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Events News and Information

Australia Future Unlimited: Education Roadshow 2019

The 2019 Australia Future Unlimited: Education Roadshow will showcase leading and top ranked Australian Universities and colleges in four regional centres.

The roadshow will provide opportunities for the visiting tertiary institutions to meet with potential full fee paying students, sponsors, current and prospective partners and alumni.

In attendance will be secondary schools and colleges from Australia, TVET institutions and Australian university representatives.

The event is aimed intending applicants for future Australia Award scholarships, potential private students from secondary school to post-graduate levels. It may also be of interest to managers seeking information on training and courses available for staff.

 

PORT MORESBY – Hilton Hotel | Saturday, July 20th 9:00am – 12:00pm – Open session (Through Registrations only).
1:00pm – 3:00pm – Open session (Through Registrations only)

KOKOPO – Gazelle International Hotel | Monday, July 22nd 9:00am – 12:00pm – Open to general public.
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Open to general public.

LAE – Lae International Hotel | Wednesday, July 24th 9:00am – 12:00pm – Open session (Through Registrations only).
1:00pm – 4:00pm – Open session (Through Registrations only).

GOROKA – University of Goroka | Thursday, July 25th 1:00pm – 4:00pm – Open to general public.

Who will attend from Australia?

  • Leading and top ranked Australian Universities and colleges.

Who should attend?

  • Full fee paying students and potential private students from Secondary School to Post Graduate levels.
  • CEOs and HR / Training Managers seeking information on courses available for staff. Including provincial governments offering scholarships in their provinces.
  • Universities and training institutions looking at partnering with these universities and colleges.

For more information or to register, please contact Alu Tauna
Phone: 325 9150 | Email: Alu.Tauna@austrade.gov.au
Or register online: https://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/events for Port Moresby and Lae participants.

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APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct Events

Health experts excited by the potential of ‘transformational’ technology

Sir Puka on the panel at the APEC Discussion Series.

Technology has potential to transform primary health care in Papua New Guinea according to local and international experts at a public discussion held during APEC Health Security Week.

The fourth event in the APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct included a keynote speech by Dr Shin Young-soo, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director, and a panel discussion that featured Hon. Sir Puka Temu CMG KBE MP, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, and Dr Vivian Lin, former World Health Organization (WHO) Director for Health Sector Development.

The event coincided with APEC Health Security Week and was the fourth iteration in the series, which has offered unprecedented public access to local and visiting experts on APEC topics – including economic integration agriculture and health.

The conversation was centred on primary health care and the panellists were quick to highlight the relevance of the 2018 APEC theme – ‘Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future’ – to health in Papua New Guinea.

Sir Puka said Papua New Guinea has the potential to make a technological leapfrog and cover the country with health care services.

“Harnessing technology is so critical for us,” he said, “in Rwanda they use drones to deliver vaccines at a 300 mile radius – that’s transformational, as long as on-site there’s a health worker that can disperse the vaccine. Tele-health or tele-medicine can be used when an obstetric nurse is having a difficult delivery. The obstetrician is ready in a regional hospital to guide that nurse on how to deliver safely.”

Sir Puka Temu also said the health of people across the country depends on both investment in health services and supporting infrastructure.
“mHeath is not an expenditure item – it is an investment item. We invest in the health of the nation,” he said.

“The bulk of positive health outcomes don’t come from direct health interventions – they come from non-health interventions,” he continued.

In his keynote address, Dr Shin said primary health care is crucially important for health security for all people, but that building these health services is neither easy nor quick.

“It takes time to build and maintain the right physical infrastructure, to train the workforces, and ensure good planning and links to other parts of the health system,” he said.

“Right now there is an outbreak of polio in PNG and this is a perfect example of the need to keep investing in primary health care to ensure that every man, woman and child gets essential services – such as immunisations.

Dr Vivian Lin and Sr Celine Yakasere provide perspectives on the importance of primary health care.

According to the WHO, the rise of mobile of technologies, applications and cellular networks has the potential to improve and permanently alter the way health services are delivered, and Dr Vivian Lin believes innovation can support health workers to communicate successfully with communities.

“Health – apps on the phone – can, in real-time, let you know how many people are waiting at all the emergency departments and what the waiting time is. That helps people actually make choices about where they may go,” Dr Lin said.

Dr Lin also said that community partnerships are vital for formal health care systems to function well.

