Issues Paper Released: (Tuesday 06 June)

PNG needs to address settlement issues holistically

In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the difference between the planned and unplanned squatter settlements is not clear as many of the older planned settlements have spilled over the original boundaries.
Planned settlements are officially sanctioned self-help housing areas that are provided with infrastructure and basic services. Unplanned settlements have not been designated by authorities, and in most cases, are deemed illegal squatters without services.
The National Research Institute (NRI) Issues Paper No. 44 titled: How can urban housing and settlement issues be effectively addressed in Papua New Guinea by Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader for Society and Cultural Research Program at PNG NRI, Dr Elizabeth Kopel and Mr Busa Wenogo focuses on settlements and evictions in Port Moresby which have become more frequent over the last decade affecting increasing numbers of settlement dwellers than elsewhere in the country.  Read more...

PNGNRI Presentation: (Monday 05 June)

PNGNRI Director, Dr Osborne Sanida, and Dr Thomas Webster presented PNGNRI's stands and recommendations (Presentation) on Decentralisation in Papua New Guinea at the "2023 Provincial Governors Conference" this morning at Hilton Hotel.

Other Publication Released: (Friday 26 May)

PNG NRI’s Election Observation Report for 2022 Papua New Guinea National General Elections
The primary role of PNG NRI is to carry out independent research and analysis on a wide range of public policy issues and offer policy prescriptions on how public policy might be developed and carried out in response to different policy challenges. The 2022 Election Observation Study was carried out under the ambit of this role.

Using an ethnographical approach and focusing on seven electorates in the Highlands Region as cases in point, the report provides an account of what transpired in each electorate during the conduct of the 2022 National General Election (NGE). The report also highlights the shortcomings affecting the orderly and timely conduct of the elections and then proposes some recommendations for strengthening future elections. Read more...

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 23 May)

Consider credit guarantee facility to make customary land bankable

The Government should consider a credit guarantee facility to enhance bankable customary land leases in Papua New Guinea (PNG), according to PNG National Research Institute (PNGNRI) Spotlight.

The NRI Spotlight Volume16, Issue 10 titled “A credit guarantee facility to enhance bankable customary land leases in Papua New Guinea” by Research Fellow, Logea Nao, highlights that currently, banks are hesitant to accept customary land leases as security to access credit facility for development as a result of perceived risks associated with loan default. To address this, this paper proposes a credit guarantee facility for customary land. 

 A credit guarantee facility or initiative is an intervention by a third party, in the form of funding to clientele interest groups such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SME), farmers and women groups. The proposed credit guarantee facility for customary land could be similar to the current Government-funded SME credit guarantee facility. The customary land credit guarantee facility would allow for leases on customary land to be accepted as collateral by banks by guaranteeing loans in the event of a default. Read More...

 Short Course:

NATURAL RESOURCE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT       

Date:  13 July to 11 August 2023 Time: 8am to 4pm daily
Venue: The National Research Institute, Waigani Campus, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby

About Natural Resource Economics and Management

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNGNRI) Advanced Certificate in Natural Resource Economics and Management (NREM) is four weeks intensive course. It has been developed for people who are interested in enriching their knowledge and understanding of policies and mechanisms that can be used to enhance effectiveness and sustainability in the management of natural resources. More Info...

Council Chairman's Seminar Series No.5: 

“Population and Movements, Energy, Food and Biosecurity and Transnational Issues Affecting National Security”.

 Issues Paper No.43 Launched (Tuesday 04 April) 

The Ineffective Dual Roles of Papua New Guinea Members of Parliament: Why it Matters

The paper highlights the issues and argues for the need to start a national conversation on the dual roles of MPs. The author examines the dual roles of MPs and how effectively the PNG Parliament has performed over recent years.

The main argument is that not only is Parliament weak in the face of executive dominance, but it also demonstrates a lack of interest in focusing on national priorities.

Publication: The Ineffective Dual Roles of Papua New Guinea Members of Parliament: Why it Matters

Director's Speech: Launch of Issues Paper No.43

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 28 March)

Prospects and challenges of informal money lending in Papua New Guinea

Informal finance operators or private money lenders have the potential to transition their business to formal Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through the support of government at all levels. The transition to formal MSMEs will expand the economic base of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 7 titled “Prospects and challenges of informal money lending in Papua New Guinea” by Joseph Kaile, Research Project Officer at PNGNRI identified challenges faced by informal finance operators and some initiatives that can be used to migrate the operators to MSMEs. Read More...

