2022 PNG Update: pathways to development amid COVID-19 and beyond PNG’s 10th election

Organised by the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Business and Public Policy and the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre, the annual PNG Update is the premier forum for the discussion of research and analysis relating to contemporary economic and public policy issues in PNG.

The 2022 PNG Update was held in person at the University of Papua New Guinea Waigani campus on 20–21 October.

Funding support was provided by the PNG-Australia Partnership, with assistance for travel from The Asia Foundation.

» download the full conference program and abstracts

*Session was livestreamed via the UPNG Facebook page.

Day one – Thursday 20 October

Welcome remarks and opening plenary*

9.00–10.30am

Opening prayer, national anthem and national pledge
Rev. Koloma Makewin, Chaplain, UPNG

Welcome remarks
Robert Igara, Chancellor, University of Papua New Guinea

Opening address
The Honourable James Marape MP, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
» read speech

Book launch: Papua New Guinea Government, Economy and Society
Various book co-authors

Plenary session*

11.30am–12.30pm

Inaugural address
His Excellency Mr Jon Philp, Australian High Commissioner to PNG

Plenary address
Optimal macro-policy and the resource project cycle: how should Papua New Guinea set policy for Papua LNG?
Camilo Alvarez, Assistant Professor, Martin Davies, Associate Professor of Economics, Washington and Lee University, Marcel Schroder, Asian Development Bank
» view presentation

Parallel Session 1

1.30–3.00pm

1A: Panel: Bringing global climate science home*

Mahealani Delaney, Program Coordinator and masters student, Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, Australian National University

Communicating climate science with rural households
Dr Lilly Sar, Director for the Centre for Social and Creative Media, University of Goroka
» view presentation

IPCC 6 assessment report: small islands
Dr Johanna Nalau, Senior Lecturer and Adaptation Science Research Theme Leader, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University
» watch presentation

1B: Economic issues

Savings behaviour in Papua New Guinea
Niels-Hugo Blunch, Professor of Economics, Martin Davies, Associate Professor of Economics, Washington and Lee University
» view presentation

Impact of anti-money laundering in PNG: the courts and the unbanked
Michael Kabuni, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
» view presentation

Investment agreements and the regulatory chill: an analysis on impact of investor-state arbitrations towards sustainable development
Joshua Kaile, Chevening Scholarship Alumni (2017)
» view presentation

Mobile internet pricing in Papua New Guinea
Dr Amanda Watson, Research Fellow, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University, Picky Airi, Director, Centre for Learning and Teaching, Divine Word University, Moses Sakai, Tutor, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

1C: Education policy

Reviewing the quality of basic education in the Momase region of Papua New Guinea: East Sepik and Morobe provinces
Dr Kilala Devette-Chee, Senior Research Fellow, PNG National Research Institute
» view presentation

Skilled workforce development challenges and TVET strategies
Richard Lan, Lecturer, Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Executive Dean, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Francis Hualupmomi, Acting Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
» view presentation

The implementation status of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 in Papua New Guinea: the gap analysis
Peter Michael Magury, Research Fellow, PNG National Research Institute
» view presentation

An overview of development, delivery and challenges of agriculture teaching and learning pedagogy through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in Papua New Guinea
Peter Mwayawa, Director, Milne Bay University Centre, University of Papua New Guinea Open College, Roma Tuidam, Provincial Education Advisor, Department of Education, Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

1D: Health

Using big data to improve health services in PNG
Maryanne Bagore, Lecturer, Divine Word University
» view presentation

Evaluating and selecting key health indicators in PNG: a theoretical insight
Dr Alfred Faiteli, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Esther Lavu, Freelance Researcher and Consultant, Lina Bade, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Assessment of the PNG Provincial Health Authority health system reform implementation from 2009 through 2019: achievements, challenges, and potential ways forward – senior executive health managers’ perspectives
Dr Hewali Hamiya, Master of Public Health Student, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Tabian Ambang and Professor Georgia S Guldan, Division of Public Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

1E: Tourism

Impediments in developing domestic tourism: perceptions of Papua New Guineans
Ronald Raka, Tutor, Dr Joyce Rayel, Head of Division, Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on tourism and hospitality businesses in Madang, PNG
Allan Sumb, Lecturer, Divine Word University
» view presentation

A few critical perspectives concerning the managing of the Kokoda Trail tourism activity: is there a need for a paradigm shift?
Kyline Koroka, LLB Graduate, Shahar Shalom Yadin, LLB Honours graduate, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Parallel session 2

3.30–5.00pm

2A: COVID-19*

Factors affecting COVID-19 vaccination: a PNG perspective
Jack Assa, Lecturer, Moses Sakai, Tutor, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

How can the pandemic centre in PNG effectively communicate information about a pandemic to the public?
Thomas Hukahu, Journalist and private researcher, The Post-Courier
» view presentation

30-day morbidity & mortality of surgical patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a prospective observational study at Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea
Titus Pakop, Masters candidate, Ikau Kevau, Professor, Kennedy James, Surgeon, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

