United Nations

Established by the United Nations, this significant event focuses on highlighting the importance of addressing concerns related to reproductive health, family planning, gender equality, and sustainable development.

The convention commenced today and was attended by around 250 participants, including representatives of market vendors’ associations, market management authorities, and representatives from the provincial and local governments from the 14 market locations in Papua New Guinea.

In addition, foreign delegates from Market for Change programs in Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu also attended.

The convention provides a platform for market vendors to reflect on the support they received during the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure they return to pre-pandemic income levels.

Organised by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism through the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Center (UNOCT/UNCCT), in partnership with the European Union and with support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools to prepare for and communicate around terrorist attacks and other major crises.

One incident allegedly involved sustained violence against four school cleaners accused of sorcery in Porgera, Enga Province.

In a separate incident, it is alleged that a primary school girl was taken as a sex slave in the Fugwa area of Hela Province.

“These incidents must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice. It is unacceptable that in the 21st Century, so many women and young girls are living in fear simply because of their gender,” said Richard Howard, the UN Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea.

Every two minutes, a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth, according to the latest estimates released in a report by United Nations agencies today. This report, Trends in maternal mortality, reveals alarming setbacks for women’s health over recent years, as maternal deaths either increased or stagnated in nearly all regions of the world.

He made this known during a panel session last Wednesday, June 29, themed Bridge the Blue Finance Gap, in which he participated.

The panel discussed financing sustainable ocean-based economies in emerging markets, especially in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) solutions across the investment continuum.

The signing took place between Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator, and Koney Samuel, Secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, on behalf of the Government of PNG.

Secretary Samuel acknowledged the UN as one of PNG’s important development partners and conveyed the Government’s gratitude to the UN System for its commitment to country throughout the years since Independence.

“Our partnership with the UN has been very strong and we are happy with the progress made on a number of programmes, especially the ones critical to government,” said Samuel.

UN Women is an agency for Gender Equality and the empowerment of women. The breakfast meeting is part of their efforts to strengthen their partnerships with the media in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The event brought together editors and members from different media houses in Papua New Guinea.

Gender equality in PNG is doing poorly as there are high levels of gender-based violence which remains a challenge in the country and it is ranked 160 out of 162 in the gender equality index.

Most of the local population live in rural areas and face challenges related to accessing basic services such as healthcare. Accessing basic services is at times hindered by violence and tribal fighting in local communities.

Through working in partnership with the Hela Provincial Government, United Nations agencies, and partners, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is promoting peace and development in the Guala community in Hela Province.

She oversees the common premises budget, coordinating payments, property and communication needs of all duty stations across the country.

Cavanagh says she feels fortunate when requested to travel on mission and visit duty stations in the provinces. Being out in the field really puts things into perspective.

“It gives me a sense of appreciation and pride, to be working with an organisation like the United Nations, who is impacting, changing and improving people’s lives.”