Council Chairman's Seminar Series No.4: ENERGY

"Update on reform to deliver the least cost and reliable electricity".

The seminar will be held at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) Conference Hall this Friday (17^th March) in Lae, Morobe Province.

Attendance by RSVP: Please contact Ms. Lucy Avei
Tel: 3260300 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Research Report Launched: (Tuesday 07 March)

 The Report was officially launched by Honorable Sir Puka Temu, MP.

PNG NRI Launched Research Report No.12 "Dynamics of informal customary land transactions between landowners and migrants at Taurama Valley, National Capital District”  authored by Dr Elizabeth Kopel, Dr. Linus Digim’Rina, Lewis Iwong and Cathy Tukne revealed the major potential source of an ongoing conflict between the landowners and the migrants.

Publication: Dynamics of informal customary land transactions between landowners and migrants at Taurama Valley, National Capital District

Media Release: Key lessons for planning and implementing urbanisation projects

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 28 Feb)

The public and private sectors must collaborate to provide affordable houses in PNG

Partnerships across the vast spectrum of stakeholders involved in the housing sector is needed to address the housing crisis in Papua New Guinea (PNG).  This is revealed in the National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 6 titled “Public and Private sectors collaboration is needed to promote affordable housing in Papua New Guinea” by Dr. Lindsay Kutan, Senior Research Fellow at PNG NRI. Read more...

 PNG NRI Council Chairman’s Seminar Series No.3 (Tuesday 28 Feb)

Seminar Presentation: (Monday 27 Feb)

"China and its political system: Focus on the 20th Chinese Communist Party Congress, held in October 2022".

Day: Monday 27th February
Time: 1:30pm-3:00pm
Venue: PNG NRI Conference Centre

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 21 Feb)

Address shortfall in trunk infrastructure to move Papua New Guinea forward

Trunk infrastructure such as large pipes used for distributing water to various areas (water mains); road that connects town to city, village to town and vice-versa (main road); electricity distribution line; and primary pipeline in a sewerage system (main sewer) are important for orderly development. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), trunk infrastructure is either lacking or it is poorly maintained. The infrastructure must be constructed and regularly maintained to attract investment, provide more opportunities for employment and boost government revenue.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 5 titled “Addressing the deficit in trunk infrastructure across Papua New Guinea” by Logea Nao, Research Fellow at PNG NRI, looks at factors contributing to the deficit in trunk infrastructure as well as how to address the deficit in trunk infrastructure. Read More...

PNG NRI Council Chairman’s Seminar Series No.2

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 14 Feb)

Barriers restricting the use of data to drive policy decisions in Papua New Guinea

Data is important for making informed decisions at all levels of government. However, in Papua New Guinea (PNG), several barriers restrict the availability of quality data for making informed decisions on service delivery.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 4 titled “Barriers to the use of Data to drive Policy Decisions in Papua New Guinea” by Peter Michael Magury, Research Fellow at PNG NRI, looks at interventions that can be used to build capability and to address barriers associated with the use of data for making policy-related decisions. Read more...

 Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 07 Feb)

Census must be conducted for better political representation and service delivery

Every 10 years, Papua New Guinea (PNG) conducts a “Decennial Census” with the goal of determining the distribution of resources and political representation by counting every person in the areas where they live in the country.

The National Research Institue (NRI) Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 3 titled:  “Census Data is needed for fair political representation and distribution of resources”  by Peter Michael Magury, Research Fellow at PNG NRI, provides insights on the importance of census data in political representation and in providing services in PNG.

Mr. Magury said that “an accurate, reliable, robust, and complete population census is important in ensuring that funds provided by the government for providing infrastructure and services are fairly distributed in the provinces and districts in PNG”. Read More...

 Spotlight Released: (Thursday 02 Feb)

Financial inclusion must be enhanced to move Papua New Guinea forward

Financial inclusion is a key enabler for meaningful participation in the modern economy. However, according to the Department of Treasury, almost 75 percent of the population of Papua New Guinea (PNG) does not have access to bank facilities. Access to financial services in the country is restricted by several barriers.

The National Research Institute Spotlight Volume 16, Issue 2 titled “Enhancing financial inclusion of informal economy through mobile money in Papua New Guinea” by Joe Barak is focused on the major challenges to financial inclusion and outlines the strategies that can be used to expanding financial inclusion in PNG.

