Holdings teamed up with the Kyeema Foundation to launch the “Golden Flock” village chicken project, aiming to boost affordable eggs and chicken through community-owned, training-based farming. Mining benefits for communities: PNG’s resource sector leaders pushed for stronger local content and landowner participation, with Ok Tedi highlighting contracted landowner suppliers and a goal of 80% local procurement by 2030. Rural clean energy: Puma Energy Foundation funded a solar lighting rollout in Kakondo, Simbu, adding a community resource centre power hub plus solar streetlights for households and public services. Marine life under threat: Scientists in Milne Bay identified a new walking shark species, but warn its limited range could put it at risk. Climate & disasters: PNG and the region are bracing for worsening extreme weather as El Niño strengthens, with emergency broadcasting still underfunded. Fisheries cooperation: PNG and Timor-Leste exchanged fisheries officers to strengthen compliance and help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Mining local benefits: Ok Tedi Mining says landowner companies are key to making resource wealth last, with 49 landowner firms supplying goods and services and a push toward 80% local procurement by 2030, including a K500m community-owned fly-in fly-out accommodation village. Bougainville protein push: Island Passage Exploration, Isina Resource Holdings and the Kyeema Foundation launched the “Golden Flock” village chicken project in Bougainville’s EL02, backing community-owned organic chicken farms and training to expand affordable eggs and chicken. Disaster resettlement delays: The Mulitaka Resettlement Authority is demanding Enga provincial authorities release overdue reports and funds to start permanent relocation after the Mulitaka landslide. Jobs vs growth: A World Bank update says PNG’s economy is growing, but formal jobs aren’t keeping up, with many new workers pushed into subsistence and informal work as public services and business conditions lag. Food security warning: PNG’s agriculture department urges cutting reliance on imported food, citing food safety risks and stunting linked to lack of nutritious, safe supplies. Conservation find: Scientists in Milne Bay report a new walking shark species, but warn it may be at risk due to a limited range. Rural clean power: Puma Energy Foundation-backed solar lighting in Kakondo, Simbu, installed a renewable power station, streetlights and a community resource centre hub for safer, cleaner night-time services. Pacific climate alerts: Coverage highlights El Niño strengthening and the need for better emergency broadcasting so communities can act on warnings during extreme weather.

Ocean of Peace diplomacy: PNG and Pacific leaders are again pushing for a “zone of peace” after reports of a China long-range nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, with Tonga and others saying it has created tension and raised concerns for maritime safety and environmental protection. PNG resource push: Prime Minister James Marape used PNG Resources Week to reaffirm PNG as a global mining and LNG investment destination, outlining major project milestones and a policy goal of delivering at least 55% total benefits to the state and landowners. Climate and disaster readiness: Research highlights that Pacific emergency broadcasting is “recognition without resources,” leaving communities vulnerable when storms and floods hit. Food security: PNG is urged to cut reliance on imported food as prices rise and food safety risks persist, with stunting still a major concern. Biodiversity find: Scientists in Milne Bay report a new walking shark species, but warn it may be at risk due to a limited range. Sustainable fisheries: PNG is strengthening regional tuna fisheries cooperation through compliance-focused officer exchanges and renewed partnership work under the Nauru Agreement. Rural energy access: A solar lighting project in Kakondo, funded by the Puma Energy Foundation, is bringing clean power and safer public spaces to households and community facilities.

Volcanic Watch: Satellite images show an underwater eruption in the Bismarck Sea that could eventually form a new island north of Papua New Guinea, with steam plumes and signs magma sits just below the surface. Marine Life at Risk: Scientists in Milne Bay report a new “walking shark” species, the Dudgeon walking shark, but warn it may be confined to a limited range and already faces extinction risk. Pacific Security vs Environment: China’s July 6 missile test sparked strong Pacific backlash over threats to the “blue continent,” while PNG leaders again urged major powers to stop military weapons testing in the region. Governance for Cleaner Service Delivery: NCDC released an organisational capacity assessment report, with Port Moresby leaders calling it a key step toward stronger systems and better service delivery. Rural Energy Access: Puma Energy Foundation backed a solar lighting project in Kakondo, adding a community resource centre power hub and 60 streetlights for safer public spaces. Jobs and Services: A World Bank review says PNG’s hiring is held back by weak public service delivery, pointing to big gaps between laws and implementation. Fisheries Partnership: PNG’s fisheries authority reaffirmed its role with the Parties to the Nauru Agreement on sustainable tuna management. Tourism Data Push: PNGTPA and NCDC launched an accommodation inventory and capacity survey to support tourism investment and planning in Port Moresby.

Conservation & Wildlife: Scientists in Milne Bay report a new walking shark species, the Dudgeon walking shark, but warn it may be at risk because it seems to live in a limited range. Marine & Climate Science: Researchers using satellite imagery and AI produced the first high-resolution global seagrass map, finding most seagrass cover concentrated near a few countries and that much seagrass loss happens outside marine protected areas. Local Education: In Simbu’s Sol Nomane Karimui District, the United Development Foundation donated library and resource books to Kaliwai and Doliba primary schools to boost learning for disadvantaged students. Governance & Jobs: The World Bank says weak public service delivery is holding back hiring in PNG, pointing to a gap between business laws and how well public services work for firms. Fisheries: PNG’s National Fisheries Authority reaffirmed its partnership with the Parties to the Nauru Agreement on sustainable tuna management and securing better value for Pacific communities. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District accommodation inventory and capacity survey to improve destination planning and investment readiness.

