AGP Executive Report

Internet Governance: PNG has started nationwide enforcement of internet content filtering, with NICTA and the Office of Censorship telling ISPs to comply in phases and warning non-compliant licensees could face show-cause action. Pacific Security & Food: Operation Tui Moana 2026 wrapped up after three weeks of joint fisheries surveillance, with 61 vessel inspections and more than 200 detections to crack down on IUU fishing. Blue Economy: PNG is pushing marine protection hard—Western Manus is set as a major “no-take” sanctuary, and PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji are backing a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves plan. Health & Risk: New research highlights how climate disruption can worsen violence against women in disaster shelters, while separate global work points to rising snakebite risks as habitats shift. Science & Recognition: A PNG pharmacy lecturer, Dr Martha Yahimbu, has been selected for a Fulbright Visiting Fellowship in pharmacology at the University of Utah. Business & Growth: At POMCCI, PNG’s “Five Ps” framework—Petroleum, Policy, Projects, Produce and Partnerships—was used to map economic priorities as connectivity and investment stay top of mind.

Fulbright Spotlight: PNG pharmacy lecturer Dr. Martha Yahimbu has been selected for a five-month Fulbright Visiting Fellowship at the University of Utah, where she’ll focus on pharmacology research including antibacterial effectiveness against drug-resistant infections. Green Ports & French Ties: Prime Minister James Marape is in France and is pushing deeper investment links, while PNG’s Rabaul port redevelopment is moving toward signing under a “green port” plan backed by AFD, the EIB and the EU. Gold Project Push: Geopacific’s Woodlark Gold Project DFS is out, backing a long-life open-pit plan with post-tax value pegged at A$1.3b and average annual output of about 100,200 ounces. Connectivity Boost: Australia says a new digital push could add K85b to PNG’s economy and create over 130,000 jobs by improving nationwide telecom access. Marine Protection: PNG is also expanding conservation, with Western Manus set to become a major no-take sanctuary tied to a wider Melanesian Ocean corridor. Internet Filtering: PNG has begun nationwide enforcement of internet content filtering via NICTA and the Office of Censorship, with ISPs facing compliance deadlines.

Marine Protection Push: Papua New Guinea has announced a 200,000 sq km “no-take” marine protected area in the Bismarck Sea to protect a key Pacific migration corridor, with authorities also working with local fishers so coastal communities can still earn and eat. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: The U.S. deep-sea mining rush is accelerating after a Trump executive order, with regulators fast-tracking permits and new companies lining up—raising fresh questions about track records and how seabed minerals would actually be processed. Internet Control: PNG is moving ahead with nationwide internet content filtering, with NICTA and the Office of Censorship issuing compliance instructions to ISPs and warning of show-cause action for non-compliance. Health & Safety: PNG has warned New Ireland communities to stop fishing after preliminary tests found metals in water samples linked to months of dead marine life and reported illnesses. Aviation Update: Air Niugini says it will gradually retire its long-serving Fokker fleet as it brings in Airbus A220 jets.

Retirement Reform Win: NARI staff superannuation changes have just earned a national award after 20 years of steady, rules-based savings and on-time payments—an early signal that better retirement systems are possible in PNG. Internet Governance: PNG has begun nationwide internet content filtering, with NICTA and the Office of Censorship activating phased enforcement and issuing compliance instructions to ISPs, warning non-compliance could trigger show-cause action. Policy Scrutiny: A proposed National Monitoring and Coordination Authority is facing pushback over duplication, cost, and overlap with existing planning and evaluation bodies ahead of the next elections. Tech + Trade Moves: PM James Marape is in France courting French investors and tech firms, while PNG and Queensland are revitalising their highway partnership to boost road planning, maintenance, and climate resilience. Maritime Women: PNG marked International Day for Women in Maritime, spotlighting women leading ports and projects. Environment + Safety: PNG warns New Ireland communities to stop fishing in affected coastal areas after preliminary tests found metals linked to dead marine life and illness reports. Business + Connectivity: Air Niugini is gradually retiring its long-serving Fokker fleet as Airbus A220s roll out, and High Arctic Overseas signed as authorised distributor for Atlas Copco Power Technique products in PNG.