“One of the really important things about primary health care is that it’s not just about individuals seeking care – it’s about engaging with communities,” she said.

“When people build trust then we can see a much stronger response from the community to a range of health issues.”

The APEC Discussion Series is hosted by the PNG APEC Secretariat and the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct. The APEC Series continues on 5 September with an event themed: ‘Women in Leadership’.

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APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct Events

APEC Discussion explores agriculture as a major regional opportunity for PNG

Grahame Dixie, Executive Director at Grow Asia.

The Papua New Guinea public had their say on APEC Food Security week at the third event of the APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct, which was themed ‘Growing the nation: Agriculture, Inclusive Growth and Regional Opportunities’.

The event was held on Tuesday 7 August at the University of Papua New Guinea and included a keynote address from Grahame Dixie, Executive Director of Grow Asia, a multi-stakeholder partnership platform that catalyses action on inclusive agricultural development in South East Asia.

Mr Dixie said PNG can look to examples of South East Asian economies which have been able to kick-start their economic development by initially focusing on increasing the productivity of their smallholder farmers.

“The world is changing rapidly – creating both challenges and opportunities for farming. Agribusinesses need additional supplies of agricultural raw materials to supply the changing, expanding, and largely urban demand,” he said.

“The great opportunity is that agribusinesses have the capacity, through their buying power, to bring significant new sources of cash income into the rural economy – this is the fuel for eliminating rural poverty.”

Mr Dixie pointed to a case from Indonesia, where a coffee industry partnership between a major transnational corporation, nurseries, fertilizer companies, NGOs, certifiers, banks and local traders has lifted farmers’ harvests and improved the prices they receive.

He said this outcome was due to a combination of certification, competition and improved quality, and the tangible impact has been that around 20,000 farmers increased their coffee profits by more than 80 per cent – worth approximately US$12 million per year.

“In PNG the approach of creating and working with multi-stakeholder partners – typically comprising agribusiness, producers, civil society and government – can bring similar benefits,” Mr Dixie said.

“There are problems that cannot be solved by an individual company or institution, but can be tackled cooperatively. “

Joeri Kalwij (centre-left), Jane Ravusiro (centre-right) and Max Puritau (right) provided perspectives on agribusiness and small holder development in PNG.

The event also included a panel discussion that featured Jane Ravusiro, Senior National Coordinator at the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access Program (PHAMA); Joeri Kalwij, the Manager of Monpi Coffee Exports Ltd; and Max Puritau, Global Village Exports Managing Director.

The APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct will continue next week on Wednesday 15 August with a discussion centred on APEC Health Security Week and the theme ‘Ensuring the Region’s Health Security through Primary Healthcare’.

It will feature a keynote address by World Health Organization Regional Director Dr Shin Young-soo.

The series was launched in May and gives Papua New Guineans unprecedented access to visiting international experts and the APEC discussions taking place throughout 2018.

It is hosted by the PNG APEC Secretariat and the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct, supported by the PNG – Australia Partnership, and explores APEC themes and policy issues relevant to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific.

As the 2018 APEC host, Papua New Guinea will hold approximately 200 meetings with up to 15,000 delegates, including global business and government leaders, policy and technical experts and academics.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical and capable leaders.

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Events

APEC Discussion Series continues: ‘Why APEC matters for PNG?’

The second event of the APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct – ‘Why APEC matters for PNG?’ – will be held at the University of Papua New Guinea’s New Lecture Theatre from 4:30pm-6pm on Thursday 12 July.

The event will feature a keynote address from Carlos Kuriyama, Senior Analyst at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore, and a panel discussion with Ken Waller, Executive Director of the APEC Business Advisory Council, and Lady Aivu Tauvasa, Deputy Chair of Nambawan Super.

To confirm your attendance, please RSVP to info@pslrpng.org or 307 2287

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APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct Events

APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct

The Papua New Guinea APEC Secretariat and the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct have announced a discussion series that will give Papua New Guineans unprecedented access to visiting international experts and the APEC discussions taking place throughout 2018.

The ‘APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct’ is presented by the PNG APEC Secretariat and the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct, supported by the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership and hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea’s APEC Ambassador Ivan Pomaleu said the APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct will look at APEC themes and policy issues that are important to Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. 

“The APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct is a chance for people to engage with international policy experts,” Mr Pomaleu said. 

