This August, gear up for a thrilling journey as Coca-Cola Papua New Guinea collaborates with Marvel for the special release of ‘Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes’ limited-edition cans and your chance to win epic prizes. Coca-Cola’s relationship with Disney began more than 60 years ago, and the two iconic brands have continued their strong collaboration across projects, universes and multiverses – such as the iconic Marvel Universe. In Coca-Cola and Marvel’s latest campaign, the brands have joined forces to bring the world of Marvel to life in an exciting new way with a brand-new TV commercial which will be posted in CocaColaPNG Facebook and by delivering a never-before-seen consumer experience. Launching in PNG on 20th July 2024, Coca-Cola lovers and Marvel fans are invited to dive into the action-packed world Marvel with specially designed limited-edition Coca-Cola Classic cans featuring four iconic Marvel characters: Deadpool, Wolverine, Daredevil and Elektra. Assemble a team of 4, Collect all four special edition cans, take a group selfie, and share it on Facebook while tagging Coca-Cola PNG, for a chance to win tickets to an exclusive cinema screening of the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie on Saturday, 28 September 2024. The uplifting cinema experience from Coca-Cola will cover accommodations and airfare for those outside Port Moresby. But the excitement doesn’t stop at the cans! Join us on a thrilling road trip across PNG’s four major regions aboard the spectacular Coca-Cola x Marvel Truck. Loaded with fun games, photo ops, live music and heaps of surprises, you won’t want to miss this mobile festivity. Plus, those purchasing two cans of Coca-Cola can show their receipt to participate in marvellous games and win official Coca-Cola x Marvel merchandise. Sr Brand Manager at Coca-Cola PNG, Rachel Nainggolan stated that Coca-Cola’s goal is to spark moments of happiness and unity. “With this new venture into the Marvel Universe, we’re not just sharing a drink, we’re sharing a thrilling experience that brings the community together in new and joyful ways.” Coca-Cola x Marvel: The Heroes designs will feature on 330ml Coca-Cola Classic cans and be available for purchase in stores across Papua New Guinea for a limited period starting on 20th July 2024. The four characters featured on Coca-Cola Classic cans in Papua New Guinea are Deadpool, Wolverine, Daredevil and Elektra. Prepare to collect, post, and win with Coca-Cola and Marvel as we bring heroes to life in a store near you! Follow Coca-Cola PNG on social media for updates.

QueenPads in partnership with PNG NRL Bid recently conducted two menstrual hygiene awareness sessions at the National Sports Institute, Goroka, targeting participants of 6 teams who participated in the PNG NRL Bid National School Championships. These were Under18 females and Under19 male teams representing the Highlands region – Goroka and Mt Hagen, Southern Region - Port Moresby and Central, Momase Region - Lae and the NGI region. The session held in Goroka was the first to include male players as attendees. A total of 240 athletes (120 females & 120 males) including their respective team trainers and support staff were present at the session led by - MH Awareness Coordinator Ms. Dange Barziring and Queenpads Founder Ms. Anne-Shirley Korave. Dange Barziring stated that the session focused on normalizing menstrual conversation within the sporting code. “We want athletes to be respectful individuals on and off the field, to instil values and to recognize the importance of prioritizing menstrual health.” Additionally, separate talks were given to the male and female athletes. “Male audiences were asked more “did you know” and “true/false” Questions to help them better understand the special days and how to be respectful men.” “They also recognize that they have female loved ones that they care for, and that they will one day be husbands and fathers too hence this info session was very helpful.” “For female audiences the sessions outlined basic info about menstruation, its importance and recognizing it as a normal fact of life, how to be respectful when it comes to these special days and why menstruation is everyone’s business.” “More details on tracking of the menstrual cycle, good menstrual hygiene practices and health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene practices were shared with the female athletes.” Notwithstanding the delicate nature of the subject, the athletes—male and female alike—as well as their support staff and coaches gave positive feedback on the sessions. “Each club and team should provide a secure atmosphere and enable its female players to interact freely and take part in practices or games.” Prior to this session, the athletes themselves informed the MH Awareness team that they had learned about the subject from their mothers or at school. One individual also asked, ‘Is it safe for females to play or train during their special days?’ PNG NRL Bid in recognizing the importance of Menstrual Health for its female players, sponsored 120 QueenKits which was made up of Queenpads, PantyLiners, WetBags, Underwear, Handtowel, bars of Soap. This was distributed to all female players after the Menstrual Health session. Apart from the awareness at NSI, Queenpads also conducted a Menstrual Health & Hygiene awareness on 28th August 2023 with the PNG NRL Women’s Rugby teams from the four regions who were in Port Moresby for their tournament. This was in collaboration with the PNG NRL Women’s Management team with the help of Mr. Paul Joseph. QueenPads wants to continue to amplify the message that menstruation is normal and special. Furthermore, because it is a normal process it should not be a hindrance to women and girls when it comes to participating in sports. QueenPads also commended the PNG NRL Bid management for recognizing the importance of educating young local players on this still very sensitive yet important topic. “This partnership is helpful to build talents to be respectful individuals and to be equipped with lifelong information specially to do with women’s health.”

