ADRP Launch four (4) Reports (Wednesday 30th 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;
- Research Report No.10 - Decentralised governance arrangements in Papua New Guinea: a framework for a national conversation,
- Research Report No.11 - Fiscal and Decentralisation in Papua New Guinea,
- Issues Paper No.42 – Entrenchment, autonomy and effective integration: Pillars for PNG decentralisation, and
- 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 22nd 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 09th 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 08th 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 07th 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:
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 02nd 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 31st 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 25th 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 14th 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 11th 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 06th 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 06th 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 04th 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 29th 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 27th 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...
Released Publication (Tuesday 20th September 2022)
Discussion Paper No.198: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among wholesale and retail service employees with pre-existing medical conditions: evidence from Papua New Guinea
Vaccination is one of the proven ways to reduce the likelihood and severity of infections and illnesses. Yet, in 2020 and 2021, the refusal and the delay to accept vaccination against the coronavirus (COVID-19) was a significant area of public health concern in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The government was particularly worried that a large number of unvaccinated people if infected, was likely to contribute more to overall rates of community transmission of the virus. But the biggest concern was the fate of people with chronic diseases or those with weak immune systems who were more reluctant to take the vaccine.
Position vacancies (Thursday 08th September)
PNG NRI is advertising the following Positions :
1. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Officer
Advert https://lnkd.in/dZKJ87aZ
Job Description https://lnkd.in/dFaYwmGa
2. Assistant Librarian
Advert https://lnkd.in/dD-NQxUC
Job Description https://lnkd.in/dS6ZVzNS
Applications close on Friday 23 September 2022.
Economic policy analysis course (EPAC), 2022 (Monday 05th September)
Opening Remarks: PNG NRI Director
On behalf of the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) Council, management and staff, I welcome you all participants for the 2022 intake of the popular Economic Policy Analysis Course (EPAC), to the PNG NRI campus. I wish to acknowledge the role of your sponsors, employers and your families for giving you the opportunity or support, either financially or by way of allowing you to take time out to participate in this vital Course. I also acknowledge the Course Coordinator, Dr. Francis Odhuno and his support staff, and the lecturers who will be teaching you for the next 8 weeks.
Released Publication (Thursday 1st September 2022)
Spotlight Vol 15, Issue 11: Strategy for addressing insecurity issues in Port Moresby
Addressing insecurity issues and making our communities safer for sustainable economic activities and improved welfare of residents have been a challenge for the government, especially in the major cities of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Vol 15, Issue 11: Strategy for addressing insecurity issues in Port Moresby by Dr Philip Kavan, Senior Research Fellow at PNG NRI highlights ways to promote safer communities in the city.
Media Release (29th August 2022)
PNG NRI to release 2022 Elections Observation Report and Monograph
The PNG NRI Elections Observations Report will be released to the public in the coming weeks. In September 2022, organisations involved in the 2022 election observations will be invited to present their findings to be summarised and published as the Proceedings for distribution to all stakeholders for implementation and preparation for the 2024 LLG Elections and 2027 National Elections.
These organisations include Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates Commission, The Australian National University, Transparency International (PNG), Commonwealth Secretariat, Institute of National Affairs, University of PNG and the PNG National Research Institute. Read more
Released Publication (Tuesday 30th August 2022)
Spotlight Vol. 15, Issue 10: House rent determination by landlords and real estate agents in Port Moresby: Concerns raised by tenants
Access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing is a basic human right. However, access to affordable housing in major cities of Papua New Guinea (PNG) including Port Moresby has continued to be a long-standing issue. Read more
Media Release (23rd August 2022)
PNG NRI to release 2022 Elections Observation Report and Monograph
The Council of the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNG NRI) has endorsed the 2022 Elections Observation Report covering a number of electorates and the general observations on the operations and administration of the election in the country. This will be followed by Seminar Series to invite all organisations that had Election Observations to present their findings to be followed by Bibliography on Elections and finally a Monograph or Research Report on 2022 Elections.