Read more...

 Job vacancies:  Research Division 

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI), seeks suitable research candidates to fill the under-mentioned positions with high motivation, purpose-driven, and result-oriented individuals.

• Senior Research Fellow R3-4
• Research Fellow R2-3
•  Research Officer R1-2   

Click For more information

Applications Close: Friday 3 March 2023

Spotlight Released: (Tuesday 31 Feb)

Ways to prevent cybercrimes in Papua New Guinea

The advancement of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and other related communication capabilities, especially the internet that powered the third industrial revolution, created a space that provides some people with the opportunities to engage in ICT related crimes known as ‘cybercrime’.

According to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Cybercrime Code Act 2016, the following are the four categories of activities that constitute cybercrimes in the country. Read more...

 Short Course:  Social Science Research Methods is now open

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) Advanced Certificate in Social Science Research Methods (SSRM) is three weeks intensive course. It has been developed for people who are interested in enriching their knowledge and understanding of research design, data collection, and data analytical methods.
The course consists of the following modules:

• Planning of social science research.
• Qualitative research methods in theory and in practice.
• Quantitative research methods in theory and in practice.

The SSRM course will be taught by PNG NRI researchers that have vast experience in both teaching and practicing research methods.

Who should attend?

• Policy analysts, consultants and researchers; or
• Administrators, managers and bureaucrats; or
• Graduates who have interest in research or aspiring to proceed for further studies.

For more information: Follow the link provided: SSRM_2023

Public Notice (Tuesday 10 January 2023)

Application for the 2023 PNG NRI Diploma in Economic Policy Analysis (EPAC) is now open 

From: 04 September 2023 to 27 October 2023

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, 30 June 2023.

Press Conference (Tuesday 13 December 2022)

“Why the next Population Census can’t come soon enough!”

The Population Census of Papua New Guinea (PNG) needs to be conducted next year as planned, says PNG National Research Institute Director Dr Osborne Sanida.

Dr Sanida, in a media conference at PNG NRI, said a population census is needed for policy and planning purposes. He said at this stage, we could only go by estimates for the PNG population for which there are different sources and methods. 

“Population data is needed to calculate per capita GDP; unemployment rate, employment figures; death rate; population density; incomes; and so forth.

He said it was also necessary to plan for the provision of public goods and services. Furthermore, the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan, which is being finalised, needs to be informed by population data. Dr Sanida emphasised the importance of making the Ward Record Book system work in order to have updated information.

Read more...

Media Release - PNG NRI Council Chairman (Monday 05^th December 2022)

NRI council hails government support to research and innovation

The NRI Council submitted two funding requests for the maintenance and renovation of existing buildings and houses and equipment and for the construction of the PNG Knowledge Hub Precincts including the Sir Henry Chow Building.

The NRI Council resolved in 2007 to establish a Knowledge Hub, comprising buildings, improved technology, NEC Decisions and public policy documents and library, printery and bookshop and conference center and seminar rooms that provides intellectual space for academics, researchers, practitioners and students.

On behalf of the NRI Council, we commend the Government and the Members of Parliament for the approval of our two PIP projects and the funding support in the 2023 National Budget. We commend the Prime Minister, James Marape who immediately been elected PM in 2019 and 2022 took his two first official visits to the NRI Campus and the vision and support of Hon. Don Pomb Polye, CMG, MP, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, Technology and Sports in championing this national agenda and landmark building. Read More...

 ADRP Launch four (4) Reports (Wednesday 30^th November 2022)

The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute, through its Autonomy and Decentralisation Research Project (ADRP) launches four papers today (30 November 2022).
The papers launched were two research reports, an Issues Paper, and a Commentary;

1. Research Report No.10 - Decentralised governance arrangements in Papua New Guinea: a framework for a national conversation,
2. Research Report No.11 - Fiscal and Decentralisation in Papua New Guinea,
3. Issues Paper No.42 – Entrenchment, autonomy and effective integration: Pillars for PNG decentralisation, and
4. Commentary – Historical perspective of decentralisation of government in PNG.

ADRP team leader Dr Thomas Webster said: “the focus of the papers was around where have we come from, what are the challenges and how do we find a way forward”.

