With World AIDS day being marked on 1 December, UNAIDS says the role of communities in combatting the virus is critical. In a new report called Let Communities Lead, the agency said underfunding and harmful barriers are holding back the lifesaving work of communities and obstructing the end of AIDS. The report shows that the proportion of HIV funding channeled through community-led organizations has declined by at least 35 percent over the last decade. It report said to accelerate progress, the work of communities on the frontline must be better integrated into all aspects of the HIV response and properly resourced. UNAIDS wants to see communities' leadership roles made core in all HIV plans and programmes and for community-led organizations to be fully and reliably funded. The report comes amid rising rates of infection across the Asia pacific region especially in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. A quarter (26percent) of new infections in this zone are among young key populations, ages 15 - 24. In 2021, 96 percent of new HIV infections were among key populations and their sexual partners. Almost half (46 percent) of all new infections were among men who have sex with men. "Compared with other regions, Asia and the Pacific has one of the highest proportions of key populations among new HIV infections," UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia regions regional director Eamonn Murphy. "It is imperative that a significant proportion of our HIV prevention, testing and treatment funding is channeled through the community led organizations best placed to deliver concrete, population-specific interventions," he said. Progress toward reaching the Global AIDS Strategy's 95 percent testing and treatment targets is uneven. For the region as a whole, in 2022, 78 percent of people living with HIV were aware of their status. Of these people, 84 percent were receiving treatment. Of those who were on treatment, 95 percent. achieved HIV viral suppression. Source: Radio NZ

Communities in Papua New Guinea are now receiving the Bible in their own languages for the first time all thanks to innovations that are speeding up the work of Bible translators. This exciting new era means that Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) Technologies can help organizations like Wycliffe Associates by updating software and apps on their computers and mobile phones that translators use in their work. According to MAF Technologies Ministry Partnership Officer, Caine Ruruk, so far MAF Technologies has supplied over four hundred translation kits to Wycliffe translation teams across the country, allowing them to translate various local language Bibles. “Basically, for MAF Technologies, we are helping in fast tracking the process of Bible Translations by lending hands to the Bible translators through supplying appropriate Technology for National Translators or (TNTs) for efficient and accurate Bible translations.” MAF Technologies, based in Goroka, is known to be the Asia Pacific region's sole media center that sells audio Bible device. MAF Technologies has Bible programs that are already translated into multiple heart languages as audio versions. With the initiative, many people who only speak local languages, are blessed to listen to God's word. The audio Bibles also reach people who are unable to read. In addition, Thompson Luke, a spokesman from the Kenain village in the Simbai area of Madang Province said that the initiative has enabled many older people who do not understand English and Tok Pisin to hear the word of God in their own language via audio Bibles. “Even though many of our elderly individuals are illiterate, they are fortunate to hear God's word through translations of our native Kalam language via audio Bibles. And we see that it has strengthened their faith as they listen to and meditate on God's word daily.” Meanwhile, Wycliffe Associates Highlands Regional Coordinator, Misson Ayabe, in a report revealed that seven translation projects in PNG were successfully completed in a considerably faster and shorter period of time with the help of technology. “One of the notable achievements is the completion of our Tok Pisin Unlocked Literal Bible (ULB) version project and its completion as a gateway language serves as a pivotal source text for ongoing and subsequent mother tongue translation projects in PNG.” “Working under the guidance and authority of local churches, Bible translation organizations such as Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA), Summer Institute of Linguistics International (SIL) and Wycliffe Associates liaise with MAF Technologies to create a pathway for the gospel to reach thousands of lives. " Furthermore, through the use of modern technologies, the work of translating the Bible into PNG's many heart languages is being completed at a faster pace.