The Voice Inc recently marked 17 years of impact through its growing network of leaders, coalitions and communities who are driving change throughout Papua New Guinea. Through a seventeen-day media campaign TVI aimed to amplify its story from a whisper to a roar, highlighting significant achievements and raising awareness about its new Strategic Plan 2024–2027. Over the past seventeen years, the Voice Inc’s network of leaders has expanded to include state-run universities, high schools, and community groups in both urban and rural areas across the country. The formation of issue-based coalitions among our partner organizations were facilitated and programs have reached over 40,000 people across 20 provinces in Papua New Guinea. This week includes the first visit to Papua New Guinea by Professor Matthew Andrews of Harvard University. Professor Andrews is a global leader in supporting public policy reform through problem driven and locally led solutions. He has worked in more than 150 countries and will be launching TVI’s third cohort of leaders, joining a practical 12-week course under our Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP). LLCAP is supported by the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership. The 17 days will culminate in the launch of TVI’s new strategic plan 2024–2027 which outlines our vision for the future, emphasizing innovative approaches to leadership development and community engagement. These initiatives include: • Institutionalising our Leadership Programs: Embedding our DREAM and leadership program in universities and learning hubs around the country. • Supporting Public Policy Reform: Expanding support to our leaders around the country working together on complex public policy and implementation challenges. • Youth Empowerment Programs: Continuing our core programs to engage more young people in civic activities and community service. • Innovation Projects: Expanding grant support for leaders who are promoting sustainability and resilience in their communities. • Digital Transformation: Leveraging technology to enhance our outreach and impact, including the development of a digital platform for leadership resources and networking. Another key component of this celebration will be a flagship week in August, including public policy roundtables with government, a public seminar on the nature of the state, the screening of a new movie on Sorcery Accusation Related Violence and the organization’s new strategy launch. As they embark on this celebration, the Voice Inc invite all citizens, partners, and stakeholders to join in recognizing the achievements of the past seventeen years and looking forward to a bright future. PNG’s participation and support are crucial as the organization continues to build a more inclusive and democratic society.

