The United Nations in Papua New Guinea joined the global community in commemorating UN Day on 24 October 2025, with a celebratory event held in Port Moresby, reflecting on 50 years of partnership, peacebuilding, and shared development goals.At this event were representatives of UN agencies in the country, heads of missions, representatives of the UN’s partner organizations and distinguished members of parliament, including the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. James Marape, Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Powas Parkop, Governor for the National Capital District, Hon. Joe Sungi, Minister for Public Services, and Hon. Soroi Eoe, Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs.In his keynote address, Minister Eoe reaffirmed Papua New Guinea’s enduring commitment to the United Nations and its Charter, “When our flag was raised in 1975, the UN did not merely recognise Papua New Guinea — it welcomed us home. We stand for peaceful co-existence, respect for human rights, and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.”Minister Eoe highlighted PNG’s leadership on global challenges, including climate change, forest and ocean stewardship, and fair trade in natural resources. He praised the UN’s practical support in times of crisis — from health emergencies to natural disasters — and acknowledged its pivotal role in peacebuilding, especially in Bougainville.The Minister also reflected on the historic visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres last month, the first by a sitting UN chief to Papua New Guinea. The Secretary-General’s engagements in West Sepik and Western Highlands showcased the resilience and diversity of the nation and emphasised PNG’s growing influence in the Pacific and beyond.UN Resident Coordinator in PNG, Mr Richard Howard, addressed the gathering and paid tribute to the founding vision of late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, who in 1975 called for PNG’s national identity to be built hand-in-hand with the global community.Mr Howard acknowledged the evolving challenges facing multilateralism and emphasized the importance of the UN80 initiative — a reform effort aimed at improving the UN’s efficiency, responsiveness, and impact. “The expectation is that we continue to do better going forward,” he said. “We must adapt to deliver more effectively for member states.”He praised PNG’s leadership in peace building, citing the Bougainville Peace Agreement and the recent Melanesian Agreement signed in Burnham as global models of dialogue and reconciliation. “The next phase of the Bougainville process must deliver a win-win solution that meets the aspirations of both parties,” Mr Howard said, reaffirming the UN’s role as a neutral and supportive partner.Mr Howard highlighted the endorsement of the National Prevention Strategy and the importance of peaceful community relations as a foundation for progress in health, education, clean water, and sanitation. He also commended PNG’s environmental leadership and its strong voice for climate justice on the world stage.Closing his remarks, Mr Howard reminded attendees that the UN is not a foreign entity but a collaborative partner. “You are part of the UN,” he said. “We are here to support you in ways that respect your sovereignty, your strengths, and your local context.”As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of UN membership, both speakers called on citizens — especially youth — to embrace global citizenship through local leadership, peace, and inclusive development. 

The torture and killing of Rosa Yakapus in Hela Province last week laid bare two sides of Papua New Guinea. One was the brutal violence filmed and spread on social media. The other was the immediate wave of outrage from citizens, leaders, and churches who insisted that such cruelty has no place in modern PNG. Police have already identified and arrested suspects, including Rosa’s own brother – a reminder that accusations within families are often part of the shameful reality many victims endure.The United Nations in PNG stands with the government and civil society in condemning this crime. We hope the case becomes a turning point in the fight against Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence (SARV). A recent UN study shows that the most effective responses arise when communities, churches, police, and local authorities join forces. A fully funded, well-coordinated network could have mobilised the moment threats to Rosa emerged; next time the police must have the necessary numbers, transport, information, and backup to intervene in time and with full effect.Prevention must be prioritized. Too many victims die or suffer lifelong injuries because neighbours hesitate to protect them when the first sorcery accusations emerge. To help change this, the UN and a group of church and civil society partners have launched the Community Curriculum, an eight-week program developed by Divine Word University and the Department of Justice and Attorney General, now being piloted in Enga Province. Facilitators guide small groups of pastors, teachers, youth leaders, and other residents through candid discussions on belief, law, and human rights. More than two hundred people have taken part so far. Some still fear sorcery, yet many are realising that even deep-seated fears cannot justify the violence. Early feedback indicates growing confidence by the community, better understanding, and a stronger commitment to peace. Surveys and stories are helping track progress, while ongoing mentoring helps local leaders sustain change.The Community Curriculum model helps break the chain of inaction and bystander silence that often enables sorcery accusation-related violence. It challenges the myth that sorcery justifies torture or murder and equips community members to speak out and intervene before harm is done. This approach, along with other promising practices highlighted in the recent UN study, shows that prevention is possible. Strengthening gender equality, accelerating the implementation of the National Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, and supporting sustained youth behaviour change programs are also critical. These efforts help dismantle the power imbalances and harmful social norms that fuel SARV.The UN will reinforce this preventive community engagement through three pillars: health, education, and justice.Health. The UN will help expand emergency care, trauma counselling, and long-term mental health services for survivors and the families who shelter them. Frontline health workers will receive training to spot risks early and to support recovery well after the crisis has passed. Investing in health education and communication, particularly in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, will play a crucial role in preventing future incidents. Many sorcery accusations begin with a death that families and communities cannot easily explain.Education. In partnership with churches, elders, and civil society groups, the UN will help scale up school-based programs as well as grassroots learning programs such as the Community Curriculum. By explaining illness and misfortune in culturally grounded terms and promoting human rights and the rule of law, these sessions chip away at beliefs and behaviours that fuel SARV.Justice. The UN will work alongside the police, village magistrates, prosecutors, the courts, and other authorities down to the ward level to enforce SARV laws consistently, strengthen local by-laws, and ensure at-risk individuals and survivors can seek protection without fear. Visible and trusted avenues for obtaining justice will deter violence and restore confidence in the rule of law. PNG’s future national human rights commission will have a vital role in monitoring cases, advocating systemic reform, and helping survivors claim their rights.These approaches align with PNG’s SARV National Action Plan and the UN Human Rights Council’s resolution 47/8, which highlights global concern over violence linked to witchcraft beliefs. They also align with PNG’s international human rights commitments, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which calls for the protection and advancement of the rights of women and girls. When it comes to SARV, women, persons with disabilities, children, and older persons are especially at risk. Protecting them requires strong coordination, sustained funding, and the courage to act on evidence.Rosa Yakapus should still be alive today. In the aftermath of her senseless killing, PNG must seize the lessons learned: prevention begins within the family and the community, swift response saves lives, and accountability deters future attacks. With the right resources and united resolve, PNG can end Sorcery Accusation-Related Violence and uphold the fundamental rights, dignity, and safety of every person. 