Ghost Fish Buzz: A new ghost pipefish species, Solenostomus snuffleupagus—nicknamed the “hairy ghost pipefish” for its shaggy, red-algae camouflage—has been formally described, with researchers tracing it across the southwest Pacific including sightings linked to Papua New Guinea. Air Niugini Fleet Update: Air Niugini has begun a gradual retirement of its long-serving Fokker aircraft as it rolls out Airbus A220 jets, with remaining Fokkers kept flying under strict maintenance until fully phased out. PNG Ocean Protection: PNG says it will protect about 200,000 km² of ocean waters, including a strict “no-take” Western Manus Marine Protected Area, as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Health Milestone: After seven failed surgeries, 11-year-old Mercy has successfully completed a complex 10-hour reconstructive operation at Paradise Private Hospital. Business & Connectivity: BSP urged SMEs to build capability for PNG’s coming resource “super-cycle,” while Telkom Indonesia inaugurated the Pukpuk submarine cable system connecting PNG and Eastern Indonesia.

Mining Push: Maronan just locked in a $22m strategic investment to fund silver drilling and a PFS in Queensland, while Geopacific’s Woodlark gold DFS points to a long-life PNG open-pit plan. Health Update: Mercy, an 11-year-old at Paradise Private Hospital, has finally completed a complex 10-hour reconstructive surgery after years of failed attempts. Community Tech & Education: Lae Biscuit is backing “Buk bilong Pikinini” fundraising with 90 cartons of food supplies to replace stolen learning gear, and Svitzer PNG donated 2,000 books to Evedahana schools to boost reading. Regional Security: Fiji hosted the Pacific Police Ministers’ Meeting to strengthen Pacific-led, intelligence-driven action against transnational crime. Ocean Agenda: PNG is positioning blue economy and conservation at the Melanesian Ocean Summit, including renewed commitments around marine protection. Connectivity: TelkomGroup inaugurated the Pukpuk submarine cable system, aiming to boost cross-border digital links. Science Spotlight: A new “Snuffleupagus” ghost pipefish species was formally described, with sightings including Papua New Guinea.

AI Adoption Watch: A new global map for Q1 2026 shows AI use soaring in everyday life—UAE leads with 70% of working-age adults using AI regularly, Singapore follows at 63%, while the US sits outside the top 20 despite leading AI development. PNG Health & Labs: Papua New Guinea’s Central Public Health Laboratory has launched a 2025–2030 strategic plan to strengthen in-country testing for infectious diseases like HIV and TB. Ocean Push: PNG is doubling down on regional ocean leadership after the inaugural 2026 Melanesian Ocean Summit, including renewed commitments tied to the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves and a “no-take” Western Manus Marine Protected Area. SME Readiness: BSP is urging PNG SMEs to build capability now to capture the coming resource “super-cycle.” Science Spotlight: A newly described ghost pipefish—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—was found across the southwest Pacific, including PNG, and is famous for blending into red algae so well it fooled researchers for decades. Tech & Connectivity: Telkom Indonesia’s Pukpuk submarine cable system was inaugurated, aiming to boost cross-border digital access into the Asia-Pacific.

Education Boost: Svitzer PNG and Buk bilong Pikinini have donated 2,000 library books to Evedahana Primary and Junior High, aiming to fix ongoing shortages and keep reading momentum going from early childhood into higher grades. Health Systems: Papua New Guinea’s Central Public Health Laboratory has launched a 2025–2030 strategy to strengthen in-country testing and surveillance for infections like HIV and TB. Business Readiness: BSP is urging PNG SMEs to build capability now so they can win work from the coming resource “super-cycle” tied to projects like Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River. Ocean Momentum: PNG’s push for ocean protection continues after the Melanesian Ocean Summit, with renewed regional conservation commitments and plans to expand marine protection. Science & Nature: A new study links Homo erectus tooth proteins to modern human ancestry, while a newly described ghost fish—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—shows how perfect camouflage can still fool researchers.