Pacific Security Shock: China’s July 6 long-range missile launch from a nuclear-powered submarine drew sharp Pacific backlash, with leaders saying it’s “not something a friend does” and warning the “blue continent” is being militarised. Regional Defence Moves: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, with an open door for other Pacific states including PNG and New Zealand, as Canberra positions itself as a security leader amid China tensions. PNG-Australia Defence Training: Exercise Wantok Warrior wrapped up in Townsville, strengthening PNGDF and Australian Army interoperability through small-team tactics and challenging-environment drills. Fisheries & Ocean Stewardship: PNG won recognition in the Pacific tuna partnership under the Nauru Agreement, highlighting sustainable management and better value from tuna resources. Tourism Data for Sustainability: PNGTPA and NCDC launched an Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey to improve Port Moresby planning and investment readiness. Climate & Nature Research: Scientists produced the first high-resolution global seagrass map, showing most seagrass sits off a few countries and that much loss happens outside marine protected areas. Jobs vs Service Delivery: A World Bank report says PNG’s hiring is held back by weak public service delivery, pointing to a major gap between laws and implementation.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji signed the “Ocean of Peace Alliance” in Suva, with an open door for other Pacific states to join—PNG is already in a similar Australia pact—while regional leaders condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test as a threat to the “blue continent.” PNG-Australia Defence Training: Exercise Wantok Warrior wrapped up in Townsville, boosting PNGDF and Australian Army small-team tactics, interoperability, and readiness in challenging terrain. Fisheries & Ocean Stewardship: PNG’s fisheries ties were highlighted through the Nauru Agreement partnership, reaffirming sustainable tuna management and value for Pacific communities. Climate & Nature Science: Scientists used satellite imagery and AI to map global seagrass, finding most cover concentrated near a few countries and that seagrass loss is often outside marine protected areas. Tourism Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District accommodation inventory to improve destination planning and event readiness. Jobs & Service Delivery: The World Bank says weak public service delivery is holding back hiring despite PNG’s growing job-seeker numbers. UNDP Payments: UNDP will scale blockchain-based humanitarian payments beyond pilots, including work already underway in Papua New Guinea. Biodiversity: A newly assessed Mount Apo helmet orchid is listed critically endangered after researchers found only 10 mature plants at a single site.

PNG-Australia Defence Skills: Exercise Wantok Warrior 2026 wrapped up in Townsville, with PNGDF troops training alongside Australia’s 3rd Brigade on small-team tactics, threat response and trench/bunker clearance—another step in interoperability. UNDP Digital Payments: UNDP will move blockchain-based humanitarian payments from pilots to a “standing capability,” including work already underway in Papua New Guinea. Carbon Markets (Regional): Singapore and Indonesia signed a carbon credits MOU, but the real Article 6 rules still need to be agreed. Marine Life Mapping: Scientists used satellite imagery and AI to produce the first high-resolution global seagrass map, showing most seagrass sits near a few countries and much loss happens outside marine protected areas. Fisheries Partnership: PNG’s National Fisheries Authority reaffirmed cooperation with the Parties to the Nauru Agreement on sustainable tuna management and regional value. Jobs vs Service Delivery: The World Bank says weak public service delivery is blocking business hiring, pointing to a big implementation gap in PNG’s regulatory system. Tourism Data Push: PNGTPA and NCDC launched a National Capital District accommodation inventory survey to improve tourism planning and investment. Environment & Land Protection: A call to protect PNG’s environment, cultural heritage and livelihoods warns mining and large-scale oil palm can cause lasting damage without strong safeguards. Biodiversity Alert: A newly described Mount Apo helmet orchid was assessed as critically endangered after researchers found only 10 mature plants at a single site.

Tourism Data for Port Moresby: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and NCDC launched a National Capital District Accommodation Inventory & Capacity Survey to build a reliable database for investment, event planning (including the 2028 PNG Chiefs Rugby Games), and more sustainable tourism growth. Biodiversity Under Pressure: A newly assessed helmet orchid from Mount Apo, Corybas apoensis, has been classified critically endangered after researchers found only 10 mature plants from a single known site—highlighting how fragile PNG’s mossy forest habitats are. Tuna Stewardship: The Nauru Agreement (PNA) Office CEO visited PNG’s National Fisheries Authority, reaffirming partnership on sustainable tuna fisheries management and regional cooperation. Mining’s Environmental Risk: A call to protect PNG’s land warns that large-scale mining and oil palm expansion can mean deforestation, polluted rivers, biodiversity loss, and long-term harm to customary livelihoods. Conservation Governance in the Coral Triangle: IUCN highlighted progress toward stronger, better-managed marine protected areas in the Coral Triangle, including the IUCN Green List approach. New Species, New Timeframe: Research suggests a New Guinea kangaroo species survived until as late as 6,500 years ago, adding complexity to how megafauna declined across the region.