“The discussions will cover many topics related to APEC including trade, tourism, mining and more. It is an opportunity to explore how international expertise can be applied in Papua New Guinea,” he said 

As the 2018 APEC host, Papua New Guinea will hold approximately 200 meetings with up to 15,000 delegates, including global business and government leaders, policy and technical experts and academics. 

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said Australia is partnering with Papua New Guinea to ensure this is one of the most successful APEC years ever. 

“Papua New Guinea is showcasing its culture, beauty and economic opportunities to the world as the host of APEC 2018. 

“This year is also a chance for Papua New Guinea to take hold of the great trade and investment opportunities that exist in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

The first event in APEC Discussion Series at the Precinct will be held on 24 May and feature a keynote address from World Trade Organization Director-General, Roberto Azevêdo.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical and capable leaders.

It fosters discussion and debate on how to improve governance and service delivery at national, provincial and district levels, and encourages values-based decision making in the Papua New Guinea public service.

The venue for the series is the New Lecture Theatre at the University of Papua New Guinea. The University is a core partner of the Precinct and an historic home for discussions on topics of national importance.

The New Lecture Theatre was launched in March and constructed with support from the Australian Government.

To attend the inaugural discussion on 24 May, RSVP to info@pslrpng.org. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the New Lecture Theatre at UPNG by 4.30pm for the 5pm – 6pm event.

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Events Press Releases UPNG School of Business and Public Policy

Senior PNG and Aus public servants discuss leadership and decentralisation

Acting UPNG Vice-Chancellor Professor Mange Matui, Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd and Acting Department of Personnel Management Secretary Taies Sansan.

Department of Personnel Management Acting Secretary Taies Sansan and Australian Public Service Commissioner John Lloyd came together for a discussion on ethical leadership and the decentralisation of government functions to regional areas.

The discussion, Leading for the Future – Ethics, Workplace Culture and Leadership in a Decentralised Public Sector, was the first event in the 2018 University of Papua New Guinea Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture Series, and was supported by the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

Ms Sansan said decentralisation means public servants in the provinces and districts have a greater role to play in the delivery of services.

“A majority of Papua New Guineans live in regional areas and public servants on the ground are best placed to understand the needs of the community they serve,” she said.

“At the Department of Personnel Management we are strengthening public service leadership at all levels – from central agencies in Port Moresby to the provincial, district and local levels.”

“The Precinct and the newly relaunched Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance are some of the mechanisms we are using to develop the capacity of the public service to make it more efficient, effective and ethical.”

The Department of Personnel Management and the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance maintain strong institutional links with the Australian Public Sector Commission through the Precinct.

Mr Lloyd said good governance and an effective public service is critically important for the stability and success of every country.

“Like the PNG public service, the Australian Public Service delivers many community services and buys goods worth billions of dollars,” he said.

“As public servants, all of us must carry out our duties with honesty, integrity, accountability, respect and responsibility.”

“Our leaders must lead by example and demonstrate the highest standards for others to emulate.”

The Department of Personnel Management, Australian Public Service Commission and Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance, through the Precinct, have run courses in East New Britain, East Sepik, Madang and Southern Highlands, reaching nearly 200 public servants.

The Precinct also supports the partnership between the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Business and Public Policy and the Australian National University.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical, capable public sector leaders.

 
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Events Press Releases UPNG School of Business and Public Policy

PNG a leader on climate change says Environment Ambassador

Ambassador Patrick Suckling speaks to the audience about the Paris Agreement and the role of Papua New Guinea as an international and regional leader on climate change.

Australian Ambassador for the Environment Patrick Suckling noted that Papua New Guinea had played an important leadership role on climate change issues, as international negotiations continue on the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Mr Suckling gave the keynote address at The Paris Agreement and Climate Change Leadership in the Pacific, a discussion event hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct on 30 January.

An audience of public sector, academia, non-government organisations and civil society representatives took the opportunity to participate in a lively discussion on the local, regional and international responses to climate challenges.

Mr Suckling said that the effects of climate change are disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities in the Pacific and Papua New Guinea had a strong voice and a vital role to play on global climate change policy.

“With the Paris Agreement, over 190 countries recognised there is a problem and agreed to act, to act urgently and to act together,” he said.

“Leaders in the Pacific speak with great moral authority and this resonates with the international community.

I’ve heard there are communities in Papua New Guinea having to relocate because of rising seas and others that are challenged by severe weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding.”

