Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Singapore today at the margins of the United Nations 27th Climate Conference (COP 27) in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to signify their collaboration in carbon markets as part of their efforts to meet their respective National Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitment under the Paris Agreement. NDCs are efforts by each country to reduce national carbon emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change of Papua New Guinea, Honorable Simo Kilepa and Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms. Grace Fu, signed the MoU for their respective governments, witnessed by Papua New Guinea and Singapore delegates and invited guests at COP 27. Both Ministers heralded the MoU as a clear demonstration of a joint partnership to fight the growing adverse impacts of climate change affecting countries and the world. “I am pleased with this important MoU between Papua New Guinea and Singapore, being the first ever MoU for cooperation on carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change,” said Minister Kilepa. The MoU will further contribute to strengthening the existing cordial bilateral relations between both countries and foster constructive dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including on climate change, trade and investment. “Singapore is an important neighbor, friend and a key development partner for Papua New Guinea. We value the bilateral partnership with Singapore”, said Minister Kilepa. During the MoU signing, Minister Fu highlighted the background to the MoU and its importance in combating climate change impacts. “In COP 26 last year, we successfully concluded Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, paving the way for carbon markets for voluntary cooperation between countries to meet their NDCs and to advance global climate action and ambition. “It is my pleasure to be here today to sign the MoU and we look forward to work together in identifying mutually beneficial compliant carbon credit projects for both countries in achieving our NDCs”, she added. Minister Kilepa said the MoU is a groundbreaking milestone for Papua New Guinea and a welcome significant step towards meeting the climate carbon emission targets for the country. He also praised the timely and important partnership with Singapore on carbon credit cooperation, which will benefit both countries. Under the MoU, Singapore and Papua New Guinea will work towards an implementation agreement that will set out the bilateral framework for the transfer of carbon credits with corresponding adjustments aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve emission reduction targets set out in their NDCs to allow for higher ambition in their climate change mitigation and adaptation actions and to promote sustainable development and environmental integrity. This will be presented to Cabinet, together with other key achievements from the Conference, following the conclusion of the climate conference. Minister Kilepa acknowledged with appreciation the valued contributions from the technical officials from both countries who have been working tirelessly over many months in ensuring the successful conclusion and signing of the MoU. “I pay special tribute to our officials from key government departments and agencies, including Climate Change and Development Authority, Department of Prime Minister and NEC, Justice and Attorney- General, Foreign Affairs, National Energy Authority, National Forest Authority, National Planning and the Office of the State Solicitors who are often portrayed in a negative way by the public when it comes to representing the country in the climate conference. “They work under tremendous challenges in such international meetings and this needs to be better understood, said Minister Kilepa.

