JICA Papua New Guinea

27/04/2026

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭| 𝟐 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭.

On 22nd April 2026, the 2nd Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the JICA’s technical cooperation project, Public Investment Management (PIM) Project, was successfully held to review progress and discuss next steps among relevant stakeholders.

Government agencies, project counterparts, and the JICA team came together, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening public investment systems and improving the effectiveness of public expenditure.

Mr. Roger Kara, Deputy Secretary of Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and also the Chair for this JCC Meeting, highlighted the Sector Wide Approach as a “one stop shop” giving prominence to the sectors to lead and have ownership that supports credible, data driven decision making, stronger coordination, and more effective resource mobilization. He also highlighted the strengthening public investment programmes and public investment management could close up to two-thirds of the public investment efficiency gap.

Participants reviewed progress, key achievements, and implementation challenges, and agreed on priority actions for the next phase. Discussions emphasized better project planning, efficient selection, and alignment with national development priorities.

The meeting underscored the strong partnership between the Government and JICA, and the vital role of public investment management in achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

Please also visit our website for our latest activities and events news. JICA PNG Home Page
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/index.html

16/04/2026

📢 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 | 𝐉𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐮𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐚 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Papua New Guinea Office announces a change in its Chief Representative, effective 15 April 2026.


Mr. SHIROUZU Kenichi has assumed the position of Chief Representative, succeeding Mr. MATSUOKA Hideaki, who has concluded his tenure and returned to JICA Headquarters in Tokyo.

This leadership transition reflects JICA’s continued commitment to strengthening its cooperation with the Government and people of Papua New Guinea and to advancing sustainable development initiatives in the country.

Full details of the announcement are available on the JICA PNG homepage: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/press/2026/1580663_71001.html

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Please also visit our website for our latest activities and events news. JICA PNG Home Page

https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/index.html

Papua New Guinea has the largest land area (roughly 1.2 times the size of Japan) and population (about 6.88 million people) among the Pacific Island Countries, and is blessed with abundant mineral resources such as gold, copper and petroleum. However, the transportation, power and energy infrastruct...

09/04/2026

This video was created by Mr. Nakanishi, a JICA Volunteer (Civil Engineering) working at the Works Supervision Unit in Alotau, to introduce local life and scenery to audiences in Japan.


English captions are included alongside the Japanese text so that viewers in Papua New Guinea can also enjoy the video.

Please enjoy the beauty of PNG from the sky.
More about Mr. Nakanishi’s activities can be found here.
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/press/2025/1579495_59673.html

06/04/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 (𝐉𝐂𝐂) 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐋𝐏𝐏–𝐉𝐈𝐂𝐀 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

The first Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting of the Project for Enhancement of National Land Use Information Management System Towards Sustainable Land Use Management was successfully held on 26 March at the Department of Lands and Physical Planning (DLPP) office.

The meeting opened with remarks by Mr. Linus Billy, Chairman of National Sustainable Land Use Policy (NSLUP) and Director for National Mapping Bureau of DLPP and Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, Chief Representative of JICA PNG Office, who emphasized the importance of strengthening land information systems as a foundation for sustainable development, effective land use planning, and inclusive economic growth in Papua New Guinea.

The project aims to strengthen national capacity for the effective management and utilization of the National Land Use Information Management System to support evidence‑based land‑use planning and sustainable development in Papua New Guinea. As part of this effort, the project also promotes Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment by encouraging inclusive participation and reflecting women’s perspectives in land‑use planning processes.

During the JCC, participants reviewed and agreed on the work plan presented by the JICA Experts, reaffirming their strong commitment to working together toward the successful achievement of the project’s goals.

JICA looks forward to continuing close cooperation with DLPP and relevant stakeholders to advance sustainable and inclusive land use management in PNG.

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SDG Goal # 9 INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRUSTRUCTURE
SDG Goal # 15 LIFE ON LAND
SDG Goal # 11 SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Please also visit our website for our latest activities and events news. JICA PNG Home Page
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/index.html

01/04/2026

𝗝𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗡𝗚

On 16 March 2026, JICA Volunteers in Papua New Guinea shared their field experiences with education stakeholders from UNICEF and the World Bank.

The session highlighted how mathematics and science textbooks—developed with JICA’s support—are being used in classrooms, along with practical approaches such as step-by-step lessons and hands-on activities. These efforts are helping students better understand concepts and think more critically.

At the same time, challenges such as large class sizes, limited teaching materials, and the need for continuous teacher training were also discussed. Participants also explored ideas around textbook management and the use of ICT to support learning.

JICA will continue working with partners and JICA Volunteers to support both classroom practices and the systems that sustain quality education in PNG.



👉 Learn more about our activities:
JICA PNG Website
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/press/2026/1580068_71001.html

01/04/2026

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

On March 19, 2026, three JICA Volunteers working in primary schools across Papua New Guinea conducted an in-service training workshop in Port Moresby for about 50 primary school teachers.