PNG NRI Director Dr Osborne Sanida said it’s about the improvement in the welfare of our people. He said this particular project was important to refocus government policies on improving basic services and especially those leading to improving the welfare of the people. Dr Sanida called on the government to be serious about any strategies for an effective and decentralised system of government so that “we can more effectively serve the people of this country”.

Released Publication (Tuesday 22^nd November 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 17: Factors driving growth of the urban informal economy in Papua New Guinea

Migrants move from rural to urban centres in search of employment opportunities to improve their socio-economic conditions. The growth of the informal economy is attributed to a diverse set of complex intertwining social and economic factors which interact to drive its growth. This contributes to leakages in government revenue and consequently has adverse impact on available fund for providing infrastructure and services.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 17: “Factors driving growth of the urban informal economy in Papua New Guinea”  authored by Dr Philip Kavan and Dr Elizabeth Kopel, provides a snapshot of some ways that can be used to reduce the flow of rural residents to urban areas. Read More

 Publications Launched (Wednesday 09^th November 2022)

Two Discussion Papers were launched at the University of Goroka by the Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Mathew Landu.

Discussion Papers No.201: The role of democratic governance to cooperative economic performance: An Analysis Of Survey Data From Papua New Guinea

This subject is important since in PNG, as a whole, village-based small farmers with no more than 2.5 hectares produce 85 percent of the country's annual coffee output. The authors first ask whether these village-based farmers are members of a coffee producer cooperative society. If, so, do they take part in the democratic governance of their cooperatives? How does their involvement contribute to the economic performance of their cooperatives?  Read more...

Discussion Papers No.202: Determinants of coffee production in major coffee-producing provinces of Papua New Guinea: Challenges and opportunities

Coffee is one of the most important cash crops that contribute to Papua New Guinea (PNG) economy. A decrease in the quantity of coffee produced in the country corresponds to a loss in government revenue and income of coffee growers. 

THe authors highlight opportunities and challenges associated with coffee production in three major coffee-producing provinces (Eastern Highlands, Morobe and Western Highlands) as well as strategies that can be used to increase the quantity of coffee produced. Read More...

MoU Signing (Tuesday 08^th November 2022)

PNG NRI signs MoU with PILAG to collaborate in research and training

Papua Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) and the Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance (PILAG) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at consolidating and strengthening corporation between the two State institutions on how best to serve the people of PNG with the use of research and training.

The MoU was signed between PILAG chief executive officer Mr Micheal Barobe and PNG NRI Director Dr Osborne Sanida and witnessed by other senior officers of the two institutions at PILAG today (8 November 2022).

Mr Barobe said PNG NRI is known for doing research including government policies and what needs to be done, and PILAG is the implementing agency through training programs and that’s how it is fitting for the two institutions to work together so that “we alleviate or reduce the deficiencies within the public sector performance”. Read more...

 Publications Launched (Monday 07^th November 2022)

Discussion Papers No.199: Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the employment of young people in wholesale and retail service sector in Port Moresby, Papua new guinea

Using data collected through a field survey, the authors looked at changes in three outcomes: changes in the number of days the young people worked in a week; change in their employment workload; and their feelings about the future of their employment.

Media Release: How did COVID-19 pandemic affect the employment of young people in Port Moresby?

Discussion Papers No.200: Business struggles and coping strategies in Papua New Guinea during COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a pilot survey

Descriptive analysis of the data show that businesses continued to not only struggle financially but also with getting clear, accurate information about the pandemic and its containment measures as well as where to get support from. Businesses were also concerned about how to keep employees/workers safe at the time when funds for paying wages, bills and taxes was also dwindling. It was also hectic coping with changes in pandemic containment measures through government interventions or regulation.

Media Release: Challenges PNG businesses faced and how they coped with the ravages of COVID-19 pandemic

 Seminar Notice: 

Lae Seminar

Date: Monday, November 7th, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: Rose Kekedo Lecture Theatre (RKLT)
PNG University of Technology, MP

Goroka Seminar

Date: Wednesday, November 9th, 2022
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue: Mark Solon Auditorium
University of Goroka, EHP

Seminar: Challenges of State fragility and lessons learned (Wednesday 02^nd November 2022)

Papua New Guinea National Research Institute hosted a seminar on challenges of State fragility and lessons learned.