“Regional leaders, including successive Prime Ministers of Papua New Guinea, have advocated for strong action and practical solutions to the challenges of climate change.”

“Australia and Papua New Guinea have worked together over many years to address the threats of climate change, for example climate proofing infrastructure like roads and building community resilience.”

An engaged audience from the public and private sectors, academia, non-governmental organisations, and civil society put questions to Ambassador Suckling.

Papua New Guinea and Australia are signatories to the Paris Agreement, an accord to take action to reduce emissions as a means for preventing the global temperature from rising more than two degrees.

As Ambassador for the Environment, Mr Suckling represents Australia on global environmental issues, including negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Mr Suckling said that there was wide consensus around the world regarding the Paris Agreement and that everyone must play a role, including representatives from the private sector.

“Corporate business is getting on board with this agenda more than ever before,” he said.

“They are increasingly aware of the risk of climate – how to adapt, change and be robust – and they are also focused on the opportunities of a changing global economy based on lower emissions and climate resilience.

A lot of countries and a lot of companies are saying that this is big business. Many countries are demonstrating that you can reduce emissions and grow the economy. On some estimates meeting climate change commitments by just the key emerging economies is a $23 trillion opportunity.”

The Paris Agreement and Climate Change Leadership in the Pacific was hosted by UPNG and the Precinct in order to facilitate discussion on public-policy challenges and opportunities, and on how ethical leaders can support positive change for communities in Papua New Guinea.

UPNG is a core institution of the Precinct, a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to strengthen the public sector and promote leaders who can develop and implement effective public policy.

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Announcements Events Future Leaders Program News and Information Precinct Leadership Program

Future Leaders Program nominations are open

Applications are now open to Port Moresby based public servants for the Future Leaders Program, which will commence on 9 April 2018 as part of the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

The Future Leaders Program offers leadership training that is tailor-made for the Papua New Guinea public sector.

  • Improve key public service skills, including leadership capabilities, strategic thinking and policy development.
  • A combination of skills-based training, peer-to-peer learning, participatory exercises, class discussions, academic course work and applied workplace projects.
  • A fully-funded, nine-month program with 3 x two-week residential learning blocks at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance in Port Moresby.

For further information and application forms, please contact the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) through:

Mr Vele Ravugamini, Executive Manager – Executive Leadership Development Division –
Phone: 327 6326 or Email: ravugamini_vele@dpm.gov.pg

Ms Junelyn Veratau, Senior Executive Leadership Development Officer –
Phone: 327 6407 or Email: junelyn_veratau@dpm.gov.pg

Completed application forms and relevant documentation must be provided to DPM by Close of Business on Friday, 9 February 2017. Late applications will not be accepted.

Selection criteria:

  1. Applicants must be permanent Public Servants occupying positions from Grade 10 – 14 from the Provinces and Grade 15 – 16 at the National level
  2. Have five years of relevant work experience, including mid–level management experience
  3. Recommended and supported by the Agency Heads to attend the program
  4. Have demonstrated leadership skills
  5. Possess a minimum of Grade 10 or Equivalent High School Qualification
  6. Grade 12 or Equivalent High School Qualification
    (desirable)

Required documentation:

  • Completed application forms
  • Copy of Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing duties and responsibilities, demonstrating 5 years of relevant work experience including mid-level management experience.
  • Certified copies of academic certificates and transcript for all previous high school and university studies
  • A letter of recommendation from the Agency Head

Applications that do not include the required documentation will not be considered.

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Events

Precinct Board focused on development of subnational leaders

Public Service Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore launches the inaugural Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance short course in Madang.

Supporting the development of public servants in districts and provinces including opportunities to engage in the public-private partnership arrangement, were the key discussions of the Executive Advisory Board of the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct in Madang last month.

The meeting also coincided with the launch of the new short course on project management.

Public Service Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore said the Precinct is helping to strengthen the foundations of the public service.

“We want to see an improved public sector in the country – today and in the future,” he said.

“We can improve service delivery, with the people we have, if we can commit ourselves fully; if we can become responsive; if we can become accountable. We need decisive, strong, accountable leadership. We can make change and we can make a difference to our country and it must begin now.”

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said the development of public sector leaders is a priority of the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.

“The Board meeting and Project Management course held in Madang are important signals of intent for the Precinct to be increasingly focused on subnational areas,” he said.

“It reflects Papua New Guinea and Australia’s shared commitment to ethical leadership, strong governance and inclusion in the public sector.