Science Breakthrough: Ancient tooth proteins from 400,000-year-old Homo erectus fossils in China are reshaping the “single family tree” story, linking the species to Denisovans and modern humans through protein clues. Business & Skills: BSP is urging PNG SMEs to build capability now to cash in on the coming resource “super-cycle,” pointing to LNG, Wafi-Golpu, Frieda River and more. Ocean Push: PNG’s Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby doubled down on the blue economy—renewing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves and backing big conservation targets. Maritime Tech: PNG says it’s using ICT to monitor seas and detect illegal fishing, while the NFA expands surveillance with radar and command centres. Earth & Response: A 5.2 quake hit the Papua New Guinea region; China also reaffirmed disaster-response support with US$1m in humanitarian cash. Leadership: Lt Col Eka Sarufa takes command of the PNGDF Engineering Battalion.

Forests & Earthquake: Regional leaders met to push faster protection of Southeast Asia and Pacific primary forests under the SEAP Forests IP, backed by major GEF funding, as PNG also felt a 5.2 quake (10 km deep) in the Papua New Guinea Region. PNGDF Leadership: Gulf Province’s Lt Col Eka Sarufa took command of the PNG Defence Force Engineering Battalion in Lae, pledging discipline and accountability for a two-year term. Ocean Economy Push: PNG used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to position “blue economy” growth alongside conservation, renewing the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves and backing a “30 by 30” style goal. Disaster Support: China reaffirmed long-term disaster response help to PNG, including a fresh US$1m cash handover. Tech & Connectivity: TelkomGroup inaugurated the Pukpuk Pukpuk submarine cable system, while NICTA’s new CEO Polume Lume flagged a five-year reform plan to modernise ICT regulation. Science Spotlight: A new ghost pipefish species—Solenostomus snuffleupagus—was formally described, with PNG sightings tied to the discovery story.

Melanesian Ocean Push: Papua New Guinea has unveiled plans for a Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km²—strictly “no take”—as part of the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves, aiming to curb destructive fishing while protecting sharks, turtles, dolphins and more. ICT & Regulation: NICTA has sworn in new leadership, with Polume Lume calling for a five-year reform plan to fix governance and enforcement as PNG moves deeper into the digital age. Education Funding Watch: UNITECH oversight tightens around student subsidy money after the Usino-Bundi-Gama MP released nearly K1 million and flagged stronger monitoring. Connectivity Moves: TelkomGroup inaugurated the Pukpuk submarine cable system, boosting cross-border digital links between Indonesia and PNG. Local Science Spotlight: PNG’s marine research community is also pushing for more homegrown ocean science, with leaders urging investment in local university talent.

Student Subsidy Scrutiny: UNITECH is tightening oversight of district student subsidy funds after the Usino-Bundi-Gama MP released nearly K1 million (K137,549) and pushed for tighter monitoring, while the university says it’s strengthening financial systems and accountability before signing a formal MOU with the district. Connectivity Boost: TelkomGroup has inaugurated the Pukpuk 1 Pukpuk Submarine Cable system, a new cross-border link aimed at expanding digital access across Eastern Indonesia and into the Asia-Pacific corridor. ICT Governance Reset: NICTA’s new CEO Polume Lume has been sworn in, with a five-year reform plan focused on fixing governance and enforcement gaps, upgrading revenue systems, and restoring public trust. Ocean Protection Push: PNG unveiled plans for a Western Manus Marine Protected Area—about 200,000 km²—set up as a strict “no take” zone under the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves. Culture & Learning: Buk bilong Pikinini marked the International Day of Families with 3,000 book donations to schools in Port Moresby and Gulf Province.