Nearly 200 survivors of the massacre that killed dozens of women and children in a remote part of Papua New Guinea (PNG) have found refuge in the town of Angoram as the United Nations escalate their emergency response. More than 50 people were reportedly slaughtered in an outburst of violence following an alleged land dispute in the Sepik River villages of Tamara, Tambari, and Agrumara on 17 July. As of now, 88 households have been displaced and are living in six temporary care centres. The total number of individuals, disaggregated by sex and age, is still being finalized. The displaced families are currently sheltered in six temporary care centres. The immediate needs of these families continue to be food, hygiene kits for women and children, non-food items such as bedding and clothing, water, shelter (including camps and child-friendly spaces), child protection, gender-based violence and mental health and psychosocial services, and education. According to local government officials, five perpetrators of the massacre have been apprehended, while at least another 20 remain at large, causing continued fear in the community. Condemning the deadly violence, United Nations Resident Coordinator Mr. Richard Howard reiterated his call on the authorities to hold the perpetrators to account no matter what. “Peace is the first prerequisite for progress – violence is never the answer and will only exacerbate the problems that are already there.” Mr. Howard added that it is now up to the authorities to deliver justice for the victims, bring rival parties back to the negotiation table, and avoid further bloodshed. Meanwhile, UNICEF has received reports of five unaccompanied children in Angoram whose parents have been killed or gone missing. UNICEF PNG Representative Ms. Angela Kearney said, a specialised team was on the ground to identify the children and provide adequate care, including much-needed psychosocial support. “Words can’t describe the horrors these poor children have witnessed.” “Advanced psychosocial support is absolutely essential to prevent lifelong scars.” According to Ms. Kearney, more help is on the way, including tents to provide shelter for families who have nothing to go back to since huts were burned down, and livelihoods destroyed. While assessment is ongoing, the United Nations continues to provide critical support. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is leading the registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and providing camp coordination, shelter, non-food items, and emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies. Chief of Mission, IOM, Mr. Serhan Aktoprak stated that as law enforcement is works towards containing the situation, IOM is moving quickly to bring aid to the affected communities as swiftly as access permits. “We are collaborating closely with other UN agencies, as well as national and international partners.” Furthermore, UNICEF is supplying hygiene kits, high-performance tents, recreational kits, and registration services for unaccompanied and separated children, as well as establishing child-friendly spaces and providing mental health and psychosocial services and gender-based violence services and referrals. The UN Humanitarian Assistance Team (UN HAT) is coordinating with local authorities and partners to conduct joint rapid needs assessments. Additionally, the Australian NGO Living Child, with support from UNICEF, is helping to establish child-friendly spaces in the Catholic Community Centre and provide psychosocial services.

Title: Deadpool & Wolverine Director: Shawn Levy Rating: R Genre(s): Comedy, Action, Drama, Superhero, Adventure, Sci-Fi Duration: 2hrs & 7mins Stars: Ryan Reynolds ∙ Hugh Jackman ∙ Emma Corrin Ryan Reynolds is back as Wade Wilson in the latest instalment of the Deadpool franchise – Deadpool & Wolverine! Six years after retiring from superhero work, Wade is working as a car salesman, however his peaceful new life is shattered when the Time Variance Authority (TVA) captures him to help safeguard the multiverse. He soon unites with former X-Men member Wolverine to complete the mission and save his world from an existential threat. As expected, the film is packed to the brim with both unhinged comedy and action. The writers are not shy in giving the audience raunchy adult jokes, sexual innuendos, blood, gore and violence all at once. Cinematography of fight scenes specifically camera movement and angle were top tier and suitable for the film’s ridiculous combination of action, comedy and frivolity. Particularly in opening scenes, when the protagonist is met with opposition from TVA’s armed security, the sequence cuts back and forth to violent action (fights) and frivolous, comical action (dance). Cinematographer George Richmond makes use of cowboy and medium shots, arc shots, and slow motion to downplay the R rated bloody scene (with the help of NSYNC’s ‘Bye, Bye Bye’ as the scene’ s soundtrack) while also capturing Deadpool’s unseriousness. Deadpool is an unconventional, reluctant superhero, a character which destroys the cliche do-gooder and instead becomes a psychotic, foul-mouthed anti-hero with a sort-of moral compass. Ryan Reynolds totally embodies the character of Deadpool and is largely one of the main highlights of the film. Overall, the film still contains much of the elements from its previous instalments; raunchy, bloody, gory with a humorous tone. If you’re a Deadpool fan, then I doubt this latest instalment will disappoint you and the cameos from X-Men and MCU characters add a touch of nostalgia and excitement to those who grew up watching popular superhero films.