The first lot of Australian Government funding was used to for scholarships to political party executives and disciplinary forces and agencies involved in Elections to attend its Diploma in Economic Policy Analysis program, followed by the Election Seminar series for a weekly update from Royal PNG Constabulary, Electoral Commission, Boundaries Commission, Registry of Political Parties, Department of Provincial Affairs and Clerk of Parliament and the National Broadcasting Corporation to inform and update the people of PNG on their planning and preparations for the LLG and National Elections. Read More...
Released Publication (Wednesday 17th August 2022)
Government’s role for a sustainable housing policy
Government’s strategic role as a regulator is critical to address the structural impediments that have constrained the housing sector in Papua New Guinea (PNG). As a regulator, the government undertakes a facilitative role in providing an enabling environment that will sustainably develop the housing market to ensure all Papua New Guineans are properly sheltered. Read More...
Released Publication (Tuesday 09th August 2022)
Commercial focus is vital for national airports
Given the challenging geography in Papua New Guinea (PNG), airports play a critical role in social and economic development through enabling movement, connectivity, and accessibility to main business and government services. The National Airport Corporation (NAC) is responsible for the provision, maintenance, and development of 22 designated national airports.
Over the years, the emphasis in managing these airports has been on an investment program to ensure the airports are developed to meet internationally acceptable safety and security standards. However, this has come at a cost of limited attention to operational efficiency and efficient pricing of airport services. Read More...
Released Publication (Wednesday 20th July 2022)
Government should do more to restrict the emergence of informal settlements
The Government should consider focusing on promoting preventive measures to avoid the emergence of informal settlements and forceful evictions of informal settlement dwellers.
The paper stated that forceful evictions may promote an environment of insecurity and uncertainty that undermines the basic human need for a decent and quality life. Read More...
PNG Journal of Education (PNGJE) is now online
PNG Journal of Education has always been a paper journal. Today, PNG NRI and its stakeholders launched PNGJE Online after eight years of hibernation.
Through a directive from the PNG NRI Council to revive the PNGJE, a new Editorial Board for the Journal was formed with Dr. Kilala Devette-Chee (NRI Representative) as the Lead Editor.
Education plays in our social and economic development. We all can attest to the fact that without education we would not be where we are today in the various professions we are involved in these were the words of the PNG NRI Director in his opening remarks
Released Publication (Tuesday 28th June 2022)
Cooperatives can assist smallholder coffee growers boost coffee production
Coffee has been one of the most important agricultural commodities that contributes to Papua New Guinea (PNG) economy. It contributes to the livelihoods of almost three million people in the country. However, since the closure of several plantations in PNG, coffee production has continued to decline. Though coffee production in the country is currently driven much by smallholder coffee growers they face several challenges. Read More...
Released Publication (Tuesday 28th June 2022)
Government must do more to promote good governance
Good governance provides a conducive environment for investment and opportunities for employment, which in turn generate government revenue from taxes. However, promoting good governance has been a long-standing issue in most developing countries, including Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The National Research Institute (NRI) Discussion Paper No. 196: “Comparative analysis of governance and economic growth in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu” authored by PNG NRI Deputy Director for Research Associate Professor Eugene Ezebilo and Research Officer Mr. William Kipongi highlight how to promote good governance in PNG. Read More...
Released Publication (Thursday 23rd June 2022)
Government must do more to promote free, fair, and safe National Elections
Free, fair and safe elections are key components of the principles of a democratic system. This promotes a person’s constitutional right to be freely expressed in voting in a national election without external influences. However, irregularities have become common practices in the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Elections.
The National Research Institute (NRI) Spotlight Volume 15, Issue 6 entitled: “Initiatives for addressing irregularities in Papua New Guinea’s National Elections” by PNG NRI Research Officer Mr. William Kipongi, highlights some factors that contribute to irregularities in PNG National Elections and how the irregularities can be addressed. Read More...