The Precinct’s eminent Executive Adivsory Board includes John Kali, Jean Kekedo and Dame Meg Taylor.

By empowering leaders in regional areas we will increasingly see local solutions to the regional challenges in delivering key services.”

The Precinct’s eminent Executive Advisory Board comprises Archbishop Douglas Young, John Kali, Father Jan Czuba, Bruce Davis, Dame Meg Taylor, Tony Shepherd, Jean Kekedo, David Guinn and Serena Sasingian.

Board members toured the area around Madang town before the meeting, visiting Bilbil Village, RD Tuna and the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance regional training centre at the Divine Word University.

 The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of ethical, capable public sector leaders throughout PNG.

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Events PNG Institute of Public Administration

Future leaders meet with Ambassador for Women and Girls

Dr Stone is warmly received by staff at the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance.

Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls Dr Sharman Stone met with participants of the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct’s Future Leaders Program to discuss the qualities needed to overcome challenges and champion positive change in the public service, during her recent visit to Papua New Guinea.

Participants took the opportunity to ask questions of Dr Stone, who worked as a senior public servant in Australia and then spent 20 years as a Member of Parliament before her appointment as Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls.

Dr Stone said public servants have to be incorruptible and act with honesty and integrity.

“As a public servant you have to be fearless and expert in your advice to politicians,” she said.

“You’ve got to have respect for the job that you do and for the policies that you implement. Your personal competency is in your hands and your training needs to be life-long.

You’ll be carrying those personal characteristics with you – your honesty, integrity, accountability, competency, gender equity principles – and then you’ll have a public service that will make the country great.”

The Future Leaders Program has been tailor-made to assist Papua New Guinean public servants make the step up to decision-making positions through the development of key skills including leadership capabilities, strategic thinking and policy development. The program is underpinned by Government of Papua New Guinea policies – including the Leadership Capability Framework and the Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy.

Future Leaders Program participant Wendy Tom Isu, Acting First Assistant Secretary at the Department of Treasury, speaks to Dr Stone about being a champion of gender equity in the Papua New Guinea public service.

Women represented 13 of the 25 participants in the third cohort of the Future Leadership Program.

Dr Stone said the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia is supporting more women to be brought into leadership positons.

“We want men and women to stand shoulder to shoulder and share leadership – we want women to be seen as leaders and to become leaders,” she said.

“You’ve got to find your champions – there will always be a Minister or a director of your department who is a champion and understands GESI.”

“We know from the research that a company does better when it has an equal number of men and women on its board, in the executive or in management.”

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Events Gender PNG Institute of Public Administration Press Releases

PNG and Indigenous Australian women make leadership link

Professional women leaders from Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their Papua New Guinean counterparts have taken the first step towards establishing a formal dialogue on leadership, gender and culture at a landmark meeting timed to coincide with Australia’s annual celebration of its Indigenous people.

A panel discussion hosted by the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct on Monday brought eminent women from both nations together for NAIDOC Week, which is held each year to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Indigenous Australians.

Stephanie Harvey, CEO of Indigenous Community Volunteers in Australia, said she was excited to share ideas and experiences with women leaders in Papua New Guinea.
“PNG is our closest neighbour and I believe there is a lot we can learn from each other,” Ms Harvey said.

“It would be wonderful if we could build strong relationships between Indigenous women leaders from Papua New Guinea and Australia to strengthen leadership, governance and economic development.”

“In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are in leadership roles and are walking side by side with male leaders.”

The four visitors from Australia were welcomed to PNGIPA by a singsing group

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia is particularly focused on supporting current and emerging women in leadership positions.

“We want to ensure institutional barriers to women’s participation in the economy are addressed,” Mr Davis said.

“These events spark conversations that need to be had around important topics, such as women in leadership, and create networks that can support positive change.”

“One of the great strengths of the Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership is the person-to-person links that span business, education and sport.”

The panel discussion also included Divine Word University President Dr Cecilia Nembou, Exxon Mobil’s Susil Nelson-Kongoi and Vonda Malone, Mayor of Torres Shire Council in Queensland.

The event was hosted by the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct, a partnership between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia that supports the development of ethical, capable leaders, and facilitates dialogue about development challenges.

WECREATE Challenge participant Rita Jaima Paru (left) (Owner/Director – Dial-a-Lunch Services) at the roundtable discussion, to the rights is Mayor of the Torres Strait Shire Council, Vonda Malone.