Athletics competition gets underway at the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara this week. Athletes from around the Pacific arrived in the Solomon Islands capital over the past two days in preparation for their track and field events. The National Stadium will be the centre of activities, as competition rolls off at 3pm New Zealand time. Events that are scheduled for Monday includes the women's heptathlon, men's decathlon, 100 metres heats and the 5,000m on home soil. Fijian sprinter Banuve Tabakaucoro is missing from the Games after he retired early this year, having dominated the 100 and 200 metres in the past three editions of the Games. Fiji has a number of athletes they are hoping will continue the dominance, both in the men's and women's sprint events. Netball will also feature some good battles with Netball World Cup debutants Tonga, who has won both Oceania titles in 2022 and 2023, looking good to stake their claim for the gold medal in Honiara. Tonga Netball president Salote Sisifa said the Tala are looking forward to the challenge, having won silver at the 2019 Games in Apia. Cook Islands are the defending netball champions with Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa all in the gunning for the top spot. Tonga meet Niue in their opening game at the Friendship Hall. Bodybuilding, touch rugby, va'a, kayak, sailing and tennis also will see competition on Monday. Attention will also be on the events at the Lawson Tama Stadium in football. The semi-finals in the women's competition will see PNG will take on Samoa while Fiji battles New Caledonia. In the men's competition at the SIFF Academy, Monday's matches will determine who gets into the semi-finals. American Samoa face Northern Mariana Islands, Tonga will take on Tuvalu and Samoa meets Tahiti. Hosts happy with Games so far Meanwhile, the Games Organising Committee (GOC) chief executive has described the first week of events at the Pacific Games as "good". "So far, so good!" Peter Stewart told the Games media team. A record 4,963 athletes and officials from the 24 participating Pacific Island countries and territories are in Honiara. Since the opening ceremony, a total of 522 medals have been presented to gold, silver and bronze medal winners in 13 sports; archery, golf, judo, karate, rugby league 9s, rugby union 7s, swimming, sailing, table tennis, tennis, volleyball and weightlifting, the Pacific Games media said. "It has been so pleasing to see how enthusiastically Honiara has embraced the Games. "From the sellout opening ceremony to the loud cheering crowds at many venues, there has been nothing but smiling faces and warm support for all our visiting athletes." With week two, new groups of athletes have arrived with others who have finished their competition returning to their various homes. "Athletes and teams who have completed their events are travelling back this week, whilst others competing this week have already started arriving this weekend. "Those that remain will be part of the closing ceremony when the Games finish on Saturday, 2 December," Stewart said. Source: rnz.com

On the 26th of this month November, will mark 150 years since the Missionaries of the London Missionary Society arrived in Poreporena village with the Gospel. The day will be significantly remembered for the remarkable transformation of the village from hostility to peacefulness as the villagers accepted the arrival of the missionaries with the gospel and the ensuing settling of Christianity. A week-long program of celebration has been organized in Poreporena involving the United Church congregations in Hanuabada, Elevala, and Gabi. The villagers through the celebration will remember and honor the heroic efforts of the missionaries from Rarotonga to bring the gospel to the village and the compassion of the local villagers. This will see, Lakani Toi of Hanuabada who will accept and defend the missionaries into the village, Raga Tola of Elevala, in providing land to settle the missionaries in the village and Arua Daera of Hanuabada, who was converted as the first deacon and evangelist to help with the spread of the Good News. The Missionaries from the Cook Islands led by Ruatoka Koro and wife plus others, were assigned on a mission by the London Missionary Society to sail to Papua to spread the word of God and to establish their mission. 150 years later since that memorable day, Poreporena village has become a significant part of the early beginnings of London Missionary Society in Papua and the establishment of government and later in the transition to the United Church era of which it remains a stronghold to this day. The weeklong celebration of this significant occasion is led by the London Missionary Society 150th Anniversary Committee headed by the Poreporena Circuit. Committee Chairman, Dk Frank Guba, said the occasion is important to the three villages of Hanuabada, Elevala and Gabi comprising Poreporena to reflect on the events that unfolded 150 years ago, the benefits that have transpired over time for the people and the lessons learned going forward. “We are fortunate to have reached this milestone and we want to reflect on the last 150 years.” “This occasion is very significant to all of us to remember the great deeds of these noble men and women of God and their selfless sacrifices to bring the Good News to our part of the world and the ensuing benefits to our society that unfolded.” The celebrations will include an official opening and closing ceremonies at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium with water activities including fishing, peroveta signing, traditional dances, Island Nights, Choir, Gospel, String Band, and Bible Dramas to take place during the week. In addition, Guba said that the spectacle of the opening ceremony will be the re-enactment of the arrival of the missionaries and the reception by the villagers. A special Cook Island night dedicated to Cook Island songs and dances is organized in honor of the Rarotonga missionaries. He further added that unlike past London Missionary Society celebrations in the village, this anniversary program will be more special to arouse interest in the younger generation of the history involved to determine the future. Meanwhile, guests from the government and church circles are invited to participate in the celebrations including guests from Rarotonga to signify the major role their ancestors played in bringing the gospel to Poreporena. Genesis