Being invited to a private screening of Deadpool and Wolverine was not something I expected to happen as part of my 2024. But there I was walking into Paradise Cinema, with my PNGFM ID card dangling in front of my chest. I was regrettably half an hour late. The entrance felt slow as I casually looked around before being directed to where the party was. Before confirming my arrival, I was given a goodie bag. There was a buzz of excitement all around as employees from various organizations, Coke Studio artists, social media influencers and other media companies gathered around the cinema’s entrance anticipating the main event. The lounge outside had transformed into a mini-Coca-Cola haven fill with red deco. Present from The Coca-Cola Company (TCCC) was Roseanne Naulumatua – PNG Franchise Operations Manager and Rachel Nainggolan – Snr Brand Manager. From Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) were Gabriel Manoi – Head of Brand & Channel (CCEP PNG) and Tim Solly – Sales & Commercial Director (CCEP PNG). Those who spoke opened the night with brief remarks, very delighted at the event turnout. I for one could barely concentrate on words being spoken as I was taking in so much; trying to read the atmosphere around me. I stood in a very disadvantageous position among the crowd as people hid me from view – whenever I tried to take pictures, the shots were rather unflattering. However, my mood was instantly lifted when I received several cans of free Coca-Cola. The workers put in the effort to make attendees smile no matter if they were patiently distributing coke, or promoting fun games to play, it was a good balance of professional and informal. The experience was simultaneously overwhelming yet exciting, almost as if I absorbed so much energy from people around me. From the moment I entered the cinema to when it gradually emptied as the end credits rolled. No doubt most enjoyed the film as I overheard watchers recollecting their favorite parts of the film and reflecting on the previous instalments of the franchise. Every event goer’s experience was different, but one thing I had absolutely no doubt was that there was no one devoid of some emotion by the time the screening ended. Perhaps it was the fact that deep down everyone was simply there to enjoy watching Deadpool & Wolverine. As Mr. Tim Solly said, “We are here to watch a movie…we are here to launch the connection and partnership between Coca-Cola and Marvel”. Movies, popcorn and coke seemed to be the magic meal of togetherness in cinemas, and this event just happened to hit the jackpot.

Buk bilong Pikinini (BbP) marked World Mangrove Day recently on Friday 26th July with awareness events carried out at all Library Learning Centres (LLC) across the country. To celebrate and learn about the importance of mangroves for ecosystems, BbP students engaged in a mixture of learning and fun activities like true environmental scientists. They discovered how mangroves protect the shore, provide homes for many sea animals, and help maintain a healthy balance in the oceans. A first activity at BbP's Pari village Library Learning Centre in Port Moresby city was for the children to visit and study the mangrove saplings planted with Steamships Trading Company, Coast Care and TNC teams last year. The small trees are now thriving and have grown substantially. The children were able to observe fish and other marine life around the mangrove roots and inspect the healthy trees with their magnifying glasses. Villagers expressed gratitude for the planting of the mangroves because these trees will now attract tuna and other fish to the shore. At BbP's other Library Learning Centres, the children enjoyed colouring pictures depicting mangrove forests and watching videos. The significance of mangrove conservation was highlighted throughout the event. Children not only learned about ecological concepts, but also actively participated in nurturing their local environment. Through hands-on activities like using tiny spades to explore the sandy shores, they developed a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. The day was dedicated to teaching children the importance of caring for mangroves and their immediate environments, but also for them to gain an appreciation of the cultural significance of mangroves. It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and plenty of smiles too.