The training focused on how to use science textbooks developed with JICA’s support, introducing hands-on teaching methods through demonstration lessons and simple experiments.

Teachers experienced the lessons as students, exploring activities on light, magnetism, and electromagnets, and also created their own teaching materials using locally available resources.

The workshop showed that effective, practical learning can be achieved even in schools with limited materials. It also sparked strong interest among participating teachers in applying these methods in their own classrooms.

JICA will continue to support teachers and promote quality mathematics and science education in PNG.

👉 Learn more about our activities:
JICA PNG Website
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/index.html

25/03/2026

𝗝𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮

Mr. Suzuki, a JICA Volunteer who has been working at Popondetta Primary School in Oro Province, is returning to Japan after completing his assignment. Before his departure, he reflected on his nearly two years of activities and the experiences he gained while working with students, teachers, and the local community.

During his service, Mr. Suzuki focused on four main areas: improving mathematics education, promoting environmental awareness through science lessons, conducting training for teachers and teacher training colleges, and organizing online classes that connect Japan with the wider world.

Using mathematics textbooks developed with JICA’s support, he helped students strengthen their basic calculation skills. At the same time, he introduced environmental activities such as school clean-up campaigns, waste art projects, and the establishment of a student environmental committee to encourage children to care for their natural surroundings.

Mr. Suzuki also organized training sessions to help teachers better utilize the mathematics and science textbooks developed jointly by JICA and the Government of Papua New Guinea. These trainings were held not only in Popondetta but also in Port Moresby and at teacher training institutions.

In addition, he conducted online classes linking Japanese students with the global community, using interview videos with JICA volunteers working in different countries to help young people think about the meaning of international cooperation.

Teaching in classrooms with more than 90 students was a major challenge, but through patience and communication, Mr. Suzuki worked with students and teachers to improve the learning environment. Over time, students began to better respect each other’s right to learn, creating a more positive classroom atmosphere.

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Suzuki shared that the strong sense of community in Popondetta left a lasting impression.

“The people of Popondetta are energetic and welcoming. Through the strong ‘wantok’ culture, I was able to build meaningful relationships with students, teachers, and community members.”

Through his activities in Popondetta, Mr. Suzuki contributed to improving the learning environment for students and strengthening connections between schools, communities, and the wider world.

[Reference]
You can watch Mr. Suzuki’s interview video in the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4egnpmNMx4

23/03/2026

𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀

The 8th Joint Coordinating Committee (JCC) Meeting for the “Project for Strengthening Primary Teacher Pre-Service Education in Mathematics and Science (STEPMAS)” was successfully held on 13 March 2026 in Port Moresby. The meeting marked one of the final milestones of the STEPMAS, which began in 2021 and will conclude by the end of March 2026.



Present at the meeting were representatives from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST), Department of Education (DoE), Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), the Embassy of Japan, JICA, and project experts. The group gathered to review key achievements and discuss strategies to sustain outcomes beyond project completion.



The project aims to improve how future primary school teachers in PNG learn to teach mathematics and science by providing colleges with high quality teaching materials and strengthening lecturer capability. It focuses on improving the quality of mathematics and science lectures in Primary Teachers Colleges (PTCs) through the development and use of standardized students’ modules and lecturers’ manuals.



In the opening remarks, Mr. Lonnie Baki, Secretary for DHERST and the Chairperson of the JCC, acknowledged the project as a successful technical cooperation initiative. Mr. Paul Ainui, Deputy Secretary for DoE, emphasized the road map for PNG’s Education Transformation Vision 2075 to reform and improve access, quality, and governance of education, and highlighted the importance of partnership between DoE, DHERST, and the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), and the successful launch of the PNG Partnership Compact 2025–2028, with JICA as the coordinating agency and UNICEF as the grant agent. Mr. Ainui also commended the Government of Japan for its ongoing support to PNG’s education sector, particularly in strengthening mathematics and science education and building the capacity of officers, lecturers, and teachers. He further noted the gender equality dimension of the project, which seeks to break harmful stereotypes and encourage girls to excel in science and mathematics.



Also speaking at the meeting, Ms. Bathsheba Mald from the Embassy of Japan emphasized Japan’s long-standing support to the PNG education sector through various initiatives. She noted that, in addition to JICA’s technical cooperation, the Embassy has provided approximately K43 million through the Economic and Social Development Program (ESDP) since 2018. This support has already yielded significant results, including the printing and distribution of nearly two million national textbooks and teacher manuals across all 22 provinces. These materials reached 103 designated sites—such as provincial education offices and 15 teacher training colleges—helping to equip the next generation of educators with essential teaching resources. She reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to supporting PNG in human resource development and advancing education.



A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the STEPMAS Project Completion Report, including findings from the Endline Survey. The project team consisting of JICA experts and their counterparts at DHERST and PTC showcased substantial progress in enhancing the competencies of PTC students in mathematics and science instruction, aligned with the revised Primary Standard Based Curriculum (SBC). Discussions included the revision of the Project Design Matrix (PDM), sustainability strategies, and the need for continued collaboration among DHERST, DoE, and PTCs.



