After a consultation by Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) in October, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Friday 03rd of December 2021, between the West New Britain Provincial Administrator, Mr Williamson Hosea and CCDA’s Acting Managing Director, Mr William Lakain. The initial consultation between WNBPA and CCDA begun in 2016. The event was witnessed by WNB Provincial Management Team, Environment and Climate Change Unit and Officers from CCDA who travelled to Kimbe. Mr Williamson upon receiving the CCDA delegation mentioned the efforts of the provincial administration especially its structure to create a Climate Change Unit. This unit will play a vital role in coordinating efforts within the Province through the Provincial Climate Change Committee (PCCC) and liaise with CCDA at the National level. The signing of the MoU is a milestone achievement for the province as it sets precedents as the first province in the country to establish its PCCC. CCDA acting Managing Director, Mr Lakain said the MoU is the key step forward for both parties to foster effective working relationship to address climate change issues within the province. “I commend the Governor, the Provincial Administration and the people of WNB for their efforts towards implementing climate change measures in the province. This committee will also be a mechanism to support donor fundings from international development partners as well as the National Government to support the province in terms of green energy (geothermal) and other climate change related projects within the province. The next step for the Provincial Executive Council of West New Province is to fully endorse the PCCC establishment and allocate budget to be sourced from within the Provincial Administration for PCCC activities. The swearing in and the induction of the WNB PCCC members will be done early next year. The New Ireland Provincial Executive Council (PEC) has also in its decision 55/2021 approved the establishment of PCCC in the Province. The swearing in and MoU signing will be done once dates are set by the Provincial Administration of New Ireland Province.

47 youth representatives from all 13 districts of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB), now have a better understanding of the impacts of corruption and the importance of positive leadership, following a five-day training program facilitated by Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) and supported through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership. The Active Civic Engagement Program (ACE) is one of TIPNG’s flagship youth engagement programs designed to foster positive leadership and community values among young people in PNG. The program reintroduced participants to the devastating impacts of corruption at the community level and the effectiveness of positive leadership, unity, and consultation in addressing corruption. A youth representative from Konnou, Jeffrey Kangkei, said he was grateful to be involved in the program, as youth from his area had few opportunities to interact with the young people from other parts of Bougainville. He stated he had learnt about ways to stop corruption in his community and across Bougainville, and he was excited to share what he had learnt with other youths in his village. The program also included exposure to inspiring leaders and positive role models such as ABG’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Simon Pentau, ABG North Bougainville Women’s Representative, Amanda Masono-Getsi, and renowned filmmaker and artist, Llane Munau who shared their experiences and encouraged participants with messages of good governance and leadership. TIPNG Chief Executive Officer, Arianne Kassman reflected on the training saying, “The need for civic participation and engagement in both our national and sub-national governance frameworks is just as critical as ever. Our ACE program is specifically designed to moderate the general overreliance on the government to solve our issues at the community level.” “We are proud of our participants, and we hope that they can each take it one step further, by sharing what they have learned under this program with their peers and other individuals within their respective communities.”

On 8 December ExxonMobil PNG (EMPNG), operator of the PNG LNG Project, in partnership with the Hela Provincial Government, marked the launch of the Hela Education Program to support students across the province. Key takeaways: EMPNG launches PGK 2.5 million kina education program in Hela Province First of its kind program supports secondary school student tuition fees In collaboration with the Hela Provincial Government over 3,000 students will benefit This first of its kind program in Hela reflects a shared interest in strengthening education outcomes. With a primary focus on secondary education (years 8 through 12), EMPNG’s funding support of PGK 2.5 million will enable the Hela Department of Education to support student tuition fees and related costs in 2022. Governor Undialu said that ExxonMobil PNG’s Hela Education Program represents the strong bond between Hela and ExxonMobil PNG. “ExxonMobil’s Hela Education Program will provide over 3,000 students in Year 8 to Year 12 the opportunity to continue their education. This program will keep students engaged in the classroom, enabling our young men and women to obtain the education needed to not only help themselves and their families, but also to support the broader development of Hela Province,” Governor Undialu stated. Ronny Angu, Director of the Hela Department of Education, thanked ExxonMobil for supporting his department’s efforts on behalf of Hela’s youth. “ExxonMobil PNG has been a steadfast partner and good friend of Hela, and we look forward to seeing the positive results this new program will bring to our students and our province,” Mr. Angu said. ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director Peter Larden thanked the Hela Department of Education and the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Undialu for prioritising education as a critical foundation for Hela’s socioeconomic development. “To the young women and men of Hela, we join the Hela Provincial Government and community leaders supporting the continuation of your studies. You play a key role in helping build a brighter today, and tomorrow for the Province and for PNG,” Mr. Larden said. According to the Hela Department of Education, over the last few years secondary student engagement in Hela has become challenging due to families being unable to afford tuition, with the ongoing impacts of the 2018 earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic intensifying social issues further. Since 2010, EMPNG has invested over PGK 23 million in educational initiatives across Hela Province including infrastructure projects such as classrooms and teacher’s houses and wash facilities; educational materials; and teacher training.