“Education is the pathway for the people of Simbu to rise and shine out in the different stages of development.” These were the words from Simbu Governor, Noah Kool who addressed a total of 76 garde twelve graduates of Boromil Technical Secondary School in its second open graduation held recently at Boromil of Gumine district. Kool said in his first term as Governor in 2012 and again in 2022, remained consistent in ensuring that Simbu has viable educational facilities in the province for accessibility, and also affordable. He also announced that the province now has a primary school teachers’ college, a nursing college, a community health worker training college, a number of technical vocational training schools, and a handful of external learning facilities for students needing upgrading of their academic marks. “Education remains the priority, every child who is enrolled be given quality education, and that no school-aged child must be left behind as education is the link to interpersonal and societal progress in all areas of advancement.” The Government is supporting the implementation of the 166 structure in the province and is fully aware of the cost implication in having the right infrastructure in place to support both learning of students and teacher’s welfare. “Simbu Government has no money. The annual K10 million PSIP grants cannot be spread out to the six districts in education alone.” “The support grants we give to schools, please make every toea be accounted for. We can build one classroom at a time.” “Therefore, I want to commend all the hard-working teachers in the province and the public servants for their due diligence and commitment to work, the provincial education administration, and other stakeholders in both government and non-government organizations that are investing in the education of Simbu.” Furthermore, he added that the provincial government will come up with incentives for best performing schools in the province. “Starting this year, we will give out incentives, and strengthen the initiative next year to boost teachers’ performances.” Meanwhile, Simbu Education Advisor, Bepwick Kutna also stated that Simbu is positioned with programs that can advance grade twelve students who do not find a placing in tertiary education. “In Kundiawa, there is a University of Technology’s DODL program, a centre from the University of Goroka, and general Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) centre.” “As long as you receive your grade twelve certificate, you have many ways to move around in pursuing your education.” “If you don’t secure a space next year don’t sit back in the village. Go out and enquire to enrol in any of the programs on offer.”

Football or soccer will be the first sport on the 2023 Pacific Games program when PNG Mens National Team and the Womens National Teams play on November 17, 2023. Both the men and the women's team left early Monday morning on the first Charter Flight to Honiara, Solomon Island. The football competition will kick off two days early prior to the Official Opening of the Games on November 19, 2023, at the new Honiara Stadium. PNG Mens National Team: Dave Tomare, Roland Warisan, Vagi Koniel (goalkeepers), Daniel Joe, Abel Redenut, Godfrey Haro, Kolu Kepo, Emmanuel Simon, Joseph Joe, Troy Dobbin, Rex Naime, Oberth Simon, Ati Kepo, Tommy Semmy, Thomas Yagum, Nathaniel Eddie, Kenneth Arah, Yagi Yasasa, Pascal Kundi, Kila Karo, Nigel Dabinyaba, Tizoki Tangol and Philip Steven Head Coach Warren Moon, Assistant Coach David Muta, Team Manager Gari Moka, Goalkeeper Coach Godfrey Baniau, Kit Manager Koriak Upaiga PNG is placed in Group B which include Tuvalu and Vanuatu. PG2023 PRELIMINARY DRAW Nov 17 - Lawson Tama Stadium 1200 PNG vs Tuvalu Nov 23 - Lawson Tama Stadium 1200 PNG PNG vs Vanuatu Football Medal History Gold Medal Nil Silver Medal Nil Bronze Medal 3 - 1969, 1987, 2015. Source: PNG Football Association

