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Pacific Cast, Port Moresby (2026)

01/10/2026

Secretary for the PNG Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), Mr. Koney Samuel (51), this week announced his decision to step down from office, bringing to a close almost three decades of service to the Government and people of Papua New Guinea.

According to a press release from the DNPM, Mr Samuel leaves the Public Service following a distinguished career spanning 27 years, including eight years as head of the department, making him the longest serving Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

Mr Samuel was appointed Acting Secretary in July of 2018 succeeding then Secretary, Ms. Hakaua Harry. Mr. Samuel went on to serve as DNPM Secretary for two consecutive terms; from May 8, 2019 to 2024 and his second term from January 31, 2024 until his resignation in October 2026.

Reflecting on his decision, Mr Samuel said he was leaving office for personal reasons and that he believed it was the right time to conclude his career in public service and make way for the next generation of leaders.

“My decision to leave office stems from personal reasons. When I first took office as Secretary 2018, I was ready to take on the challenges of my new role, and I am proud of what we have achieved together over the years,” Mr Samuel said.

During his tenure, Mr Samuel oversaw and contributed to a number of significant national planning and development initiatives, including the delivery of seven consecutive Capital Investment Budgets; formulation of the Medium Term Development Plans III (2018–2022) and IV (2023–2027); strengthening of public investment management; PNG’s Second Voluntary National Review (VNR) of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); strengthening development cooperation and donor alignment; the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme; and WaSH sector reforms, among other initiatives.

He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve under successive governments and to work alongside public servants, development partners and stakeholders in advancing Papua New Guinea's national development priorities.

“I believe the time is right for me to step aside and give opportunity to the younger generation of leaders to rise and take charge. I have served my country and people to the best of my ability, and I leave office with gratitude for the opportunity I have been given to serve,” Mr Samuel said.

In the meantime, the National Executive Council (NEC) met on Wednesday, September 30 and decided to appoint Mr Roger Kara, Deputy Secretary Programming and Monitoring Wing (DNPM) to be Acting Secretary for DNPM.

01/10/2026

"It’s time to choose dialogue over division, diplomacy over confrontation and disarmament over destruction."

- António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations

01/10/2026

In a major initiative to promote Papua New Guinea as a premier destination for travelers from India, the Papua New Guinea High Commission in New Delhi has partnered with Atlys India Private Limited (www.atlys.com) for tourism promotion & tourist visa application processing.

Senior officials from the High Commission of Papua New Guinea visited and engaged with senior company representatives of Atlys India Private Limited on 31st July 2026 in the Office of Atlys. The delegation from the High Commission was led by the High Commissioner, H.E. Mr. Vincent Sumale.

The officials received a comprehensive presentation on the advanced digital infrastructure, products, and tech-smart visa processing services offered by Atlys, demonstrating how cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence can streamline tourist visa application management and elevate tourism promotion across India.

The High Commission, working in close coordination with the office of the Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA) based at the High Commission in New Delhi, has officially endorsed Atlys India Private Limited as an authorized partner responsible for receiving, collecting, and submitting tourist visa applications and related documentation from prospective travelers across India. H.E. Mr. Vincent Sumale expressed confidence that partnering with Atlys will significantly expand tourism outreach in India, enhance tourist visa accessibility, and strengthen economic and diplomatic ties between Papua New Guinea and the Republic of India.

Other Highlights:

● Tourism Promotion: Led by the High Commissioner's vision to champion international tourism exchange, this initiative establishes a streamlined pathway for Indian travelers, enabling efficient processing and boosting travel to Papua New Guinea. This initiative is highly effective and uniquely positioned as it is totally free of charge for the High Commission and uses smart technology to target tourism advertising for travelers going to the neighbouring countries of Papua New Guinea.

● Next-Generation Visa Infrastructure: Atlys is a premier tech-smart visa platform backed by over $73 million in venture capital funding—including top-tier global investors such as Susquehanna Asia VC, Peak XV Partners, Elevation Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and MakeMyTrip. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to automate documentation checks, eliminate application friction, and deliver fast, transparent, and seamless digital visa experiences.

● Apart from applying tourism visa on the ICSA Portal and the High Commission for tourist visa, Indian nationals can now apply online tourist visa directly with Atlys India Private Limited. This facility does not duplicate what is already in place by ICSA but compliments the High Commission’s efforts to drive Indian tourists to PNG as well as to promote PNG as a transit hub for those traveling to other neighbouring countries.