The project received strong support from JICA through the dispatch of experts, training programs, and continuous guidance from the JICA Education Policy Advisor, who worked closely with DHERST and DoE throughout implementation. JICA experts led material development, training, monitoring, and technical guidance, significantly contributing to strengthening local capacity. Planned updates—such as PSD revision, improved digital systems, and ongoing lecturer training—will support the long-term use of STEPMAS materials across all PTCs.



In closing the 8th JCC meeting, JICA PNG’s Chief Representative, Mr. Matsuoka Hideaki, reiterated that the STEPMAS Project set out to improve the quality of mathematics and science lectures in Primary Teachers Colleges nationwide by developing and institutionalizing student materials and teacher guides aligned with national standards. He noted that most planned field activities were successfully implemented and encouraged continued partnership and collaboration beyond the life of the project.



The STEPMAS Project has built a strong foundation for the future. With all teaching materials now approved and DHERST and DoE teams trained, PNG is well positioned to continue strengthening teacher education.

Please also visit our website for our latest activities and events news. JICA PNG Home Page
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/index.html

19/03/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 “𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀” 𝗮𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹

At schools in Papua New Guinea, textbooks are shared by several students and used for many years. Because of this, taking care of them is very important so that future students can also learn from the same books.

At Popondetta Primary School in Oro Province, Grade 6 students recently took part in a special activity to repair their mathematics and science textbooks together with a JICA Volunteer.

During the activity, 35 students worked in groups to carefully repair damaged textbooks using cardboard and tape. Before starting, they compared new textbooks with the ones that had been used for many years. Many students were surprised to see the difference and began to understand how important it is to take care of books that everyone shares.

Through this activity, the students learned that textbooks are not just personal items. They are shared learning resources that help many students learn today and will continue to support younger students in the future.

Teachers at the school have also started strengthening textbook management, and students are becoming more responsible when using their books.

Small actions like this help build a culture of caring for learning materials—and support better learning for all students.

🌏 Together, students and teachers are protecting the books that support education in Papua New Guinea.

👉𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗡𝗚! https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/press/2025/1579498_59673.html

19/03/2026

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel from Alotau to several construction sites in Milne Bay Province. During this trip, I experienced once again how important roads are for connecting communities across Papua New Guinea.

The journey took us along the Magi Highway and smaller provincial roads leading to villages such as Agaun. In many places, the road passes through beautiful hills and forests. Even though some sections are still unpaved, people work hard to keep them open so that vehicles, goods, and people can continue to move.

Along the way we crossed simple wooden bridges made from local logs, and in some places we even drove carefully across shallow rivers. It reminded me how strong and resourceful communities are in this region. Even when roads are impassible, people still find ways to keep travelling, trading, and visiting each other.

The Magi Highway connection to the Capital City Port Moresby, has only recently been completed, and plans are already being discussed to build stronger bridges and improve road conditions in the future. These improvements will help farmers bring products to markets, children reach school, and families travel more safely.

For me, this trip was a great opportunity to learn more about the roads of Milne Bay and the people who rely on them every day. I look forward to continuing to work together with local colleagues to support better roads for the future.

Milne Bay has amazing landscapes and strong communities.
Every road tells a story about the people who travel on it.

👉 Learn more about KAIZEN Project:
https://www.jica.go.jp/english/overseas/png/information/press/2025/1579495_59673.html

12/03/2026

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹

The International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 celebrations in Port Moresby brought together communities, partners including Government of PNG and Developing Partners, and women groups in a vibrant display of unity and empowerment.

Guided by the theme “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” the unity walk on 8th of March 2026 commenced at Ela Beach and continued to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, where more than 1,500participants demonstrated their collective commitment to promoting safety, dignity, and equality for women and girls. The walk served as a powerful reminder that ending violence and upholding the rights of women and girls is a shared responsibility.



JICA PNG Office was pleased to support this initiative by providing 750 T-shirts designed specifically for IWD 2026. In addition to JICA, DFAT, UN WOMEN and NCDC also distributed T-shirts designed by JICA PNG Office to the participants.

During the program, several partner organizations delivered messages for solidarity. Representing JICA PNG Office, Chief Representative Matsuoka Hideaki emphasized that “it is everyone’s responsibility to take actions to correct harmful behavior that infringes on the rights of others... JICA’s core mission is human security for all. JICA will continue to support gender equality and women’s empowerment in PNG.”

Highlighting the significance of the day, National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop stressed the importance of giving women equal opportunities and recognizing their contributions, noting that they make up a half of PNG’s population. Also addressing participants, Prime Minister Hon. James Marape urged men to take responsibility in protecting and respecting women and girls within their homes.

JICA PNG Office will keep our efforts to advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in PNG! Yumi wok wantime long strongim ol meri bilong yumi!

You can also see the advocacy video made by JICA PNG with the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CFebin3sz/