From 1st November fully vaccinated passengers have been able to fly into Sydney and travel to NSW, Victoria and ACT but presently have to home quarantine for three days. You can transit domestically to your home location after landing in Sydney, by car or air, before entering into the three days of home quarantine. From 15th December, this will also apply for those travelling to Tasmania. From Monday 13th December, international arrivals into Queensland can home quarantine for 14 days, in lieu of hotel quarantine. Presently this is based on; • That you are fully vaccinated • This being your “normal” registered place of residence (so Air BNB etc doesn’t work) • There is no requirement to enter via a common area or use a common area ( so normally this has to be a free standing house/townhouse, and an apartment unlikely to be acceptable) • All persons residing in the home also need to quarantine for the full 14 days (so if an arrival is moving into their home, their husband/wife/children living there also need to remain in home quarantine for the 14 day period) • You can catch one onwards domestic flight to your final destination from Brisbane Airport, prior to entering home quarantine. All passengers arriving into Queensland must complete the Queensland International Arrivals Registration online, prior to travel. The form is at https://www.qld.gov.au/internationalarrivalstoqld/registration Once Queensland hits 90% of the population fully vaccinated , all international arrival restrictions will cease. Queensland Health are presently predicting this to occur in early January. At present inbound passengers into Cairns remain banned until the end of 2021 but Air Niugini operates a weekly Saturday flight (principally for freight) for passengers wishing to travel Cairns to Port Moresby, and has scheduled a second weekly flight from 15th December. Frequency will be increased subject to demand All passengers departing internationally will still need to complete a negative PCR test at Port Moresby airport at time of check-in. Access to testing closes two hours prior to scheduled departure. Wearing of face masks in the terminals and on board the aircraft is mandatory, hand sanitisers are provided for your protection, and social distancing is followed wherever practical in order to ensure your international travel remains as safe as possible.

Ela Murray International School has collected and wrapped over 200 gifts to give to the all the Children in theat Port Moresby General Hospital. This was an initiative of their School Parent Group TEMIS to encourage their students to share the love this Christmas especially with children at the hospital. TEMIS Parent Group Chairlady Ms. Melissa Belford said, “On behalf of the TEMIS Parent Group, we feel so blessed to be part of the Xmas Giving program for Pomgen.“ “We are also very grateful to our TEMIS families and their contribution because we could not have done it without them.“ TEMIS Parent Group Vice - Chairlady Ms. Jane Grasso added, “We are so grateful to the generous parents who donated all these gifts for such a worthy cause. I hope it lights up the children’s little faces when they open them." Ms. Naarai Banam, co-founder of Friends of Pom Gen, was on hand to receive the gifts, “We would like to say a huge thank and extend our sincere appreciation to Ela Murray International for your support. It’s a tremendous effort from the TEMIS Parent Group. A very Merry Christmas to our friends at Ela Murray International School”.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) today announced the appointment of three new directors by its majority shareholder the Kumul Minerals Ok Tedi Ltd (KMOTL) which owns 67% of the Company. Joining the OTML Board are Ms Nellie James who serves as Chair of Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited (the parent company of KMOTL), Mr. Bonny Ninai who serves as Chair of KMOTL and Dr. John Kuwimb who is the Acting Managing Director of Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited. OTML also announced that KMOTL have appointed Dr. Roger Higgins as the new Chair of the OTML Board of Directors following the recent retirement of Sir Moi Avei in August this year. Dr. Higgins is not new to Ok Tedi having served on the Board as an Independent Director since 2014, and as Chair of the Board’s Safety, Health, Environment and Community (SHEC) Committee. He was also a former Manager of OTML’s Environment Department, led our strategy and logistics teams, and served as Managing Director of Ok Tedi from 1997 to 2001. “Given his extensive international mining experience in senior executive roles working in Australia, Canada, Chile, PNG and the United States, we look forward to Dr. Higgins’ stewardship,” OTML Managing Director and CEO Musje Werror said. Dr. Higgins commented: “I recognise that being appointed as Chair of Ok Tedi Mining is a privilege, and I will put my efforts towards supporting the Ok Tedi leadership team, and to helping realise the best benefits for Ok Tedi’s stakeholders.” Mr Werror welcomed Dr. Higgins and the Directors to the Ok Tedi family. Picture: New Chair of OTML Dr. Roger Higgins