New Zealand’s Joey Manu and Raecene McGregor, and England’s Sebastien Bechara, are the 2022 IRL Golden Boot winners as the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair International Player of the Year. Manu, McGregor and Bechara received the Golden Boot awards in Manchester on Tuesday after a comprehensive judging process involving former Test greats, rugby league pioneers and members of the media. Golden Cap recipient Adrian Morley, who is one of just nine players to have played 50 or more Tests, presented the Men’s Golden Boot to Manu – the sixth Kiwi to win the award since its inception in 1984. McGregor is the first New Zealander to be awarded the Women’s Golden Boot, which was introduced in 2018 and won by Jillaroos centre Isabelle Kelly, who passed the honour to team-mate Jessica Sergis the following year. [caption id="attachment_30442" align="alignnone" width="638"] Joey Manu and IRL chair Troy Grant.[/caption] The Wheelchair Golden Boot was introduced in 2019, with Bechara’s England team-mate Jack Brown being the inaugural winner but due to COVID the award has not been presented for the past two years. Manu has been a revelation at fullback for the Kiwis – a position he doesn’t usually play for the Sydney Roosters – and was a stand-out in the mid-season Test against Tonga, as well as each of New Zealand’s World Cup matches. Significantly, McGregor and Bechara also played mid-season Tests and their performances helped them to edge out Golden Boot rivals. “The IRL Golden Boot is one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in rugby league, and recognises performances at international level," said IRL chair Troy Grant. “In the past it has been won by some of the greatest players to have played the game, such as Wally Lewis, Mal Meninga, Ellery Hanley, Andy Farrell, Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Benji Marshall, Stacey Jones, Darren Lockyer, Johnathon Thurston and Cameron Smith. Now Joey, Raecene and Sebastien join them after each producing a series of outstanding performances for their nations, from the mid-season internationals to the World Cup. Smith (Australia), Graham (England and Great Britain) and Wiki (New Zealand), who are Golden Cap recipients, helped selected Manu as the Men’s Golden Boot winner after a panel of journalists and commentators chose a short list of candidates. Manu ran a world record 401 metres with the ball in New Zealand’s mid-season Test against Tonga and has ran more than 300 metres in each of his five World Cup appearances. “On behalf of the IRL, I would like to congratulate Joey, Raecene and Sebastien, as well as the players who were selected on the short lists for the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair Golden Boot awards. “In each case, the stand-out performances of the winner in the mid-season Test gave them an edge over other contenders coming into the World Cup, which may have helped to decide the awards. “I would also like to thank all who helped participate in the judging process, including giants of the international game, Cameron Smith, Honey Hireme-Smiler, James Graham, Karen Murphy and Ruben Wiki.” [caption id="attachment_30443" align="alignnone" width="657"] Raecene McGregor with the 2022 Golden Boot award.[/caption] The Women’s Golden Boot was chosen by a panel, which included Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns greats Murphy and Hireme-Smiler, commentator and former England star Danika Priim, refereeing pioneer Julia Lee, and members of the media. McGregor’s award caps a stunning year for the Kiwi Ferns halfback, who was without a contract for the postponed 2021 NRLW season until winning player-of-the match for the Māori All Stars. After helping Sydney Roosters to the NRLW Premiership early in the year, she was awarded the Dally M Medal as the best player of the 2022 NRLW season. The Women’s Golden Boot award was presented to McGregor, who was accompanied by sister and Test team-mate Page, by long serving RFL executive and RLWC2021 director Karen Moorhouse. Bechara has also been consistently one of the best players every time he has played, starring in England’s mid-season Test win over France, who they will again meet in the World Cup final at Manchester Central on Friday night. He edged England teammate Jack Brown, who is based in Australia and did not play the mid-season Test, and France’s Jérémy Bourson. The IRL Wheelchair Golden Boot was presented by Wheelchair Rugby League pioneer, Malcolm Kielty, MBE, who was on a panel of officials, coaches, referees and members of the media to choose the award. Source: NRL.Com

The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee (PNGOC) gathered at the Executive Lounge of the Coral Sea Hotels – Grand Papua Hotel on Tuesday, November 15th to celebrate its valued sponsors and stakeholders at its annual Sponsors Cocktail reception hosted by Coral Sea Hotels. The sponsors reception comes after a successful 2022 Team PNG games campaign which saw Team PNG participate in two international multi-sport events being the 2022 Northern Marianas Pacific Mini-Games, where PNG placed first and won the games, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where PNG respectfully placed 35 out of 72 competing nations. The event was held to thank the sponsors and stakeholders for their ongoing support and commitment towards Team PNG and the organisation which has enabled inspiring results in 2022. President of the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee – Sir John Dawanincura said the sponsors and stakeholder’s commitment towards Team PNG and the organisation reflected the confidence they have in the Team PNG brand. “The Team PNG brand and sports goes hand in hand. Our 2022 success and results on the international stage would not have been possible without the ongoing support and belief from our sponsors and stakeholders in our vision to be the best performing Pacific Island nation at every international event we attend”. Representing Team PNG Athletes, Olympian John Ume from the Sport of Boxing acknowledged the sponsors for their valuable contribution and support through their various respective sponsorships to the PNGOC and Team in 2022 and for their continuing support into the future. [caption id="attachment_30426" align="alignnone" width="906"] Photo Credit: Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee[/caption] The 2022 Corporate Sponsors include – Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) as the major contributor to Team PNG’s Performance Strategy, the PNG Sports Foundation (PNGSF) as the key partner and government arm responsible for sports in PNG, Trukai Industries, National Gaming Control Board, SP Brewery, IBS University, ExxonMobil PNG, Coral Sea Hotels, PacificAus Sports, Theodist, The National, Air Niugini, Trophy Haus PNG, Media Partners, Jacks of PNG and Blue7 Team. PNGOC also acknowledged Team PNG support sponsors that came on board in 2022. These included - the National Capital District Commission, Oilmin Field Services, Tribe Agency, Brian Bell Group, City Pharmacy Group Limited, Steel Industries, Carbine Club and Pro Clean. Sponsorship towards the PNGOC and Team PNG helps the not for profit organisation prepare end send Team PNG to participate in a four year cycle of games being the Pacific Games, Pacific Mini-Games, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Youth Games, Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, and any other games under the auspices of the three games movements that it serves being the Olympic Movement, Commonwealth Games Movement and the Pacific Games Movement.