Port Moresby, 12 March 2025 – A core team of Geographic Information System (GIS) officers from the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) commenced their second phase of training this week on the Land Use Information Management System (LUIMS). The training was facilitated by Mammoth Geospatial in collaboration with the UNDP “Establishing systems for sustainable integrated land-use planning across New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea” is part of the GEF 7 Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) Project.  LUIMS, a cutting-edge platform developed to enhance sustainable land use planning in Papua New Guinea, has been well received by DLPP. The system is expected to be officially launched and handed over to the department in mid-2025.The training focused on information management and system administration, equipping GIS technical officers from DLPP’s three technical divisions—Physical Planning, Survey, and the National Mapping Bureau—with the necessary skills to manage LUIMS effectively. The core team trained under this initiative will play a critical role in data sharing and management across government agencies and stakeholders. Additionally, they will serve as trainers for provincial-level officers and oversee the ongoing maintenance and operation of the LUIMS system.  This specialized training and technical support is part of Component One of the GEF 7 FOLUR Project. It ensures that DLPP is well-prepared to integrate LUIMS into national land use planning strategies.As the project progresses, LUIMS is expected to enhance transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in land management, contributing to improved decision-making processes across the sector.

Central Pomio LLG, East New Britain – March 2025: Cocoa farmers in Central Pomio LLG are embracing a transformative budding initiative under the Global Environment Facility’s (GEF) Food Systems, Land Use, and Restoration (FOLUR) project. Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the "Establishing Systems for Sustainable Integrated Land-Use Planning Across New Britain Island" project, this initiative is enhancing cocoa productivity and sustainability in the region.From February 21 to March 7, 2025, 30 farmers from six targeted communities—Galuwe, Marmar, Pomio, Sali, Olaipun 1, and Olaipun 2—underwent intensive training in cocoa budding techniques. Led by six certified cocoa budders and supervised by the Cocoa Board of PNG, the training aimed to improve cocoa quality and yield by equipping farmers with essential skills in budding and nursery management. Each community selected five participants—three males and two females—who, upon meeting performance standards, will become certified budders, strengthening local expertise and ensuring sustainability.  The Cocoa Board of PNG provided 18 varieties of cocoa clone materials to establish budwood gardens across the six sites. These gardens are expected to boost productivity, reduce pest infestations, and enhance yields in the long run. Donald Songavare, a research officer with Cocoa Board’s Breeding Section with his team, played a crucial role in assessing and tagging different cocoa clone varieties for certification (in the existing four budwood gardens of farmers in the community).“Quality cocoa starts with high-standard planting materials, and the Cocoa Board has put in place guidelines to ensure farmers receive the best materials,” Songavare said.He emphasized that only researched and approved cocoa clones should be planted, with Tavilo currently serving as the main seed garden.Meanwhile, Agmark is preparing to ship nursery materials to Central Pomio, with the Cocoa Board's technical guidance ensuring the establishment of 14 nurseries—seven in Central Pomio and seven in Inland Baining—starting in April 2025.Local ward members and experienced cocoa budders from Cocoa Board have also expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative.“For years, our farmers have struggled with aging cocoa trees and low yields. This training is giving them the knowledge and skills to revitalize their farms and secure better incomes for their families,” said Marmar Ward Member in Central Pomio, Hon William Longkale.Hon Peter Mire, another Ward Member from Galue, emphasized the long-term benefits of adopting best practices in cocoa management. “This is more than just a training session; it’s a step towards ensuring that our cocoa industry remains strong for future generations. The farmers now understand the significance of nursery management and proper budding techniques.”Mr. Jerry Ben, Senior Extension Officer from the Cocoa Board highlighted the dedication and enthusiasm of the farmers.“We are impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of the farmers. They are keen to learn, and with continued support, we believe they can significantly improve their cocoa production,” said Mr Ben.Peter Kuplie, a cocoa budder, added, “Budding is an effective way to introduce high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. The farmers here have shown great interest, and we are confident that they will apply these techniques to rejuvenate their cocoa farms.”The training included aligning the budwood gardens associated with cocoa nursery sites for each community, supplied with 180 budded materials which will become the source of clone materials for each community with support from Central LLG into the future.  With cocoa playing a vital role in the local economy, initiatives like these are crucial for empowering farmers and fostering resilience in the face of climate and market challenges. As the project progresses, stakeholders, including the District Rural Development Office (DRDO) Pomio District, and the East New Britain Provincial Administration’s Division of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), are committed to ongoing collaboration to revitalize cocoa farming in Central Pomio LLG. The community remains hopeful that this budding initiative will mark the beginning of a brighter future for the cocoa industry.