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PNG’s Development Partnerships and International Reputation

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By Bernard Yegiora How can PNG ensure development cooperation serves its national priorities while strengthening its international reputation? These questions guided the case studies assigned to Groups 5 and 6 in PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG at Divine Word University. Drawing on the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025, the case studies asked students to consider practical approaches to development cooperation, national branding, soft power, and public diplomacy. Case Study 5: Development Cooperation Coordination and Aid Effectiveness Development cooperation can support PNG’s national development, but its effectiveness depends on how assistance is planned, coordinated, and managed. This case study placed students in the role of a development cooperation coordination team within the Department of National Planning and Monitoring. The scenario asked them to examine the risks of fragmented projects, donor-driven priorities, and weak integration with national and provincial planning systems. Th...
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From Policy to Practice: PNG’s Security Cooperation and Economic Diplomacy

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By Bernard Yegiora How can PNG turn its foreign-policy objectives into coordinated action? This question guided presentations by Groups 3 and 4 in PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG at Divine Word University, drawing on the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025. The session examined two areas where implementation depends on cooperation across government: border, maritime, and cyber security; and economic and commercial diplomacy for trade, investment, and jobs. Strengthening Security Cooperation Marshall Yob presented Group 3’s case study on Border, Maritime, and Cyber Security Cooperation . The group examined how fragmented responsibilities across security agencies can undermine responses to challenges such as transnational crime, smuggling, illegal fishing, and cyber threats. Its proposed whole-of-government framework emphasised clearer agency responsibilities, improved coordination, and joint operations. The central issue was how agencies with different mandates could work together towards shar...
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Setting PNG’s Diplomatic Priorities: Student Perspectives on Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement

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By Bernard Yegiora How can PNG translate its foreign-policy ambitions into practical outcomes with limited diplomatic, financial, and administrative resources? This question connected two student presentations in PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG at Divine Word University. Drawing on the Foreign Policy White Paper 2025, Group 1 examined strategic bilateral partnership prioritisation, while Group 2 explored PNG’s multilateral engagement and ASEAN aspirations. The presentations moved beyond identifying desirable international relationships. Students considered the coordination, institutional responsibilities, and resources needed to make those relationships deliver benefits for PNG. Group 1’s proposed implementation framework links PNG’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 with national development priorities, highlighting coordination between the Department of Foreign Affairs, diplomatic missions, national agencies, and provincial and local-level governments. Case Study 1: Strategic Bilateral Pa...
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Have Your Say: Proposed Changes to Our International Relations Units

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By Bernard Yegiora PNG’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2025 provides an opportunity to reconsider how we teach International Relations at Divine Word University. I invite students, academic colleagues, foreign-service practitioners and anyone with a keen interest in PNG’s international relations to share their views on proposed changes to the seven IR units in our PNG and International Studies program. Review and introduced in 2023, the Bachelor of Arts (PNG and International Studies) Program Specification Document (2022) is approaching its five-year review cycle. We propose undertaking the review work in 2027, with a revised program ready for implementation in 2028 , subject to the university’s approval processes. This review will help us assess whether the curriculum remains academically sound and relevant to PNG’s needs. The White Paper provides an important policy reference for considering how our units prepare students to understand PNG’s international priorities and the challenges o...
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The Port Moresby trafficking case is a warning about transnational crime

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By Bernard Yegiora Part 1 of a three-part series on language, intelligence and PNG’s security capacity The police operation in Port Moresby last week should command our attention beyond the immediate arrests. According to ABC News , officers found 39 Indonesian nationals allegedly confined in a house and forced to operate an online scam. Police detained four Chinese nationals suspected of involvement. Investigations and any criminal proceedings must establish what happened and who is responsible. Police in Port Moresby with people found during an investigation into an alleged human trafficking operation. The 39 Indonesian nationals were reportedly held against their will. Screenshot: ABC News ; photograph supplied to ABC by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. The first priority is the safety and dignity of the Indonesians. They need access to appropriate protection, interpretation and consular assistance. They may also hold evidence that helps investigators establish how they wer...
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Is China Becoming a Traditional Security Partner for PNG?

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By Bernard Yegiora A recent statement by Police Minister Sir John Pundari raises an important question about how PNG classifies its external security relationships: should China now be regarded as one of PNG’s traditional security partners? According to an article published by The National , Sir John reaffirmed PNG’s commitment to strengthening relations with its traditional security partners while discussing proposed Chinese assistance to the Royal PNG Constabulary. The cooperation reportedly includes autonomous drones, information exchange, targeted training and prefabricated housing for police officers in remote areas. These measures are intended to improve surveillance, intelligence-led policing and the State’s response to illegal firearms, organised crime and cross-border criminal networks. Screenshot of The National article, “Security ties prioritised,” published on 17 September 2026, which prompted this reflection on China’s evolving security relationship with Papua New Guinea...
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One Visit, Two Articles and My PhD Research on China–PNG Relations

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By Bernard Yegiora On 30 July 2026, I attended the Chinese Embassy’s Open House Day and the awarding ceremony for the “China in My Eyes” painting and video competition in Port Moresby. I attended because the event was relevant to my PhD research on China’s higher education exchange programs and their influence on relations between China and PNG. That single visit later produced two articles for The Yegiora Files . The first, “How China Is Engaging PNG’s Next Generation” , examined the participation of students, particularly those from Butuka Academy. The second, “How China Presented Its Partnership” , considered the wider story communicated through cultural performances and photographic displays of China–PNG cooperation. The two articles addressed different aspects of the same event. Reflecting on them together has helped me see more clearly why educational exchanges cannot be studied in isolation from the wider diplomatic environment in which they operate. An Embassy display introduci...
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