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) has engaged three interns from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) as part of its Legal Internship Program (LIP). The LIP first started in 2017 as an opportunity for UPNG Law School Students to gain valuable exposure to anti-corruption advocacy within TIPNG. Now in its sixth year, the LIP has continued to support TIPNG’s legal capacity to promote good governance within the country. “We thank the University of Papua New Guinea School of Law for continuing to support this internship program by TIPNG, in 2020 we signed a 5-year MoU that will take us through to 2024. This Internship continues to strengthen the efforts of TIPNG as we work to empower people in PNG to take action against corruption,” said Ms. Arianne Kassman, TIPNG Chief Executive Officer in a media statement. “The three interns will be with us for 14 weeks and will assist us in producing legal briefs, reviewing our advocacy files and providing technical support to our policy work. This partnership supports TIPNG’s strategic objectives to be able to respond to issues that require legal skills,” said Ms. Kassman. The internship commenced on Monday 30th October 2022 and will end in February 2023. The three interns selected for 2022-23 TIPNG Legal Internship program are: • Ms. Mariah Bualia, LLB 4 • Ms. Courtneyalla Dotson, LLB 3 • Mr. George Monouluk, LLB 4 The Legal Internship Program has been made possible with funding from the TI Indo-Pacific Partnership for Strong, Transparent, Responsive & Open Networks for Good Governance (TI IPP STRONGG) 2020 – 2023. This funding assists chapters of Transparency International to contribute to reduced corruption in the Indo-Pacific region by empowering a strong and independent civil society voice and network that can mobilise action in support of increased accountability of public and private institutions nationally and regionally.

This Saturday the 19th November is the annual Mountain Dew National Dance Championship, to be held at Sir John Guise Indoor Sports Stadium. The event will see more than 20 teams compete for cash and prizes to the value of K15,000 and to also be crowned the best dance crew in Papua New Guinea. The competition has grown so much in popularity since the last competition that a bigger venue was needed for this year. “We held the last event at Southside Fitness Center and the turnout was amazing, so we knew that this time we had to make it bigger and better” Everett Chue, Director of Pacific Industries said. “Sir John Guise will be a great location for this year, we can fit more people in to watch and with it being indoors we don’t need to worry about the weather causing any problems.” PNG’s premier dance group “Wan Squad” have also held 6 dance workshops in the lead up to this event to get the dancers prepared for the competition, as well as working on a “mega group” routine featuring Wan Squad. “That routine is really going to be quite the spectacle; it will be close to a hundred dancers and with Wan Squad also involved it’s going to be something pretty special” Mr Chue said. “We’d love everyone to come down on Saturday to check it out” The event starts at 12pm Saturday at Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium, entry is K2 with all proceeds to be donated to charity.

A gospel singer turned politician has been sentenced for ordering her children to kill her pastor husband in a case which has shocked Brazil. A court sentenced ex-Congresswoman Flordelis dos Santos de Souza to 50 years in jail for the murder of her husband, pastor Anderson do Carmo. She planned the shooting after attempts to poison him had failed, prosecutors said. Her lawyer said she would appeal against the conviction. The court said that the length of the sentence reflected the "hatred, cold-bloodedness and disrespect for human life" de Souza had demonstrated by having her husband shot dead at the home the two shared with the dozens of street children they had adopted. Two of de Souza's sons are already serving time for the pastor's murder and a daughter was also found guilty on Sunday. Evangelical power couple Flordelis dos Santos de Souza was 32 when she met the teenage Anderson do Carmo in 1993. She had just separated from her previous husband and was looking after her three biological children as well as five street children she had taken in. According to one of her adoptive sons who gave testimony at the trial, do Carmo, who was still underage, moved in with the family as another adoptive son. However, his adoption was never made official and in 1998, the 21-year-old do Carmo married de Souza. The couple continued taking in street children and in total looked after 55 children over the years. Do Carmo became a charismatic church leader and de Souza's career as a gospel singer prospered after her first album was launched in 2010. Together, they founded an evangelical church named Flordelis Evangelical Ministry which drew thousands of faithful to its services. In 2018, de Souza ran for Congress and won a seat in the lower house, further enhancing her celebrity status. A crime which shocked Brazil But when do Carmo's body was found in June 2019 riddled with more than 30 bullets at their home in Nitéroi, outside Rio de Janeiro, disturbing details of life at the family residence began to emerge. One of de Souza's biological sons, Flávio dos Santos Rodrigues, and one of the couple's adopted sons, Lucas Cézar dos Santos Souza, were arrested just hours after the killing. The former originally told police he had fired six shots at his stepfather, but later recanted. The latter confessed to buying the murder weapon. Both were found guilty of murder last year and are in jail. Many of those who gave evidence at their trial and that of de Souza spoke of how de Souza and do Carmo would row over who should have control over the couple's considerable income. One of their adoptive sons testified that "he kept more of the money because he paid the bills and looked after the upkeep of the house, my mum kept the rest for her personal use". It is not clear when their relationship began to sour, but at her trial, the gospel singer was also found guilty of at least six failed attempts to poison her husband. While de Souza maintained that she loved her husband and denied orchestrating his killing, she did accuse him of abusing her and other members of her family. "It's very difficult for me to speak [about this] but [what happened] is down to the abuses that happened within my home," she told the court amid tears. Highlighting the fact that many of the shots fired against the pastor on the night of his murder were aimed "at a region close to his genitals" and that he "suffered immensely until he died", the court imposed a 50-year sentence. There were emotional scenes in the courtroom with de Souza's new boyfriend crying bitterly upon hearing the sentence but a lawyer for do Carmo's family said he was satisfied justice had been done. One of Flordelis de Souza's biological daughters, Simone dos Santos Rodrigues, was also found guilty of involvement in do Carmo's murder and sentenced to 31 years. Source: BBC 

