UNDP

The UNDP resident representative, Dirk Wagener, highlighted the World Environment Day 2020 theme, which is ‘Time for Nature’.

Speaking at the launch of UNDP’s K175,000 grant to the Port Moresby Nature Park, Wagener said it is about time we slow down and listen to nature.

“One of the things we have been doing, unfortunately as humans, we have been more and more encroaching on wildlife and on areas which should be reserved for the flora and fauna of this unique country,” he said.

Mapping these impacts will take time and require collective and collaborative efforts involving Government, development partners, civil society and the private sector. An important first step will be determining what these impacts are.

UNDP says it is proudly leading this first step in partnership with other United Nations agencies by launching the first Socio-Economic Impact Assessment to be conducted in Papua New Guinea aimed at determining the impacts of COVID-19.

Income losses are expected to exceed $220 billion in developing countries, and nearly half of all jobs in Africa could be lost. With an estimated 55 per cent of the global population having no access to social protection, these losses will reverberate across societies, impacting education, human rights and, in the most severe cases, basic food security and nutrition.

The report presents the case for looking at inequality through a new lens that recognises that the true dimensions of inequality go far beyond old metrics of incomes and averages.

This year’s report finds that although there are significant improvements in health, education and living standards globally, new types of inequalities are emerging that prevent many around the world from living fulfilled and truly productive lives. Of greatest significance is climate change and rapid technological advancement.

The 32-page report “Fulfilling the land of opportunity: How to grow employment in Papua New Guinea” is based on a joint survey of over 230 businesses in Port Moresby, Madang, Mt Hagan and Lae in late 2017.

Covering five employment sectors from management and hospitality to clerical and administrative occupations, the report identified key factors preventing firms from hiring more staff, what skills businesses determine are most in need, practical impacts of the skills shortages and how Papua New Guinea can help grow employment.

The project, community-based forest and coastal conservation and resource management in PNG, supports the conservation initiative of communities in more than 200,000 hectares in the provinces.

It aims to help in advancing the provincial government’s efforts to protect the remaining rainforests in the Baining Mountain, Nakanai and Whiteman Ranges.

International observers will arrive and depart at different times from May through to July. The sponsors of international observer teams - such as The Commonwealth, Australian National University and various diplomatic missions in Port Moresby- will be arranging their on logistics to cover the event.

A media statement issued by the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) on Sunday says more than 12 groups will be taking part in the 2017 National Elections Observer Mission.

As demonstrated by the ongoing volcanic eruption of Manam Island in Madang Province, PNG is prone to regular natural disasters. The country faces a steady threat from a wide range of hazards including floods, cyclones, landslides, drought, earthquakes, among others.

The volcano on Manam Island began spewing heavy smoke from the crate over the past week causing more than 700 villagers to flee the island.

“Make it your business to learn more about how the whole government agencies operate and how the electorate and districts in each province operates.”

These were the words of encouragement from the Secretary of the Department for Community Development and Religion, Anna Solomon, to the participants of the Papua New Guinea Practice Parliament for Women.

UNCDF is an investment agency for the world’s 48 least developed countries.

UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.

To mark this momentous milestone, the United Nations Papua New Guinea Office is hosting a celebration networking event with key stakeholders.

The event will be held at the Grand Papua Hotel.