The four invited guests had earlier joined staff at the Australian High Commission in a ceremony to raise the Australian flag with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Yesterday, the High Commission also hosted a roundtable discussion with the Indigenous Australian women and invited guests. The discussion is to explore business, innovation and entrepreneurship themes.

A key outcome of this session will be to develop initiatives that could be taken forward into the APEC year.

NAIDOC first emerged in the 1920s when Aboriginal groups sought to increase awareness on the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme – Our Languages Matter – celebrates the important, unique role Indigenous languages play in cultural identity, linking people to their land, history, spirituality and rites.

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Events PNG Institute of Public Administration Press Releases

Precinct partnership continues revitalisation support at PNGIPA

A ground breaking ceremony for the Learning Resource Centre was held with Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis, DPM Secretary John Kali and Librarian Malala Moi, who has worked at PNGIPA for 42 years.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct continues to support the revitalisation of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Public Administration (PNGIPA) with the construction of a new Learning Resource Centre.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on 21 June to celebrate the centre, which will provide modern spaces to Papua New Guinea for teaching, research and discussion.

The new resource centre will also complement the ongoing construction of a new administration office called the new Bully Beef Building at PNGIPA, which started last year.

The institution’s capacity to deliver courses is being strengthened through the Precinct, supported by a partnership with the Australian Public Service Commission.

More than 300 Papua New Guineans have graduated from PNGIPA in 2017, including 42 public servants who were awarded Australian-accredited diplomas through the Precinct partnership.

DPM Secretary Kali symbolically demolished a model of the old PNGIPA Library that is to be replaced.

The institution also hosts the Precinct’s Future Leaders Program, which was launched in March 2017 and provides executive leadership training for emerging public sector leaders.

The Future Leaders Program is a collaboration between PNGIPA, the University of Papua New Guinea and the University of Queensland, with guidance from the Department of Personnel Management.

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis said the Precinct is an example of the modern partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia that is based on shared economic and strategic objectives.

“Our two governments are supporting the development of leaders at all levels of government that can deliver essential services to the people,” Mr Davis said.

Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and DPM Secretary John Kali were welcomed to PNGIPA by a singsing group from Tari, Hela Province.

“This Precinct partnership is focused on the development of Papua New Guinea’s next generation of public sector leaders; equipping them with the skills, values, networks, and experience to take forward the development of Papua New Guinea.”

The new Learning Resource Centre will replace the deteriorating library, which was constructed in 1963 and gifted to the Councils of Papua and New Guinea by the local Government of Australia in 1966.

PNGIPA has played an important role in the history of leadership development in Papua New Guinea and the new Learning Resource Centre will support this tradition to be continued.

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Events Gender Press Releases UPNG School of Business and Public Policy

UPNG takes the lead on gender equality

UPNG School of Business and Public Policy academic staff with UPNG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, and Executive Dean, Professor Lekshmi N. Pillai (back-centre).

The University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Business and Public Policy will integrate gender equality into its curriculum, as part of a new approach to changing behaviours.

A gender workshop was held at the university recently for the school of business staff to ensure gender issues become a part of student learning. The workshop was funded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities and facilitated through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, said that the institution had an important role to play in creating change.

“Gender equality is so fundamentally critical to Papua New Guinea. This is one way of contributing to pushing back against these problems that are endemic across the world,” Professor Mellam said.

The School of Business Executive Dean, Professor Lekshmi N. Pillai, said that the time is right to embrace gender equality and embed it as part of the curriculum.

“Sustainable future growth must be based on the right principles, practices, and policies.

“We can integrate gender in to the way business, economics and public policy are taught, and change the way students think about these issues,” Professor Pillai said

Wasita Pomel, a Business Management tutor, and Nathan John, an Economics tutor, were among the participants at the Gender Equality Workshop.

Head of Business Management Evelyn Kua said education is crucial for improving opportunities for women in Papua New Guinea.

“Gender equality has been a foreign concept in the Papua New Guinean cultural context and that is a challenge which needs to be addressed.

“Traditionally, men have been the decision makers and the providers of food, shelter, and protection – but these trends are changing.

“We need to create a curriculum that can bridge the gap between tradition and the realities of today,” Mrs Kua said.

The University’s School of Business will use the outcomes of the workshop to promote gender equality as part of its curriculum, as part of the Papua New Guinea Government’s Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) Policy, and the Ethics and Values-Based Executive Leadership and Management Capability Framework.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is part of the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership to build a new generation of ethical and accountable public and private sector leaders. The Precinct also works to ensure the Government’s GESI Policy is rolled out among all its stakeholders, including the University of Papua New Guinea.