In a significant event held on Thursday, the launching of the name changing of what was known as the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) is now known as the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG). This renaming marks a pivotal moment in the institution's history, as it pays tribute to the late Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, a visionary statesman who played a crucial role in shaping the nation's development. Honouring a visionary leader, Sir Michael, fondly known as the "Father of the Nation," was a towering figure in Papua New Guinea's political landscape and as the country's first Prime Minister following independence in 1975, he led the nation with unwavering dedication, promoting unity and fostering economic growth. His commitment to good governance, ethical leadership, and nation-building serves as an inspiration to countless individuals across PNG. This change not only honors his legacy but also underscores the institute's renewed focus on fostering leadership excellence and promoting good governance in Papua New Guinea. In terms of leadership development under the new name, this will continue to offer a wide range of programs and courses designed to develop leadership skills, promote ethical decision-making and foster good governance practices. The institute which was initially based at the Public Service Institute premises at Konedobu in Port Moresby was then later moved to the six mile Annex and former Dental College and now at the present site located at Waigani. It was then abolished and absorbed by the Administrative College before changing its name to the Papua New Guinea Institute of Public Administration then to the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance and finally changed to Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance. Among the students at the 6 mile Annex was the late former Prime Minister himself; the Grand Chief and many others who have distinguished themselves in the Public Service. In addition, the institution also has a significance to it as it was also the birth place of Pangu Party which started as the Bully Beef Club. Therefore, is fitting that the name be changed to SILAG. Speaking during this important occasion was Prime Minister, James Marape who thanked the people of East Sepik and the Somare family for allowing this name to be part of the institution and also more importantly, be part of the national character and story going foward. “The Somare name signifies the change in mindset, value and national perception change and what we must be as Papua New Guineans and so it is fitting that we witness the transition of a name where the history tells us all knowing that these are the moments that shaped our country.” Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape has urged all public servants to rise up to the name when they come to pursue their studies at SILAG so that they can be able to inspire to do better. “As we give this name, I want to ask that we ensure that every public servant is reconfigured to put on the ethics of working hard and to carry our country just like the great man himself did.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marape also stated that the institution has put forward a proposal to be a University for the public sector. This he said will embrace the pacific and the country as a whole in which he is now looking forward in preparing the institution as a university. “I am more than happy to support an institution that produces efficient, effective and delivery of public service and with that I show my full support at the thought of elevating it to a university.”

John Swire & Sons (JS&S) PNG Limited and owner of Swire Shipping Limited, yesterday officially launched two new scholarships for Papua New Guinean students: Swire University Scholarships and Taikoo College Scholarships. The fully funded scholarships will enable Papua New Guinean students to access financial support for vocational and tertiary studies for next year’s academic year, 2024. This is part of Swire’s Higher Education Scholarship Program aimed to support those pursuing their studies. Steamships Trading Company Limited, whose biggest investor is John Swire & Sons (JS&S), will now be administering the scholarship program on behalf of Swire. The new Swire Scholarships will on the other hand, also complement the Steamships’ Community Grants Program which supports early childhood learning and primary schools. The fully funded scholarship will enable fifteen PNG students to access financial support for both vocational training and tertiary studies. The total scholarship value is at K275, 000 per annum and is anticipated that this program runs indefinitely. Managing Director of Steamships, Rupert Bray stated that ten fully funded scholarships are for the tertiary students including, Divine Word, University of Technology, University of Papua New Guinea and Pacific Adventist University and five scholarships are for vocational training institute through IEA Tafe College. “All scholars will benefit from having their full tuition fees paid plus cost of accommodation and airfares.” “So, what we want to be able to do is to take away some of the challenges that PNG families face in funding tertiary education as it is very difficult to find the funds these days.” “The scholarships enable people to access opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills and confidence, empowering them to fulfil their potential.” “The long-term impact of this program will be to provide trained and skilled individuals who will help meet the pressing shortage of qualified graduates and is also anticipated that most of the graduating scholars will be offered employment within the Steamships Group or Swire Shipping PNG.” Meanwhile, Community Engagement Manager of Steamships Trading Company Limited, Hane Toua, plays a key role in organizing the scholarship program. She stated that upon applying for a scholarship, requirements must be met, and all details are included online. Toua also explained that once an applicant is successful upon receiving a scholarship, terms and conditions will apply and that the standard must remain through till the completion of one’s education. “The expectation that we have is for the students to fully commit to their studies and do well as we are investing a lot in them.” “This will add value to what we give and so we will support to ensure that they graduate.” Details about the eligibility criteria and application process can be accessed on the respective application forms which are available online on; Swire University Scholarship Application Form 2023 and Taikoo College Scholarship Application Form 2023.