2B: Macroeconomics

Real wages growth in Papua New Guinea over three decades
Niels-Hugo Blunch, Professor of Economics, Martin Davies, Associate Professor of Economics, Washington and Lee University
» view presentation

Anomalies in calculation of key macroeconomic variables and with modelling, planning and budgeting in Papua New Guinea
Modowa T Gumoi, Lecturer in Economics, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Foreign capital inflows and monetary sterilisation in Papua New Guinea
Thomas Wangi, PhD Candidate, Australian National University

2C: Tertiary education

Student’s perception of blended learning: UPNG experience
Panditha Bandara, Senior Lecturer, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Topological methods in the study of climate change
Lakoa Fitina, Professor, University of Papua New Guinea, Jeffery Ambelye, Lecturer, Jimmy Keake, Lecturer, University of Goroka
» view presentation

Understanding higher reform in PNG: a political economy perspective
Dr Francis Hualupmomi, Acting Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Research, Science & Technology
» view presentation

Staffs’ and students’ perspectives on disability support services for students attending the University of Papua New Guinea
Dunstan Lawihin, Lecturer in Social Work, University of Papua New Guinea, Franklyn Lawihin, Social Work Student, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

2D: Corruption and policing

Bridging PNG’s integrity Gap: agency-level anti-corruption strategies
Yuambari Haihuie, Deputy Director Partnerships & Policy, Transparency International Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Police, politics, and issues of brutality in PNG
Okole Midelit, Teaching Fellow, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

What is the future of capital punishment in Papua New Guinea?
Moses Sakai, Tutor, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Helping or hypocritical? Australia’s role in Papua New Guinean corruption
Grant Walton, Fellow, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University
» view presentation

2E: Climate change

Land ownership and climate change issues in PNG: perception vs reality, Rapatona communities, Manus Province
Dr Alfred Faiteli, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Climate change variability and sea level rise a challenge to PNG and Pacific Islands in the next 100 years
Chalapan Kaluwin, Professor, Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Moyep Kilepak, Physics Discipline Leader, School of Natural and Physical Science, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Impacts of climate change and environmental sustainability and its impediments on maritime provinces of PNG
Peter Mwayawa, Director, Milne Bay University Centre, University of Papua New Guinea Open College, Roma Tuidam, Provincial, Education Advisor
» view presentation

Rethinking climate change and environment conservation implementation in Papua New Guinea
Tanya Zeriga, Lead Researcher, Morobe Menggeyao Consulting Services
» view presentation

Day two – Friday 21 October

Plenary session*

9.00–11.00am

Opening prayer, national anthem and national pledge
Rev. Koloma Makewin, Chaplain, UPNG

Keynote
Prof Helen Sullivan, Dean, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific

Keynote
Professor Frank Griffin, Vice Chancellor, University of Papua New Guinea

Keynote
Revisiting the Morauta reforms: modernising PNG’s Central Banking Act
Robert Igara, Chair, Independent Advisory Group on the Central Banking Act
» read speech

Plenary Session: Chinese investment in PNG*

11.30am–12.30pm

Chinese companies in PNG
Anthea Mulakala, Senior Director – International Development Cooperation, Huiyuan Liu, Consultant, The Asia Foundation, Douveri Henao, Founder & CEO Legacy Group Limited, Flora Carruthers, Senior Researcher, Institute of National Affairs (INA), Chey Scovell, Managing Director, Sapience Ltd, PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manufacturers Council of PNG
» view presentation

Parallel session 3

1.30–3.00pm

3A: 2022 elections*

Assessing the openness of election data in the PNG 2022 national general elections
Russel (Jr) Kitau, Tutor, Political Science Department, Olivia Pamu, Political science honours student, Minetta Kakarere, Political science tutor, Midelit Okole, Political Science teaching fellow, Russel Yangin, Political science lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Geejay Milli, PhD Candidate, Michael Kabuni, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
» view presentation

Women’s political participation and temporary special measures – a brief update post-2022
Geejay Milli, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
» view presentation

Political party presence in 2022 general election
Russel Yangin, Lecturer in Politics, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

3B: Gender, family and sexual violence

Some preliminary finding on impact of gender based violence on women in Hula community, Central Province
Aiga Ian, Daniel Ayius and Donald Kanini, Postgraduate honours degree students, School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Papua New Guinea, Bradley Sinde, Postgraduate honours degree student, School of Humanities and Social Science, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Factors that instigated intimate partner violence in the National Capital District of Papua New Guinea Minetta Daniella Kakarere, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Negligence of children in the midst of family and sexual violence
Dora Kuir-Ayius, Lecturer in social work, School of Humanities & Social Science, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

The role of community-based arts in supporting survivors of gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea
Sophie Naime, PhD Candidate, Queensland University of Technology
» view presentation

3C: Regional development and security

PNG voices: perspectives on Australia and the world
Leonie Baptiste, Lecturer, Divine Word University (Madang Campus), Dr Londari Yamarakz, Head of Economics, PNG University of Technology; Lemuel Dom
» view presentation