Aiyura School of Excellence, formerly Aiyura National High School received a new 25-seater bus early this month from Petroleum Resources Gobe (PRG) and Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC). The donated bus will ensure the 600-plus students attending the school are transported safely to their respective provinces when the school’s academic year closes. The School of Excellence, in Eastern Highlands province, currently enrolls 40 students from Gobe, in Grades 11 and 12. Mathew Sisimolu, Chairman of PRG said PRG’s focus is on supporting education. [caption id="attachment_17542" align="aligncenter" width="673"] PRG Chairman Matthew Sisimolu together with the staff and student representative from Aiyura School of Excellence receiving the bus keys from Ela Motors Goroka Branch Manager.[/caption] “Investing in education has always been one of our key focus areas and while PRG continues to support our students’ access quality education, the company is committed to continue supporting our education institutions with impact projects that will add value to our students’ education,” said Mr Sisimolu. Since last year, with the support of MRDC, PRG has signed an agreement with ASE paving the way for successful students at Gobe Agro High School, who meet the required marks to continue their secondary education at Aiyura School of Excellence. [caption id="attachment_17543" align="alignnone" width="724"] The new 25 seater bus donated by PRG to the Aiyura School of Excellence.[/caption] “This relationship is vital as it supports our focus in developing the human resource of Gobe and we will continue to support the school.” Karl Puluma, Principal of Aiyura School of Excellence welcomed the donation of the bus by PRG. Mr Puluma said the bus will be used to repatriate students back to their homes at the end of school year, and will also be used to support the school’s operations next year. “The board, management and students of ASE are thankful to PRG & MRDC for this kind gesture. The bus will not only benefit the Gobe students but all students from all over PNG that enrolls at Aiyura School of Excellence,” said Mr Puluma.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) has just finished a week of graduation ceremonies for the more than 1000 children who have attended the organisation’s Early Childhood Education program in 2021. While everyone can agree that education is a good thing, it is equally important to ensure that the children have the correct tools to support their education. Without the tools for a standard education, schools cannot keep students engaged. Literacy is indeed hands-on and students need reading books, pencils, exercise books, backpacks, rulers and pencil cases to help with their learning and overall literacy acquisition. The Nambawan Trophy Limited (NWTL) has been supporting BbP with volunteers and the donation of food items and treats for a number of large events for the last couple of years. The volunteer group has this year donated more than 8000 pencils, 500 ball pens, 900 rulers, 2900 exercise/notebooks, 700 backpacks and 2900 pencil cases valued at K40,000. Children enrolled in BbP’s programs have each received a backpack, a pencil case, exercise books and stationery and are now ready to enrol at school next year. BbP Executive Officer, Leanne Resson said: “We are so grateful to NWTL for this extra special educational gift for the children enrolled at our Library Learning Centres across PNG. It will greatly motivate them in their learning knowing they have the right tools to get their work done. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with the NWTL to improve education outcomes and literacy rates across PNG.” BbP Founder and Chairlady, Anne-Sophie Hermann said: “Basic needs like pencils, pens, paper and textbooks and even more so pencil cases and backpacks can be so difficult for struggling families to supply for their children. This lack of materials can lead to absenteeism and illiteracy so we are incredibly grateful to the NWTL for this most thoughtful gift for the children in our program. Education and its resources encourage a life-time of problem-solving for young learners.” NWTL’s CSR Chairlady, Yolande Saesaria said: “During these uncertain times, as a responsible corporate citizen, the NWTL Group is proud to be associated with Buk bilong Pikinini in ensuring that our children in communities are provided stability and ease in their learning and development. Our future depends on the upcoming generation and as a company, we value our staff who belong to communities across the nation, we recognize that our staff are also fathers and mothers who give their best for their children every day when they come to work. We trust that this sponsorship enhances the great learning experiences the children gain from the amazing work BbP continues to deliver across the nation.”

Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) in partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Law has commenced its 2021-2022 Legal Internship Program (LIP) with the 5th cohort of interns starting on Monday 29th November 2021. Through the LIP, TIPNG is able to offer 3rd and 4th Year UPNG Law School students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience as part of its mission to empower people in Papua New Guinea to take action against corruption. “TIPNG values the opportunity to work with Papua New Guinea’s next generation of legal professionals through the LIP. Over the course of the 2-month internship, the UPNG Law School students will be engaged in a variety of activities to hone their academic skills, expand their professional network and meaningfully contribute to addressing corruption in our country." "This innovative partnership, now in its fifth year has matured into a fixture of TIPNG’s annual calendar and provides much needed support in our ongoing anti-corruption efforts,” said Ms. Arianne Kassman, TIPNG Chief Executive Officer, in a media statement. From a total 73 applicants applied for the LIP 2021-2022, the following three UPNG Law School students were selected for the internship program: • Ms. Jasmine Murray, 3rd Year LLB • Mr. Lloyd Kombe, 3rd Year LLB • Ms. Andrea Marru, 3rd Year LLB The LIP Interns will primarily assist TIPNG’s Anti-Corruption Helpdesk (AnCoHD). The AnCoHD is a free public service offered by TIPNG whereby victims and witnesses of corruption in Papua New Guinea can anonymously seek legal advice and assistance in person, via email, social media, or by calling the AnCoHD toll-free number 180 6000. In addition to assisting TIPNG’s AnCoHD, the legal interns will be given the opportunity to support TIPNG’s other functions which include; Policy, Advocacy, Communications, Events, Partnerships, Finance and Administration. Since beginning in 2018, a total of 14 interns that have successfully completed the LIP. TIPNG recently extended its partnership with the UPNG School of Law, through the signing in October 2020 of a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding from 2020-2024.

Further to previous updates, the National Airports Corporation (NAC) has advised that the completion of runway works at Lae (Nadzab) and Kavieng airports have been delayed into 2022. Kavieng is now expected to return to Fokker jet operations around the third week of January (instead of this month), whilst jet services to Nadzab are expected to resume in April 2022 (instead of January). Due to the shortened runways at these two airports, Air Niugini services to both Lae and Kavieng are currently being operated by the smaller Q400 and Dash-8 aircraft from Link PNG. This will now continue through the peak travel period. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience to the travelling public during the peak travel season, however safety of operations remains our primary concern. We look forward to resuming our Fokker jet operations to both Lae and Kavieng as soon as the runway maintenance and upgrading works are completed.

SUMMARY The PNG Forest Authority and JICA signed a Record of Discussion of a new forest project called “Capacity Development project for reducing carbon emissions from forest degradation through commercial logging in PNG” on Tuesday 7th December 2021, . This project has now commenced after RD signing and will be implemented for 3 years upon the arrival of a Japanese expert in the first quarter of 2022. Project Details: The new forest project aims at strengthening the capacity of stakeholders to implement proper logging operations and natural regeneration under the procedures such as the Logging Code of Practice (LCoP) in order to improve the situation of forest degradation, promote low emission logging and ensure that these activities are properly implemented in the field. At COP26, the United Nations climate change conference held in the United Kingdom in November 2021, the outcome document was released stating that efforts will be made to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The role of PNG, with its vast tropical rainforests, is significant and is attracting attention from around the world. In order to contribute to the achievement of this goal, JICA has agreed to contribute as one of the ways to solve problems through this project. JICA has been working in partnership with PNGFA since 2011 to address Forest Management and will continue its cooperation through this new project.