The PNG Games Council Executive Committee recently met in Port Moresby and deliberated on a request for the rescheduling of the 8th PNG Games from the National Government through the Sports Minister, Don Polye. Chairman of the PNG Games Council, Albert Veratau, informed the Executive Committee that the government's reasons were threefold. Firstly, the government funding commitment for the Games was not released to complete Games preparations. Secondly, Team PNG participation at the 2023 Honiara Pacific Games from November 17th to the 4th of December 2023, was too close to the PNG Games scheduled on the 6th- 16th December 2023. And finally, the likelihood of passengers stranded at domestic airports during the Christmas/New Year peak period and for provincial teams travelling to and from the nation's capital during that time would cause issues. This considering the current daily trend of flight downgrades and cancellations by the national carrier Air Niugini, which has caused inconveniences for the travelling public. Veratau appealed to the Council to reschedule the Games and move forward to the New Year when Pacific Games participants return home and the airline industry goes past the peak period. The Executive Committee comprising of Nane Tomala- Momase Region, Vincent Pesnu- Highlands, Conrad Golumu-NGI and Henry Kavana-Southern, Auvita Rapilla- PNG Olympic Committee and Peter Aglua PNG- Sports Foundation have been recommended for the Games to be moved to the 10th-20th of January 2024. For compliance with the PNG Games Charter, the PNG Games Council comprising of 22 provincial representatives will be invited to vote through a postal resolution to endorse the recommendation. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Games Organizing Committee, John Susuve, has applauded the Executive Committee for the wise decision. Further stating, that the slight delay was a blessing for all provinces to complete fundraising activities and finalize logistics arrangements to take teams to Port Moresby. He also appealed to the business and corporate organizations in the host city to come forward and assist the Games Organizing Committee to deliver a successful Game.

A brand-new aid post aimed at enhancing maternal health care and treatment of children was commissioned recently in Sarkim, Wosera-Gawi in East Sepik province. The aid post is part of work implemented under Save the Children’s Safe Children Healthy Mothers (SCHM) nutrition project in partnership with the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and Sarkim community members. This initiative is set to have a profound and positive impact on the health and nutrition of the community, which consists of approximately 1,300 people who previously had to walk two and a half hours to access medical services at Wombisa or Kaukia Health Facility. Sarkim Ward Councilor, Mr. Philip Kinbange, explained that some frequent issues faced included lack of nutrition and stunting amongst children. He said it has been hard for mothers to access health services because of the distance they had to walk, so they decided that they needed a health service right at their doorstep. “We attended two trainings by Save the Children and were asked to identify common issues in the community, which was a lack of nutrition and stunting.” “The mothers don’t get proper medical support because of how far they must walk.” Under the SCHM project, Kinbange, women and youth leaders from Sarkim formed a Community Development Committee (CDC) and were tasked to implement nutrition-sensitive projects within their communities to promote healthy practices by identifying an issue and coming up with a solution. The Sarkim CDC then attended training to improve their knowledge of appropriate nutrition practices, identify health and nutrition issues as well as solutions and finally prioritize, plan, and implement one project and they decided they wanted to build an aid post. Meanwhile, Wosera-Gawi District Health Manager, Stanley Masi acknowledged the work by Save the Children to support primary healthcare services in communities. He said a priority of the East Sepik PHA is to build and maintain the 200 aid posts within the province which now includes Sarkim aid post. In addition to this, SCHM Project Manager, Ronny Inaha, also expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating that the commissioning of this aid post is a testament to their commitment to improve the lives of the most vulnerable community. He said the SCHM project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP). It aims to reduce stunting among children ages 0-5 years, reduce family violence and promote healthy practices in the communities. Furthermore, some key benefits of the aid post include: • Reduced Mortality Rates: Timely access to basic maternal and child healthcare services will lead to a significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rates. • Improved Nutrition practices: Through the nutrition project, the community are receiving education and support to ensure better dietary practices for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 5, which is important for the physical and cognitive development of children and the overall well-being of caregivers. • Enhanced Quality of Life: Local villagers can look forward to an improved quality of life, and the burden of travelling long distances for healthcare is reduced.