Sports Shock: The Hungry Waratahs thrashed the PNG Drua at home, turning the latest match into a quick headline moment for local rugby fans. Connectivity Boost: TelkomGroup has launched the Pukpuk submarine cable, a new cross-border link aimed at strengthening digital access across Eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Business & Skills: BSP says PNG SMEs must build capability now to cash in on the coming “super-cycle” of major resource projects, while Ok Tedi backs local talent with 21 undergraduate scholarships. Education & Community: Buk bilong Pikinini marked International Day of Families with 3,000 library books donated to schools in Port Moresby and Gulf Province. Ocean Protection: PNG outlined plans for a Western Manus Marine Protected Area—about 200,000 km²—pushing a “no-take” approach as part of a wider Melanesian Ocean corridor. ICT Governance: NICTA’s new CEO, Polume Lume, is set on reforming enforcement and rebuilding public trust.

Connectivity & Business Readiness: BSP says PNG SMEs must build capability now to cash in on the coming “super-cycle” from major projects like PNG LNG, Wafi-Golpu and Frieda River—while TelkomGroup has inaugurated the Pukpuk Pukpuk submarine cable, a new cross-border digital link for Eastern Indonesia and PNG. ICT Governance: NICTA has sworn in a new CEO and board and is pushing a five-year reform plan to rebuild trust and modernise regulation; separately, PNG’s court cleared the Starlink licensing dispute, paving the way for service to resume for early adopters. Ocean Protection Push: PNG is detailing plans for a Western Manus Marine Protected Area covering about 200,000 km², part of a wider Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves—while the NFA expands surveillance to tackle illegal fishing. Community & Education: Buk bilong Pikinini donated 3,000 books to schools in Port Moresby and Gulf; Ok Tedi awarded 21 undergraduate scholarships, and PNG’s Teaching Service Commission is rolling out digital systems to modernise teacher administration.

Marine Science Breakthrough: After nearly 20 years of searching, researchers have officially named a new ghost pipefish, Solenostomus snuffleupagus, because its shaggy orange filaments and long snout look uncannily like Sesame Street’s Snuffleupagus—found while diving near Queensland and now tied to coral-reef camouflage. PNG Ocean Protection: PNG also announced plans for the Western Manus Marine Protected Area—about 200,000 km² of “no take” waters—built into the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves to protect sharks, turtles, dolphins and more. Fisheries Tech & Enforcement: The National Fisheries Authority is rolling out a bigger surveillance push, including regional command centres and a coastal radar network, to spot illegal boats faster. Connectivity & Policy: NICTA’s court-linked Starlink licensing is back on track, while PNG’s ICT regulator leadership has been refreshed with a reform push. Regional Collaboration: PNG, Indonesia and Solomon Islands signed a science-equality MOU under the Coral Triangle initiative. Global Tech Watch: US firms are cutting employee benefits for AI-and-automation reasons, sparking fresh backlash.

Marine Protection Breakthrough: A decade-long satellite tracking study shows whale sharks roam far beyond local hotspots, moving across feeding grounds and migration corridors across 13 countries and territories, including PNG—strengthening the case for wider, transboundary protection. ICT & Regulation: PNG’s NICTA has sworn in a new CEO, Polume Lume, with a five-year reform push to fix governance and enforcement—while Starlink’s PNG licence dispute is now resolved, clearing the way for service to restart and for Starlink to set up a local office within 12 months. Ocean Governance in Motion: PNG, Indonesia and Solomon Islands signed an MOU to strengthen university collaboration under the Coral Triangle Initiative, and Melanesian leaders backed the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves push to connect marine protected areas across the region. Fisheries Enforcement Upgrade: The National Fisheries Authority rolled out a new surveillance network with command centres and coastal radar to better detect and intercept illegal fishing. Energy Watch: Santos says first sellable oil from the Pikka field is “imminent,” as PNG LNG partners approve the Agogo tie-in project targeting first gas in 2028.