The official launching of the Online Results for grade 10's and grade 12's took place today at the Port Moresby National School of Excellence. This was followed by the announcement of the top performing schools in the country. Following is the list of schools that topped the Grade 10 National Examination for both public and private school respectively; GRADE 10 - SYSTEM SCHOOLS (BOTH GOVT & CHURCH AGENCY) 1. St Charles Lwanga Secondary School – NCD 2. Cameron Secondary School – MBP 3. Marianville Secondary School – NCD 4. Gordons Secondary School – NCD 5. Busu Secondary School –MOROBE 6. Mercy (Yarapos) Secondary School – ESP 7. Kuiaro Technical High – MBP 8. Kundiawa Lutheran Day Secondary School – SIMBU 9. Vanimo Secondary School – WSP GRADE 10 – PRIVATE PERMITTED SCHOOLS 1. PNG Paradise Secondary School – NCD 2. St. Josephs International Catholic College – NCD 3. OLSH International School – NIP 4. Kopkop College – NCD 5. Port Moresby Grammar School – NCD Most improved schools for this year were also recognised for their efforts. Following are the five most improved schools in the grade 10 category. MOST IMPROVED SCHOOLS (Gr. 10 category) 1. Kiripa High School – WHP 2. Brandi Secondary School – ESP 3. Tabubil Secondary School – WESTERN 4. Malala Secondary School – Madang TOP 10 – SYSTEM SCHOOLS (Govt & Church Agency) 1. Marianville Secondary School – NCD 2. Mt Hagen Secondary School – WHP 3. St Charles Lwanga Secondary School – NCD 4. Busu Secondary School – MOROBE 5. Lihir Secondary School – NIP 6. Oksapmin Secondary School – ESP 7. St Ignatius Secondary School – ESP 8. Paglum Secondary School – WHP 9. Cameron Secondary School –MBP 10. Arawa Secondary School – AROB The following are the top performing schools in the Grade 12 National Examination for this year; TOP 6 PERFORMING NATIONAL SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE (Formerly National High Schools) 1. Passam NSOE – ESP 2. Port Moresby NSOE – NCD 3. Wawin NSOE – MOROBE 4. Kerevate NSOE – ENB 5. Aiyura NSOE – EHP 6. Sogeri NSOE – CENTRAL TOP 5 BEST PERFORMING PRIVATE SCHOOLS (Grade 12 category) 1. PNG Paradise College - NCD 2. OLSH International School - NIP 3. St Josephs International Catholic School - NCD 4. Goroka Grammar School -EHP 5. Port Moresby Grammar School – NCD MOST IMPROVED SCHOOLS (Gr.12 category) 1. Tokarara Secondary School - NCD 2. Kundiawa Lutheran Day Secondary School - SIMBU 3. St Mary’s (Asivitavi) Secondary School - AROB 4. Tabubil Secondary School - WESTERN 5. St Gabriel’s Technical Secondary School - WESTERN “Despite having to close schools for 3 weeks in the middle of the year due to Covid-19 Pandemic, the students have done extremely well.” “This year, we have decided to have to have 3 Separate Categories for ranking the top performing schools in the country.” “Especially for the Gr. 12's, we have a category for the Public System schools, the Schools of Excellence and the new Category for the private schools,” said Education Department Secretary Dr. Uke Kombra. Even though there were suggestions to close schools during the recent surge of Covid-19, the department disagreed and kept schools open so students can continue learning while adhering to the covid protocols. Schools were advised to provide water for washing hands and hand sanitizers whilst mask wearing was mandatory in schools. Top Performing schools and most improved schools were awarded certificates by the department of Education which was presented to them today. Dr Uke Kombra thanked all teachers and staff for their hard work all throughout the academic year and wished them all a successful year for 2022.