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Events Press Releases UPNG School of Business and Public Policy

Partnership focused on empowering women and ending gender-based violence

UPNG Second Vice Chancellor’s Lecture of 2017 (from left to right) Lady Winifred Kamit, Founding Chairperson Coalition for Change, Ms Evan Biesco, case manager with Femili PNG, Ms Rosie Batty, Australian of the Year 2015 and Ms Monica Toiseneglia, HR Manager Steamships Transport.

The Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership continues its focus on improving gender equality and ending family sexual violence in the country.

A recent visit by anti-violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the year, Rosie Batty, was an opportunity to showcase some of the achievements of the partnership.

In the law and justice sector, Australia in partnership with the Family and Sexual Violence Action Committee (FSVAC) is working to improve coordination and quality of services provided to survivors of violence.

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Rod Hilton said a recent workshop brought together provincial police, state lawyers and other stakeholders, to identify challenges and opportunities to improve services such as legal aid, medical attention and psychosocial services for survivors of violence.

“An effective response to ending family and sexual violence is about better access to justice, improved support services and ultimately, prevention,” Mr Hilton said.

Secretary for the Department of Justice and Attorney General and Chair of the National FSVAC, Dr Lawrence Kalinoe, described the workshop as an investment that would make a real impact on the lives of people.

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor Rod Hilton (Front left), Department of Justice and Attorney General Secretary and Chair of the National FSVAC Dr Lawrence Kalinoe and participants of the referral pathways workshop.

“We have to make sure that whatever is written in the law actually gets translated into physical, tangible systems on the ground, and that they function properly,” Dr Kalinoe said.

Ms Batty who was the guest speaker at the workshop, commended participants for their passion and commitment to bringing about change.
Ms Batty also participated in the University of Papua New Guinea Vice-Chancellor’s Lecture supported through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct. Ms Batty said family violence needed to be part of the conversations at schools, in the workplace and at homes all over the world.

“Family violence exists in every pocket of every community across Australia. In Australia and Papua New Guinea, victims of family violence are overwhelmingly women. To work together on solutions is the only way to go.”

Ms Batty was in the country as part of her tour in support of Femili PNG, a local family and sexual violence case management centre based in Lae.
The Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership works across a number of sectors including education, health, law and justice gender and sport.

For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100

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Events Press Releases

APEC to put Papua New Guinea in the global spotlight

Left to right: Senior APEC Analyst Carlos Kuriyama, APEC Secretariat Executive Director Alan Bollard, Pacific Economic Cooperation Council Secretary General Eduardo Pedrosa and the PNG Government Ambassador to APEC Ivan Pomelau.

Leading Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) experts say Papua New Guinea stands to benefit from being in the global spotlight when it hosts the APEC forum in 2018, including an anticipated boost to investment, tourism and trade.

A forum was held last week to raise awareness of the opportunities that APEC would present in 2018, following the APEC Policy Development Dialogue between Papua New Guinea, Australia and senior APEC officials from across the region.

The forum was hosted by the Australian High Commission and the Papua New Guinea APEC Secretariat through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct. The Precinct is a partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia to develop future leaders and drive public policy debate.

Australia is supporting Papua New Guinea in its policy preparations for APEC, including the provision of training for officials to develop, advocate and implement policies, and the establishment of the APEC Study Centre at the National Research Institute.

Dr Alan Bollard, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat based in Singapore, said hosting APEC was a big task and Papua New Guinea was advancing in its preparations for the event.

Attendants, including National Research Institute Director Dr Charles Yala, had the opportunity to put questions to the APEC experts.

“APEC is trying to integrate the Asia-Pacific region economically by cutting trade barriers and keeping the spirit of trade, investments, people movement and economic integration alive.

“By hosting APEC Papua New Guinea will get a lot of exposure internationally from people that didn’t know much about the country.

“People will better understand the sorts of trade, tourism and investment opportunities that exist here,” Dr Bollard said.

Rod Hilton, Minister Counsellor at the Australian High Commission, said hosting APEC is a privilege and an exciting prospect for the country.

“APEC offers the unrivalled opportunity of bringing the attention of world leaders to Papua New Guinea,” Mr Hilton said.