Security for the future: translating visions into PNG realities
Henry Ivarature, Pacific Fellow, Australian National University, Professor Meg Keen, Director, Lowy Institute
» view presentation

The cost of bride price: a security perspective on the effects of bride price on Papua New Guinean women
Mariel Verroya, PhD Candidate, Griffith University
» view presentation

3D: Public sector and governance

Information management in the public sector organisation in PNG: challenges and strategies
Raymond John, Lecturer, Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Executive Dean (Academic), Wasita Pomel, Tutor, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

The effectiveness of training and development activities as part of HRD initiatives: the case study of PNG Power Limited
Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Executive Dean (Academic), Dr Joyce Rayel, Head of Division, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Dr Lawrence Sause, Deputy Executive Dean (Resources & Planning), School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Islands within ports of governmentality: indigenous self-governance
Adam Vai Delaney, PhD Candidate, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University
» read presentation

The ‘Great Reset’ through development of the Melanesian jurisprudence (Underlying Law)
Xavier Winnia, Director, Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, Dr Mange Matui, Secretary, Constitutional and Law Reform Commission
» view presentation

3E: Urban and rural development

Public transport system challenges and strategies: case study of city of Port Moresby
David Mo, Lecturer, Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Executive Dean, Jollanda Mathew, Lecturer, McDonald Jack, Tutor, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

State should lead social mapping and landowner identification in petroleum development
Dr Kevin Pamba, Senior Lecturer, Department of Governance and Leadership, Divine Word University
» view presentation

An investigation of the impacts of COVID-19 on livelihoods, food security and poverty in urban squatter settlements: a case in Point of Port Moresby and Lae City
Dr Londari Yamarak, PNG University of Technology, Harry Gimiseve, Sam Gonano
» view presentation

Parallel session 4

3.30–5.00pm

4A: Politics and electoral systems in PNG*

PNG politics: what to expect in the next five years
Michael Kabuni, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
» view presentation

Revisiting temporary special measures for PNG women
Geejay Milli, PhD Candidate, Theresa Meki, Pacific Research Fellow, Australian National University
» view presentation

Does DSIP money help MPs win re-election?
Terence Wood, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University, Maholopa Laveil, Lecturer in economics, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

What has limited preferential voting changed in Papua New Guinea?
Terence Wood, Research Fellow, Development Policy Centre, Michael Kabuni, PhD Candidate, Australian National University, Maholopa Laveil, Lecturer in economics, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

4B: Bougainville

Inclusive peace: the role of women in the PNG-Bougainville post-referendum consultations
Danny Agon and Vanua Koloa, Assistant researchers, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Supervision and management reform in secondary schools in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Joy Asiure, Lecturer and Assistant Director, Center for Educational Research, University of Goroka
» view presentation

Lessons learnt from Bougainville for autonomy implementation in Papua New Guinea
John Watmelik, Acting Director, Planning, Autonomous Bougainville Government Administration
» view presentation

4C: Women in the workforce

Determinants of under-representation of women on public and private sector boards in Papua New Guinea
Alphonse Kona, Lecturer, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea

The challenges of sustainability faced by PNG women SME operators amidst the perceived cultural norms and values
Evelyn Kua, Head of Division, Business Management, David Mo, Lecturer, Richard Lan, Lecturer, Jack McDonald, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Women vendors’ agency and conflict management: experiences of Awagasi Market women vendors in Lae, Papua New Guinea
Wilma Molus Langa, PhD Candidate, Verena Thomas, Associate Professor, Jackie Kauli, Queensland University of Technology, Laurie Buys, Australian Catholic University
» view presentation

Women empowerment through employment – a study of the status of women employees in Port Moresby, PNG
Dr Albert Prabhakar Gudapati, Head of Division, Economics, Benedicta Gabonen Mellam, Lecturer in Accounting, Wasita Pomel, Teaching Fellow in Business Management, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

4D: Agriculture and food security

Economic tripartite partnership: smallholder empowerment in PNG
Wilson Go, Senior Lecturer, Divine Word University
» view presentation

Climate change mitigation via coffee carbon sequestration and trade: prospect for improving livelihoods of PNG coffee farmers
Mawe Gonapa, PhD Candidate, Dr Steven Crimp, Research Fellow (Principal Supervisor), Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions, Australian National University
» view presentation

Tackling Food Security Issues through smallholder rice farming in Trobriand Islands
Niyawa John, BAH Candidate and Temporary Tutor, Dr Linus Digim’rina, Lecturer and Head of Strand, School of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea
» view presentation

Gender mainstreaming and empowerment in agriculture food systems in Papua New Guinea
John Simango, Executive Director, Alma Lance, Gender Mainstreaming Manager, Ruthy Kusak, Agribusiness Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Grow PNG Ltd
» view presentation

Closing Session*

5.00pm

Concluding remarks
Professor Lekshmi N. Pillai, Executive Dean, School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Grant Walton, Fellow, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University