The European Union-Funded Forestry-Climate Change Biodiversity (EU-FCCB) Programme for Papua New Guinea (PNG) recently convened the second Programme Steering Committee (PSC). Implemented by three agencies – Expertise France, CIFOR-ICRAF, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – the EU FCCB Programme has started to make instrumental progress in supporting the Government of PNG to enhance sustainable development, livelihoods, and resilience-building measures. The PSC Meeting served as a platform to present the progress achieved since the Programme’s launch in October 2023, highlighting the collaborative efforts among key PNG government institutions, the European Union, and other stakeholder’s and updating the groundwork to set the programme up to further deliver results for environmental protection and sustainable livelihoods in PNG. Key progress to date includes: · Establishing strategic partnership frameworks with key government institutions to roll out implementation at national level, focusing on areas such as digitalization, coordination, regulatory frameworks, organizational performance, and forestry and agriculture downstream processing. · Strengthening livelihoods at the household level in the Mangalas Conversation Area by training and employing 22 community members as field officers to offer in-field training on agricultural practices and post-harvest handling techniques. The trained field officers have extended the training to more than, 1700 farmers and mapped over 1700 cash crop gardens for future European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) compliance. · Preparing for the roll-out of the National Forestry Inventory in East and West Sepik through comprehensive training sessions focused on data management and forest monitoring. The EU-FCCB Programme was launched on 31 October 2023 by Prime Minister James Marape and the European Union Ambassador Jacques Fradin. The Programme aims to support a development model (at the national/institutional level and pilot community/conservation area levels) that reconciles climate change, environmental protection and biodiversity with sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive green growth and jobs. The programme’s key areas of intervention are: Strengthening governance and institutional frameworks, Increasing knowledge, education, capacity-building, research and mobilization, and Enhancing green public and private investments and sustainable livelihoods. It is implemented jointly by Expertise France (national component), CIFOR-ICRAF (Mangalas Conversation Area/Oro Province component) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (expansion of the National Forestry Inventory in East and West Sepik Provinces). It is one of the EU’s largest environmental programmes in the Pacific Islands region and one of the most ambitious forest-related programmes anywhere in the world.

Colgate-Palmolive (PNG) Ltd recently marked its 13th year of Colgate National Tooth Brushing Day, an important initiative in their ongoing commitment to promote oral health across Papua New Guinea (PNG). In partnership with the National Department of Health – Oral Health Services, Colgate-Palmolive Ltd extended an open invitation to the people of PNG to participate in their annual event. Salvation Army Boroko Primary School in Port Moresby city, specifically students in grades 6, 7 & 8, took part in the celebrations by brushing their teeth for two minutes, with each student provided with a complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste. Additionally, the children were taught important facts by the Colgate-Palmolive team and later entertained by popular mascot Doctor Rabbit. Ken Kandap Wai, Deputy Health Secretary from the National Department of Health, commended Colgate-Palmolive for their initiative, where Colgate-Palmolive actively spreads the message about the importance oral health and hygiene. National Tooth Brushing Day is one of the many initiatives under Colgate’s global school health education program, “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures,” which has positively impacted over 3 million PNG children since 2010. Over 416, 000 students and teachers from 601 schools, community groups and organizations participate nationally. Colgate aims to continue growing the number of participants each year and foster a healthier PNG, to ensure everyone has a future they can smile about.

Youth Community Leader, Mr. Kurere Matanzana is no stranger when it comes to engaging in community projects and this time is no different as the young man recently facilitated a leadership workshop which was held for only a day at Country Women’s Association conference room, Madang. The aim of the workshop was to empower the local leaders and citizens with the right information surrounding their roles and responsibilities in the light of the upcoming LLG elections in September 2024. The workshop covered the following topics: ● Roles and responsibilities of local level government leaders, ● Ward development committee functions, ● How to set up ward development committee, ● Ward Development Planning Process, ● Importance of LLG Meetings, ● Introduction to Provincial and Local Level Government Act 1997, ● Intergovernmental relations, and ● Introduction to new reforms. Matanzana stated that despite it being late notice, more than thirty local leaders from all six districts of Madang Province comprising of ward councillors, village recorders, electoral officers, LLG presidents, LLG CEOs, active citizens and intending candidates for the upcoming local level government elections attended. He expressed delight upon receiving positive feedback from leaders who were ahead of him in both years and experience. “The Sumkilba LLG CEO Mr. Joe Bess and Ward 23 Ambenob Councilor Mr. Steven Igerup expressed their gratitude for the workshop on behalf of all the attendees and stated that they will share the learning with their respective stakeholders and leaders.” “Mr. Domol Irun, ward 16 councilor who attended the workshop with his village recorder and ward development committee members called for more of such initiatives in the future to properly equip, inform and empower the local leaders.” Matanzana stated that the workshop was his personal initiative supported by the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government (PLLG). “The department provided the relevant and necessary information to disseminate and train our local leaders.” He further expressed his gratitude towards the PLLG for their support and is looking forward to facilitating another workshop. The next workshop will be hosted during August or September.