“PNG will be able to showcase its culture, people, beauty, economy and opportunities to the world.

“Australia is happy to partner with Papua New Guinea to support its hosting of APEC, including providing both security and policy support.”

Precinct partners were amongst the attendants at the event, including Vele Ravugamini, Executive Manager at the Department of Personnel Management, and Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Dean at the UPNG School of Business and Public Policy.

Papua New Guinea Government Ambassador to APEC, Ivan Pomaleu, said a lot of work had gone in to preparing for the APEC Policy Dialogue.

“This has been a very useful exchange and we are a taking the commentary and critical analysis of the APEC Secretariat on board,” Mr Pomaleu said.

“A large group of officials representing various government agencies right throughout our public service will be upskilled through the Australian partnership program in preparation for 2018.”

Pacific Economic Cooperation Council Secretary General Eduardo Pedrosa and Senior APEC Analyst Carlos Kuriyama also attended the forum.

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Events UPNG School of Business and Public Policy

UPNG business school set to enter new era

The University of Papua New Guinea’s leading business school has launched a new Master’s program to ensure more graduates have the skills and leadership capabilities to contribute to Papua New Guinea’s economic growth.

The Master of Economics and Public Policy will commence in 2017 and is targeted at qualified economics and public policy professionals in government, private sector and Non-Government Organisations.

This new degree was made possible through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct, a flagship investment of the Papua New Guinea and Australia partnership.

The new Master’s program coincides with the development of the University of Papua New Guinea School of Business and Public Policy’s five-year strategic plan to set the direction for the school to 2021.

The five-year strategy will see the school makes the most of new learning infrastructure being delivered under its partnership with the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

The entire team at the School of Business and Public Policy recently participated in a two-day planning exercise to inform the new strategy, which includes the new Master’s program and a renewed focus on research.

Executive Dean Professor Lekshmi N. Pillai said strategy was part of a larger vision to cement the School of Business and Public Policy as one of the emerging schools of business and public policy in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are the leading business and public policy school in Papua New Guinea and we want to continue to improve the quality of learning and research that occurs here.

“In 2019, we will move into a new building with improved learning and teaching facilities and several academic programs to match,” Prof Pillai said.

The School of Business and Public Policy is one of the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct’s key institutional partners, offering undergraduate and post-graduate courses tailored to the needs of public and private sector employers.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a joint initiative of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to train capable and ethical public sector leaders.

The University of Papua New Guinea is a leading provider of Accounting, Business, Economics, Public Policy Management programmes at the undergraduate level and Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Strategic Management, and Economic and Public Policy at the Master’s level.

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Events

PNG’s unique culture can drive development

Papua New Guineans have been urged to take inspiration from the country’s diverse culture and rich natural environment to create sustainable businesses and contribute to the nation’s development.

The Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct hosted a panel discussion in Lae recently on the potential for innovative indigenous businesses, and the opportunities they offer entrepreneurial women.

The panel, comprising Sir Nagora Bogan, Amanda Donigi, Maria Linibi and Bonita Solomon, was joined by more than 40 local business people and community leaders.

“We need to stop thinking about culture as our history and start thinking about it as our future,” Stella Magazine founder Amanda Donigi said.

“Development cannot happen without culture and Papua New Guinea must develop on its own terms.”

The discussion was opened by Australian Deputy High Commissioner Bronte Moules and was also attended by Ms Sheila Harou, Acting Provincial Administrator for Morobe, and Lady Nohorahnie Bogan.

Ms Moules said the indigenous business sector offered real economic opportunities, particularly for women.

“As an Australian living in Papua New Guinea, I’m constantly struck by the diversity of this magnificent country,” Ms Moules said.

“There are so many people around the world that want to experience the stories, sounds, dances, arts and crafts that Papua New Guinea has to offer.

“These cultural elements provide opportunities for women, at all levels, to participate in the economy.”

Sir Nagora, Chancellor of the University of Technology and President of the Papua New Guinea Indigenous Business Council, said both women and men need to step up and take responsibility for development.

“We are now in transition as a generation of leaders retire and pass on their duties,” Sir Nagora said.

“We need people who can bring strong ethical values, a strong sense of governance, prudential management of our resources and stewardship of our environment.”

Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct is a joint initiative of the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia to support the development of capable and ethical leaders in the public and private sectors.

One of the key objectives of the Precinct is to encourage dialogue and discussion on Papua New Guinea’s development challenges and how ethical leaders can support positive change.