IOM Papua New Guinea

🌿 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗞𝗶𝗽𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 🌿

For more than five decades, tribal conflict has shaped life for the Tamagale tribe in Kipos Village, Enga Province. Last week, however, the community took an important step toward changing that story.

Through the Community Peace for Development Planning (CPDP) Intensive Training facilitated by IOM under the Highlands Joint Programme Phase II funded by the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea and the New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea through the United Nations in Papua New Guinea PNG Country Fund II, representatives from the Tupaik, Kuera, Ipai, and Kurum sub-clans came together to identify solutions to long-standing challenges and develop a shared vision for peace and development.

Bringing together community leaders, women, youth, church representatives, and local stakeholders, the training created a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and community-led planning.
More than a training, this was a moment of reflection, reconciliation, and renewed hope, demonstrating that sustainable peace begins when communities are empowered to lead the change themselves.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, Kipos Ward 14 Councilor Jeff Kelly reflected on the significance of the initiative.
"Since Independence, the Tamagale tribe has been involved in continuous tribal conflict, and there had never been any intervention of this kind from the government or non-government organizations. We have seen positive changes since IOM came into our community, and we are grateful for this support."

Church leader Nita Anjo echoed similar sentiments, describing the training as an opportunity for the community to break free from the cycles of conflict that have defined previous generations.
"This training has changed the lives of many people. Kipos Ward 14 will never be the same again. We must not continue living in the conflicts of the past but work together to build a better future for our children and neighbouring communities."

Together, the people of Kipos are writing a new chapter; one where peace becomes the foundation for development and future generations inherit opportunities rather than conflict.

🌿 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆-𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 🌿

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through the Highlands Joint Programme II, continues to support peacebuilding and resilience in Papua New Guinea with the successful rollout of a Community Peace for Development Planning (CPDP) initiative in Lenki Village, Enga Province.

From 25–29 May 2026, over 60 participants from the Timal, Paliukin, and Sikinwan tribes came together in Ward 07 (Laiap LLG, Wabag District). The group included community leaders, women, youth representatives, Ward Development Committee members, and faith-based organisationz, demonstrating a shared commitment to shaping a peaceful and sustainable future.

This engagement marks an important step beyond capacity-building. It reflects a broader transition in conflict-affected communities from fragmentation toward dialogue, collective action, and structured development planning.

Through inclusive discussions and participatory exercises, communities:
✔ Identified key conflict drivers and risks
✔ Assessed development challenges and service gaps
✔ Prioritized practical actions to strengthen peace and service delivery
✔ Reinforced collaboration across tribal and community lines

A strong emphasis was placed on inclusive participation, ensuring women, youth, vulnerable groups, and persons with disabilities have a voice in shaping local solutions critical for strengthening governance and long-term social cohesion.

As highlighted by Enga Provincial Government representative Sakarakali Karape, he noted: "Sustainable peace is rooted in community ownership, dialogue, and collective action. The strong engagement seen in Lenki reflects a growing determination among communities to work together toward stability and shared progress."

Thanks to funding from the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea and the New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea through the United Nations in Papua New GuineaCountry Fund II, IOM is working in partnership with provincial and district authorities, and continues to promote community-led approaches that align local priorities with government systems.

Following Lenki, similar initiatives were rolled out in Lagaip and Kipos wards, further expanding peacebuilding efforts across Enga Province.

🌱 From dialogue to action, communities are leading the way in building peace, resilience, and inclusive development.

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆? 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! 🚀

🌟 IOM PNG is looking for a National Programme Officer based in Buka, to provide day-to-day Disaster Risk Reduction/Management (DRR/M), Stabilization and Peacebuilding technical expertise and programme oversight, with high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work.

Join us in advancing community resilience and sustainable recovery efforts across Papua New Guinea. Apply here: https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/21291/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝗡 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗜

Representatives from the New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea and United Nations in Papua New Guinea agencies (UN RCO, IOM Papua New Guinea, UNDP in Papua New Guinea, UNICEF Papua New Guinea, United Nations Population Fund Papua New Guinea, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and UN Women Papua New Guinea) and the Western Highlands Provincial Administration, with participation from Provincial Executive Managers across key sectors met to review progress and observe the impact of activities under the Highlands Joint Programme Phase II.

During the discussions, UN agencies shared updates on programme implementation and highlighted the Area-Based Approach being applied across the province, demonstrating how coordinated efforts are supporting provincial development priorities and strengthening service delivery. The Provincial Administration expressed its appreciation to donor partners and UN agencies for their continued commitment to the development of Western Highlands Province.

IOM’s support for ward planning and Village Court strengthening was noted as an important contribution to improving local governance, enhancing community participation, and increasing access to justice at the local level, as well as strengthening peacebuilding and social cohesion.

Following the meeting, the delegation visited Western Highlands Provincial Hospital, where UNICEF is supporting birth registration and certification services, and engaged with the Provincial Health Authority. The mission then continued to Kelua 2 Community, where IOM is deploying Civil and Identity Registration (CIR) teams to facilitate birth certificate and National Identification (NID) registration. The delegation observed firsthand how these services help vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons and marginalized groups gain access to legal identity and related services and opportunities.