QueenPads in collaboration with the Leprosy Mission PNG and supported by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation recently conducted a Menstrual Health and Hygiene Awareness at Kerema Coronation Secondary School– one of the first awareness visits QueenPads has made to Gulf. The QueenPads awareness team consisted of Menstrual Health (MH) Awareness Coordinator, Ms. Dange Barziring; QueenPads Founder Ms. Anne-Shirley Korave. Their work was supported by Kerema Secondary’s administration. More than 130 female students attended the session as well as a female teacher. Barziring explained one of the challenges the team faced during awareness was access to clean water. “A lot of the schools and communities we visited do not have access to water supply.” “Many depend on well/tank water, and this can pose a risk when it comes to hygiene practices in relation to women and girls special days.” Apart from Kerema Secondary, the team also visited Sikalau Primary School and the communities of Ovorio and Lulutera. Barziring stated that when visiting schools, the female students received knowledge on the subject quite well. “They were initially reserved especially with the primary school students but otherwise they received the information with great participation.” Additionally, Barizing said that if the opportunity arises, QueenPads MH Awareness team hopes to visit again to reach more women and young girls in the province. QueenPads working alongside the Leprosy Mission PNG and Sir Brian Bell Foundation saw a reach of 291+ individuals, 181 being school girls. The awareness team has visited Jiwaka, West Sepik (Vanimo), Eastern Highlands and Milne Bay in this year alone. There are also plans on visiting some schools within NCD and Central province as well as East New Britain. “QueenPads wants to continue to amplify the message that periods are normal and special.” “We aim to continue bringing information on the importance of practicing good menstrual Hygiene; for women and girls and for menstruating individuals to also prioritize their menstrual health.” “QueenPads as part of being inclusive also aims to encourage open menstrual conversations with men and boys as well as women and girls with disability.”

The recent inaugural 2024 Erap Talent Show in Morobe province was so successful that it received overwhelming responses and support from the public and business houses to host the show annually. Locals from Erap and Wain areas, including surrounding communities in the boarders of Nawaeb and Huon Gulf Districts, gave the Show Organizing Committee views on the inaugural event that was staged just two weeks ago. Mr. Mai Peter from Munix village of Lower Erap said the content of the show was great with the engagement of horse riders, motorbike riders and exhibition of local talents which no local shows have hosted such activities in a remote area. Singke Kifabiang from Kokosan village in the upper part of Erap said this talent show should go on annually as it will attract development partners and authorities to witness developments in the area. The Show’s Founder and Coordinator, Mr. Fredrick Jejeri extended his thank to the Nawaeb District Development Authority (DDA) under the leadership of MP Theo Pelgen and the District Administrator, Mr. Buds Botike, for supporting the Erap Talent Show, which was stage from the 05th and 06th of July. “A word of thanks also goes to business houses. The turnout of participants and spectators was high. Local famous artists Archie Tarzy and Kande Dwayne, including motorbike riders and the horse riders, engaged a good number of crowds,” he said. Local traditional Singsing groups also turned out in numbers, and show goers really enjoyed each bit of activities. Participants and the show goers came as far as Wampar LLG in Huon Gulf and Markham districts. Zero incidents occurred on the event days. “This event I described it as the best platform for gathering, challenging, and exposing talented youths in Wain and Erap to gain exposure at another stage.” “Mainstream print media, Post Courier and X'pose Youth Magazine were two of our partners engaged in judging our participants in the Open Category writing competition at the Erap Talent Show. Participants were required to select topics of their own and write stories within 300 to 700 words and submit with their own pictures. He said the top four writers were identified and awarded with cash prizes. “The first awardee was selected to attend young writers’ workshop in Lae which X'pose Youth Magazine will host and facilitate.” He commended district MP Theo Pelgen and administrator Mr. Buds Botike for recognizing and supporting this initiative where the youths will benefit from exposing their talents in writing. “We have plans to expand this show. The onus is now on our partners to maintain this relationship to drive this event forward.”