The Pacific Regional Education Framework (PacREF) Facilitating Unit (PFU) will be hosting the Pacific Heads of Education Systems (PHES) Steering Committee (SC) meeting from November 21-23 offering important opportunities for face-to-face discussion after a lapse of two years. “The PHES -SC members have had to meet virtually as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the return of the meeting format to face-to-face this year allows for our regional members to come together and have meaningful talanoa,” said PFU Coordinator Mr Filipe Jitoko. PHES-SC members from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island, Federated States of Micronesia, and Tuvalu will be in Suva, Fiji, for the meeting, while Niue will attend virtually. The meeting will involve presentations and valuable discussions around topics relating to education in the region, more specifically, the progress of the first phase of PacREF activities, the upcoming Conference of Pacific Education Ministers (CPEM) and other PHES matters. The first two days will be closed for PHES-SC members only. For the remaining two days, there will be presentations from PacREF Implementing Agencies, including the Secretariat of the Pacific Community Educational Quality and Assessment Programme, The University of the South Pacific (USP) Technical and Further Education (Pacific TAFE), USP’s Discipline of Education, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and group discussions. “We look forward and hope that the PHES-SC members will have some robust discussions during the two sessions to reset directions on the PacREF programme and find innovative ways to further strengthen regional collaboration and connection among countries and partners.” Mr Jitoko added. A Steering Committee with membership based on a Troika arrangement is mandated by the PHES to make decisions in relation to the PacREF in between PHES meetings. The composition of the Troika is the current chair of PHES, the immediate past chair and the next chair. The other two members are selected from the smaller Island states group and from a sub-region that is not represented in the Troika. The PHES-SC is convened jointly by UNESCO and USP through the PFU.

Partnering together as YWAM launch the YWAM MS Dental Trailer pilot outreach program a team of dentists from YWAM Medical Ships visited Sevese Morea Primary School in NCD to perform a number of dental health procedures. Many children were unable to concentrate in class due to pain and were previously unable to receive dental care. The dental team performed examinations, cleanings, restorations, fluoride treatments, and extractions as needed on the students to look after their smiles. All students in all grade levels received oral health and nutrition education, empowering them to take care of their oral health and overall health. Additionally, students received Colgate Bright Smiles packs including toothbrushes and toothpaste. Over 5 full days - 132 students received treatment - 232 dental procedures were provided - 400 students received oral health education This pilot outreach was created to establish the best process and procedures for the program with a goal for the program to be rolled out to more Port Moresby schools in the future. We are thrilled to be able to support this program and we look forward to continuing this partnership further in 2023. Credit: Sir Brian Bell Foundation

The Kiwi Ferns have marched into their sixth-consecutive World Cup Final with a 20-6 win over tournament hosts England in York on Tuesday (AEDT). After leading by just two points at half-time, Apii Nicholls and Mele Hufanga led a second-half charge to ensure the Kiwi Ferns continued their remarkable run of playing in every World Cup final since the tournament's inception in 2000. After a Nicholls knock-on handed the hosts early field position, the Lionesses opened their account in the fourth minute when fullback Francesca Goldthorp crossed out wide and Tara-Jane Stanley converted for a 6-0 lead. New Zealand hit back through centre Hufanga in the 15th minute after a strong run by Broncos prop Amber Hall who evaded several defenders and sent a well-timed pass back inside to Hufanga. Come the 28th minute and New Zealand had their second when NRLW Dally M Medal winner Raecene McGregor exploded out from dummy half five metres out, stepped off her left foot and crashed over the goal line. After another unsuccessful conversion, Ricky Henry's side headed to the break with just a two-point lead. Six minutes into the second half saw a great moment for New Zealand when Hufanga and Nicholls charged downfield to find Otesa Pule on the left who crossed the stripe for her first World Cup try. Come the 51st minute and courtesy of another barnstorming break from Hufanga down the right edge, the Ferns swung the ball back infield to find Brianna Clark who found the gap to score untouched next to the uprights. Nicholls converted to make it 20-6. Source: NRL.com