For more information contact the Papua New Guinea High Commission, New Delhi on
Email: [email protected] and Phone: +91 11 46012815

30/09/2026

Star halfback Nathan Cleary has claimed the 2026 Dally M Medal!!🖤🤍💥

Graphic: Penrith Panthers

30/09/2026

PNG SIDE-EVENT AT PRE-COP31

Save the date: PNG is bringing its climate finance agenda to Pre-COP31

Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026, 10:15 am to 11:00 am
Venue: Sofitel Hotel, Nadi, Fiji

How can Papua New Guinea mobilise the finance needed to turn climate commitments into practical action?

Join them for a high-level discussion on PNG's National Climate Finance Strategy (NCFS) 2026-2035, exploring how the country is building a more coordinated, country-driven approach to mobilising, accessing and managing climate finance, and what other Pacific countries can learn from the process.

- How PNG is turning climate commitments into a financing plan.
- What a country-driven NCFS process looks like in practice.
- What comes next as PNG moves from planning to implementation.

Join the conversation as PNG moves from climate finance planning towards implementation.

The EU FCCB Programme

European Union in Papua New Guinea Expertise France The EU FCCB Programme ゚

28/09/2026

Confidence in the Fijian economy is growing, and the statistics reflect this.

Private sector credit grew by 14.6% in July and continues to expand, reflecting increased investment and economic activity by Fijian businesses and individuals, according to the Fijian Government.

"The financial system remains highly liquid, helping to maintain a relatively low interest rate environment that supports investment and growth."

This comes despite continuing global uncertainty, with wars, volatile fuel prices and disruptions to international trade placing pressure on economies around the world.

The Government stated that when businesses are prepared to invest in their future, it is an important sign of confidence in the direction of the nation's economy.

Fiji remains committed to creating the conditions for businesses to invest, expand, create jobs and generate more opportunities for its people.

28/09/2026

Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) as a practical platform for sustainable development between India and the Pacific Island Countries.

The FIPIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in New York on 23 September 2026, on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. The meeting reviewed progress since the Third FIPIC Summit hosted by Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby in May 2023, and identified priorities for the next phase of cooperation.

Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, representing PNG, highlighted several tangible outcomes and priority areas:

■Health and Humanitarian Cooperation:
- The successful Jaipur Foot Camp in Port Moresby in July 2024, which assisted around 300 amputees;

- Progress under the 2016 Joint Understanding on Health Cooperation, including the proposed provision of four sea ambulances and ongoing dialogue on pharmaceutical regulation;

- The arrival of 12 hemodialysis machines donated by India for Port Moresby General Hospital, with operator training underway ahead of commissioning.

Other Key Cooperation Areas:
■Water Security:
- PNG sought an update on the India-funded water desalination plant project for Gulf Province, including technical, funding and implementation arrangements.

■Digital Infrastructure:
- The 2024 agreement on Digital Public Infrastructure was noted as a strong example of practical cooperation.

■Capacity Building:
- Recognition of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, under which over 50 Papua New Guineans benefit from fully funded training annually.

Minister Tkatchenko also expressed PNG's support for India’s engagement on UN Security Council reform, including consideration of permanent membership, while stressing the importance of continued consultation on shared global priorities.

He thanked the Government of India for convening the meeting and reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to work closely with India and fellow Pacific Island Countries to ensure FIPIC delivers practical, sustainable and measurable outcomes for the people of the Pacific.

The meeting underscored a shared focus on building resilient partnerships and translating commitments into tangible development results.

27/09/2026

KNIGHTS TO FACE ROOSTERS IN GRAND FINAL.

Image: NRL

26/09/2026

SOLOMON ISLANDS PRIME MINISTER HON. MATTHEW WALE RAISED CONCERN OVER THE HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN WEST PAPUA, DURING HIS SPEECH AT THE 81st UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK.

Video: Supplied

25/09/2026

The Republic of the Marshall Islands joined fellow Pacific Island Countries for the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Ministerial Meeting on 23rd September 2026, on the margin of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Foreign Minister Kalani Kaneko led the RMI delegation and welcomed India's deeper engagement with the Pacific, pointing to real opportunities to work together on regional security, climate action, renewable energy and health.

RMI reaffirmed its support for India's aspiration for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. India's leadership on the Council would make it more representative and give a stronger voice to Small Island Developing States.

The Minister encouraged continued dialogue on maritime and climate security and called for expanded South‑South collaboration in renewable energy and health workforce training. He encouraged deeper political dialogue on climate change, urging India to raise Pacific climate priorities within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and other global forums.

Marshall Islands remains committed to working closely with India through FIPIC and beyond to build a more resilient, sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Pacific Cast

01/10/2026

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