The seminar was presented by Dr Nematullah Bizhan, lecturer in public policy, Development Policy Center, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, who has published a book recently titled “State fragility: Case studies and comparisons”.

Fragile States are those that suffer from weak policies, institutions, and governance.

Nation-building, security, democracy, and economy were some of the key lessons mentioned that could improve State fragility.

 Blog Released (Monday 31^st October 2022)

Blog #30: Papua New Guinea’s high public debt signals alarm bells of concern

Amidst the recent economic crisis in Sri Lanka, a caution needs to be undertaken by Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) regarding increasing public debt. It is important to note that public debt or commonly referred to as sovereign debt is essentially how much a country owes to lenders. Predominantly, public debt is derived from governments insatiable appetite to spend more than they receive from tax revenues over time. In order to cover for the resulting deficits in the national budgets, successive governments prefer continuous borrowings over cutting back on public expenditures, which, in turn raises the level of public debts. However, the higher the public debts, the greater the risks borne by the lenders which are then reflected in high loan interest rates. Ultimately, the welfare of all citizens may be compromised as bulk of government public spending intended to improve basic services may be utilised for loan repayments. Read more...

Rescheduled Seminar Presentation

This Notice serves to inform all that was earlier invited to the PNGNRI organised Seminar on “Challenges of state fragility and lessons learned” (by Dr. Nemat Bizhan) which was subsequently canceled, that the Seminar has now been rescheduled for Wednesday 2 November 2022. You are invited once again to attend the Seminar.

Date: Wednesday 2nd November 2022.
Time: 1:00pm to 3:30pm.
Venue: PNGNRI Conference Centre

PNG NRI holds the 32nd EPAC Graduation Ceremony

The PNG NRI Diploma Certificate in Economic Policy Analysis has been conducted annually since 1989 as an intensive full-time course designed for individuals interested in improving their understanding of key government economic and other public policies that impact sustainable economic growth and development of Papua New Guinea (PNG).

This year (2022), EPAC enrolled 37 participants (out of 71 applications) for eight weeks from 05 September to 28 October 2022. 34 participants completed the course. The other 3 did not complete the course – due to various reasons including bereavement and illnesses.

The performance of the EPAC 2022 participants was exemplary. We had 10 students with Distinction; 20 with Credit; and the remaining 4 got a Pass grade. Read more... 

Released Publication (Tuesday 25^th October 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 16: Customary land release to settlers and its impact on landowners at Taurama Valley, Port Moresby

Increasing migration combined with natural population growth have seen rapid growth of urban settlements spilling over into peri-urban customary land in Port Moresby. This process has been fueled by the shortage of affordable residential housing. Though unplanned settlements on State, private or customary land is illegal in Papua New Guinea (PNG), there is growing evidence of informal arrangements between landowners and settlers where migrants employ creative strategies to obtain and maintain access to the land.

The ‘Taurama urbanisation pilot project 2012’ was intended to develop customary land at Taurama Valley as a suburb under a partnership arrangement between the government, landowners and developers. However, that project was abandoned when landowners disposed land informally to settlers before the project could be implemented.  Read more...

2022 National General Election Observation seminar

Observation Teams, both national and international, presented their findings on the 2022 National General Elections yesterday (Tuesday 18th October) at the PNG NRI conference center.

The seminar was officially opened by Hon. Allan Bird, Governor for East Sepik and Chairman of the Parliamentary Election Review Committee.

Presentations were done by the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPC); Transparency International PNG; Australian National University; European Union; Security- ANU; SHP Speaker and PNG NRI.

The observation reports presented yesterday will be released soon.

Released Publication (Friday 14^th October 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 15: Who pays for what under the Tuition-Fee-Free Education

Some parents in Papua New Guinea (PNG) think that when the Government introduced Tuition-Fee-Free Education (TFFE), it will pay for all costs associated with educating a child and that parents are excluded from their responsibilities.

In practice, parents finance their children’s education through payments that are non-tuition fees such as project fees, uniforms, lunch, transportation, and other expenses.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 15: “Who pays for what under the Tuition-Fee-Free Education” by Research Fellow Peter Magury, highlights the responsibility of the Government and parents under the TFFE.

Mr. Magury reported that TFFE is consistent with the Government of PNG’s view that education must be a shared responsibility between governments at various administrative levels, communities, parents, and development partners.
He said that the Government of PNG wants the tuition fee to be free from elementary prep to Grade 12 as a way to improve the literacy rate of the country and human development. However, education cannot be totally free because of the several indirect costs associated with a child’s education. Read more...