The visit also showcased integrated support under the Area-Based Approach, with FAO, International Labour Organization, and UN Capital Development Fund contributing to livelihood development and economic empowerment initiatives that strengthen resilience and create sustainable income opportunities.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the community and engaged with beneficiaries, who described the positive impact of access to legal identity documents and livelihood services that is enabling individuals and families to participate more fully in economic and social life. The mission highlighted the value of coordinated partnerships in advancing social inclusion, legal identity, and economic empowerment in Western Highlands Province.



📸 UNDP in Papua New Guinea

IOM, together with the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA) and the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), is pleased to share a joint Op-Ed reflecting on the outcome of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026 and its relevance for Papua New Guinea.

Across the country, pressures related to climate change and natural hazards is already a lived reality for many Papua New Guineans and is increasingly shaping how communities move and rebuild. The IMRF Progress Declaration reinforces the need for anticipatory, coordinated, and people-centered approaches to migration and displacement.

Papua New Guinea is taking important steps in this direction. The launch of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Policy (2025–2035) and ongoing efforts toward a national framework on planned relocation mark a shift from reactive responses to forward-looking, government-led solutions.

📖 Read the full Op-Ed: https://png.iom.int/news/climate-mobility-solutions-what-international-migration-review-forum-2026-means-papua-new-guinea

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲? 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀! 🚀

🌟 IOM PNG is looking for a Driver to provide safe and reliable transportation services, maintain assigned vehicles, support logistical and administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with IOM safety and operational procedures.

Join us in advancing community resilience and sustainable recovery efforts across Papua New Guinea. Apply here: https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/21158/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

IOM Papua New Guinea formally handed over Passport Examination Procedure Manuals to the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority, marking an important milestone in efforts to strengthen border operational standards in the country.

The handover builds on the series of technical trainings conducted in April 2026, including Training of Trainers [ToT] sessions aimed at enhancing the capacity of frontline officers and enabling the cascading of knowledge across ICSA’s operational units. The manual serves as a critical complement to these efforts, ensuring that the knowledge and skills gained during the training are institutionalized, standardized, and retained over time.

The event also served as a sustainability milestone under the IOM Development Fund project: Strengthening Document Examination at Points of Entry in Papua New Guinea, providing an opportunity for IOM and ICSA to reflect on progress achieved and to explore areas for continued collaboration and future engagement in strengthening migration management and border governance systems.

Representing ICSA, the Deputy Chief Migration Officer for the Compliance and Enforcement Division Dennis Badi, expressed sincere appreciation for IOM’s continued partnership, particularly in supporting staff training and capacity-building initiatives. He noted:
"We are truly grateful to IOM for their continued support in strengthening our operational capacity. These manuals will serve as a vital resource in guiding our officers to uphold professional standards and enhance border security across Papua New Guinea.”

Speaking on behalf of IOM, Officer in Charge Tedius Owiti reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting ICSA in fulfilling its mandate. He underscored that the handover reflects a shared objective of building sustainable systems and equipping officers with practical tools to enhance efficiency and professionalism, while reinforcing the outcomes of the recent [ToT] programme.

"This handover reflects IOM’s ongoing partnership with ICSA to build sustainable systems and empower officers with the tools they need. Strengthening passport examination procedures is critical to ensuring safe, orderly, and regular migration."

The handover highlights the strong partnership between IOM and ICSA in advancing effective migration management, safeguarding border integrity, and ensuring that capacity development efforts translate into long-term institutional strengthening.

#𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

🚨 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! 🚀

🌟 IOM PNG is looking for Senior Project Associate to support the implementation and coordination of disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and community stabilization programmes through field monitoring, stakeholder coordination, reporting, community engagement, and operational support to strengthen resilience and preparedness in target communities.

Join us in advancing community resilience and sustainable recovery efforts across Papua New Guinea. Apply here: https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1001/job/21061/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

🌿 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗶’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲

For decades, communities in Linabini Council Ward have lived in the shadow of tribal conflict. Since 1987, cycles of violence shaped everyday life; with parents, children, and even grandchildren growing up knowing conflict as a norm.

Today, that narrative is beginning to change. After more than 40 years, both youth and elders have made a powerful decision: to put peace first.

“We have sadly come to realize that our literacy level has come very low compared with other communities, and our sick people had extreme difficulty accessing health services. We laid down arms, stopped supporting other conflicts, and have maintained neutrality for the past 3 years. Peace is fragile, but we are doing our best to hold on, ” says Community Leader Nelson Harabe.

The community’s commitment to peace comes with a renewed focus on what matters most: education, health, and opportunities for future generations.

IOM, in coordination with the Hela Provincial Government Law and Justice Manager, prioritized the Linabini community by focusing on conflict-affected areas and strengthening local planning through community-based approaches. These efforts are helping promote peacebuilding, social cohesion, and inclusive development at the ward level, including through a long, week‑intensive Community Peace and Development Plans training conducted from 18–22 May, engaging 31 participants from different socio-economic groups within the community, including women, youth, community leaders, peace committees and faith-based representatives.

Under the Highlands Joint Programme’s Phase II, IOM, with support from the Australian High Commission Papua New Guinea and the New Zealand High Commission, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea through the United Nations in Papua New Guinea Country Fund II, is proud to support communities like Linabini at this critical moment; strengthening peace initiatives and helping restore access to essential services.

🤝 Peace may be fragile, but with collective effort, it can endure.