“Jeff [Bezos] and I are so proud to share that we have a new Bezos Courage and Civility Award winner — a woman who gives with her heart and leads with love and compassion in every aspect of her work,” Bezos’ longtime partner, Lauren Sanchez, posted on Instagram alongside a video of their speech Friday before awarding the grant to the country music legend and longtime philanthropist. “We can’t wait to see all the good that you’re going to do with this $100 million award, @DollyParton.” Parton, who has donated to various causes for decades, publicly thanked Bezos and Sanchez on Twitter. “I try to put my money where my heart is. I will do my best to do good things with this money,” Parton tweeted. “Thank you @JeffBezos #LaurenSanchez” During the Covid-19 pandemic, Parton donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s vaccine research efforts. It was partly used to fund Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine. She said in an interview at the time with BBC’s “The One Show,” that she felt “honored and proud.” “I just felt so proud to have been part of that little seed money that will hopefully grow into something great and help to heal this world,” she said. “I’m a very proud girl today to know I had anything at all to do with something that’s going to help us through this crazy pandemic.” In 1988, Parton established the Dollywood Foundation, and eventually The Imagination Library, a program that helps children across the world access books. Among her philanthropic efforts in her home state of Tennessee, Parton also created the Dolly Parton Scholarship, which provides $15,000 to recipients towards a college education. Last year, Bezos awarded $100 million each to CNN contributor Van Jones and chef José Andrés. Bezos, the founder and former head of Amazon.com, said at a news conference at the time the grant had no strings attached. “They can give it all to their own charity,” Bezos said last year. “Or they can share the wealth. It is up to them."

With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 getting under way later this week, stars from across the globe have been jetting in to Doha. Hamad International Airport has seen a host of nations touch down, with Gregg Berhalter’s USA squad among the first to land for the first global showpiece to be held in the Arab world. “We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete,” Berhalter said. “We are extremely proud and honored to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans in Qatar.” The US begin their Group B campaign against Wales at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Monday, November 21, before meetings with England and IR Iran. Carlos Queiroz’s men – who are up against England in their opening game – were one of three teams pictured making their way through the airport on Monday, with Tunisia another side to arrive. Jalel Kadri’s outfit are in a testing Group D with holders France, European championship semi-finalists Denmark, and Australia – another squad to have made their way to Qatar to begin acclimatising. Japan, Senegal, and South Korea – plus the host nation – are also being put through their paces at their respective team camps around Doha, ahead of the opening fixture between Qatar and Ecuador at the Al Bayt Stadium on Sunday, November 21. And shortly before midnight on Monday, Switzerland stepped onto the tarmac at Hamad International Airport, with Brazil, Serbia and Cameroon awaiting as their opponents in Group G. Source: FIFA.com

Prime Minister James Marape is preparing to meet with Chinese President Hon. Xi Jinping in a one-on-one exchange on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Summit in Bangkok from 17 to 19 this month, November, 2022. Prime Minister Marape welcomed the invitation to the meeting, calling it a “high honour for Papua New Guinea”, as PNG continues its “Friend to all; Enemy to none” position and China continues as PNG’s biggest trading partner. The meeting becomes the first high level talk between the two leaders since re-election to their respective posts – Prime Minister Marape in May and President Xi in October this year. PM Marape said: “This is a high honour for PNG to meet with the President. “We live in the Pacific and so we must deal with all Pacific nations – the US on the Eastern side, and Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, India, and China on the other side. “Papua New Guinea does not hide our friendship with nations. We show that we are friends to all countries including China. Being the second biggest economy in the Asia Pacific region, it is important that we maintain our relationship with China. “We cannot afford to be friends to one and enemy to the other. This is both a Christian principle and a Melanesian principle. “China is also our biggest trading partner currently. I will use the opportunity of the meeting to also call for more Chinese partners to come in to help us process our coffee and our fish. “I am totally honoured for this opportunity. I know President Xi has other bi-laterals that he would have picked ahead of meeting with PNG, but he has chosen to meet with us.” Prime Minister Marape reiterated PNG’s ‘One China Policy’, installed just after Independence by the party he now leads. He said it was his duty to “entrench this further so the one after me can carry on this path into the future”.