PNG NRI to Host Seminar on 2022 National General Election Observations

The PNG National Research Institute (PNG NRI) will host a seminar on the 2022 National General Elections (NGE) Observations.

Date: Tuesday, 18th October 2022

Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm

Venue: PNG NRI Conference Centre

A number of Observation Teams, both national and international, conducted their observations on the elections relating to campaigns, polling and counting in different parts of the country. The PNG NRI is organising a seminar to provide an opportunity for these Observation Teams to present their key findings and recommendation for the purpose of proper planning and execution of the 2027 NGE and future elections. A number of observation teams, including the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission (IPPC); Transparency International PNG; Australian National University; European Union; and PNG NRI, will present at the Seminar. Read more...

 Released Publication (Tuesday 11^th October 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 14: A snapshot of three key indicators for universal basic education in Papua New Guinea: What have we learnt?

There are several measures (indicators) often used in the evaluation of the performance of basic education and for making informed decisions. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the key indicators often used are the following:

• Access Rate, which is defined as the number of children enroled at elementary Prep at the age of six years in relation to the total school-age population of the same age group;

• Retention Rate, which is defined as children who enter elementary Prep and continue on to complete the elementary and primary school in relation to the number who first started the elementary Prep; and

• Quality of Education based on a pupil’s level of literacy and Pupils’ performance in Grade 8 National Examination is often used as a proxy for quality of education. Read more...

Advert Released (Thursday 06^th October 2022)

 POSITION VACANCY: Finance Manager

All applications must have the subject heading: "Position Vacancy # NR-CD-008 Finance Manager"

Job Description: https://lnkd.in/g9Wd5TFa

Applications Close: 4:06pm, Friday 21 October 2022

Blog Released (Thursday 06^th October 2022)

Blog #27: Social and cultural barriers must be addressed to support girls’ rights to education in Papua New Guinea

Gender inequality in education places a major challenge for girl’s rights to education. Gender inequality limit girls’ rights to education. Since the Tuition Fee Free (TFF) education policy was introduced in 2012, the enrolment of girls in primary schools has improved. However, social and cultural barriers remain problematic in PNG.

Cultural barriers

In a cultural perspective, boys are seen as change makers, leaders, financial supporters, defenders, problem solvers and intelligent. This is why education of a boy is often fully supported by families, friends, and relatives.Read more...

Blog Released (Tuesday 04^th October 2022)

Blog #26: Role of government and teacher training in implementing the Standard Based Curriculum in PNG

Papua New Guinea’s literacy rate is low compared to the Pacific Regional rate. According to the Pacific Island Numeracy Report 2015, it was reported that students’ proficiency level in literacy for Papua New Guinea (PNG) was 14.33 percent compared to the Pacific Regional Rate of 17.78 percent.

Also, a report from the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education and the PNG Education Advocacy Network have found from their studies in five provinces (National Capital District, New Ireland Province, Simbu, Sandaun and Gulf provinces) that literacy rate from four of the five provinces were less than 15 percent while in New Ireland Province it was 25 percent. In an attempt to address the issue, PNG has implemented several educational developments such as the following: Read more...

Released Publication (Thursday 29^th September 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 13: Factors that restrict availability of job opportunities for the youth in Papua New Guinea

For Papua New Guinea (PNG) to achieve sustainable development, the country must be more inclusive, more integrated and more innovative to assist young people (youth) to earn an income by providing more employment opportunities.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Vol 15, Issue 13: Factors that restrict availability of job opportunities for the youth in Papua New Guinea by PNG NRI Research Intern Julian Melpa, highlights the need for creating more jobs for the youth in PNG. Read more...

Released Publication (Tuesday 27^th September 2022)

Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 12: Government must improve rule of law and political stability to boost investment, employment opportunities and revenue

The Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) often reiterate its commitments to promote a broad-based sustainable development to boost the country’s economy. However, PNG has continued to have weak performance in the rule of law and political stability. This restricts the country from achieving its full potential in development.

The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 12: “Government must improve rule of law and political stability to boost investment, employment opportunities and revenue” authored by PNG NRI Deputy Director for Research, Associate Professor Eugene Ezebilo provides a snapshot of how the rule of law and political stability can be improved in PNG. Read more...