A major barrier that affects proper service delivery down to the Ward levels is the lack of communication between the Local Level Government (LLG) president, managers, LLG sector officers and District Administrations. This was one of the main challenges identified during the recent East New Britain Provincial Administration (ENBPA) annual LLG Leaders’ Conference that was held at the Gazelle International hotel. President of Sinivit LLG, Boniface Gerep, who was a participant representative during the conference, stated that communication is lacking in all levels of government. “All LLGs have their own issues such as not working together and the lack of communication between the presidents, managers, and sector heads.” “Therefore, this meeting has united us to work out our differences and work together to deliver services to the people in the respective LLGs.” Gerep also made mention that this is the first time for most of the LLG leaders to attend such a program and thanked the ENBPA for the four- day workshop as they have learned a lot of things. On behalf of the respective LLG Presidents and Managers, Gerep thanked the provincial administration through the District and LLG affairs division for the conference. “We have come up with some ways forward to address these challenges and now we have been empowered one more time and I encourage all presidents and LLGs to take heed of what we have learnt and implement them in our LLG Administrations.” He also made a call to both the Provincial and District Administration to make improvements in the release of funds stating that there is funding from the national government and other donors, however, has not been released to the wards and LLGs. Meanwhile, ENB Acting Administrator, Levi Mano, on behalf of the public service, acknowledged the LLG leaders for their commitment towards the exercise in making their time available to attend the four-day conference. He reminded the leaders that they are public servants and must always at the back of the people to always rediscover and rethink the way they do things, behave, and think and these four days is the time for that movement to start. “I encourage you leaders to identify those in your communities and engage them to run programs that will benefit and give back funding to the people.”

The University of Auckland (UoA) and the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) have shown interest in building partnership with the universities in Papua New Guinea, after a recent visit to Auckland by students from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG). The winning team of the 2023 UPNG Student Representative Council (SRC) Luther Wenge Debate Competition, recently travelled to Auckland, New Zealand, which was hosted by the University of Auckland and the Auckland University of Technology, in a one-week meaningful engagement which included activities such as panel discussions, campus tours, and cultural activities. The engagement was supported by the Office of the Pro Vice-chancellor Pacific, for both UoA and AUT, which resulted in both universities showing interest in seeing this program grow and continue in the future. The UoA Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor, Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, indicated that the University of Auckland wishes to establish a long-term partnership with UPNG and PNG as a whole through this opportunity. This was the same feedback from the Pacific Advancement Office in AUT who were also keen on seeing more PNG Students in Auckland. The AUT Assistant Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mr. Rennie Atfield-Douglas on the other hand, also made mention that AUT is looking forward to building this engagement and relationship. This is a first-of-its-kind opportunity where a student-led initiative has seen international engagement and partnership between UPNG and UoA, and there is hope for more meaningful international engagement so that UPNG students get much needed exposure to international universities. One of the major prizes of the 2023 UPNG Student Representative Council (SRC) debate competition was to see the winning team travel to New Zealand as part of a promising partnership between the 2023 UPNG Student Representative Council and the Commonwealth Students’ Association (CSA). This is an initiative of the 2023 UPNG SRC, under the leadership of the President, Luther Kising, supported by the Commonwealth Students’ Association through its Pacific Regional Representative, Bradley Yombon-Copio. Furthermore, the support given to UPNG SRC in future events such as student exchange programs and debates, will see students’ exposure to world standard institutions and learn from a country well rooted in culture. Former UPNG SRC President, Yombon-Copio also expressed that he would like to see this program grow and he is so thankful for all the support he had received to drive this initiative. “This engagement opened the door to opportunities such as international exposure and learning experience for students from UPNG, as the students not only represented UPNG but the Country as whole, and I hope to see the support from the University’s administration in the future, given the potential this engagement has shown.” Moreover, there is hope for more meaningful regional and international student engagements from Universities within PNG, as such engagement is an avenue to share knowledge and resources if long term partnership is established, and also to strengthen relationships between students and the universities. This is a milestone engagement for PNG to see such initiatives led by students as education is a priority and initiatives like this have the potential to influence change which will see young PNG people representing at a regional and international level. Meanwhile, the winning team led by Bradley Yombon-Copio, included the 2023 UPNG SRC Female Vice President, Gloria Mabiria, and students; Lovanchor Dotson, Edna Kiisaku, and Clive Akuru who travelled to Auckland. The 2023 UPNG SRC Luther Wenge Debate Competition commenced early in semester two of 2023 and was sponsored by the Morobe Governor, Luther Wenge. The funds were then allocated by the UPNG SRC’s Debate Committee, for financial support for the students’ trip to Auckland, as well as additional financial support from Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited.