Enhancing Foreign Policy through Academic Consultation: The Case for DWU’s Inclusion

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The announcement that Papua New Guinea’s foreign policy white paper will be tabled in April 2025 is a milestone for the nation. However, this milestone also exposes a glaring oversight in the policy formulation process—the lack of consultation with key academic institutions that contribute significantly to the human resources of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Among these institutions, Divine Word University (DWU) stands out, particularly its Department of PNG and International Studies.

Over the past decade, DWU has produced about thirteen graduates who are currently working for the Department of Foreign Affairs. This significant number underscores DWU’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s diplomatic and foreign policy capabilities.

Students are taught theory and practical knowledge to help them develop a robust understanding of international relations, aligning with efforts to implement the Vision 2050 strategic plan. The program has also innovated its teaching and learning approach by appointing Mr. Lahui Ako, a former foreign service officer, to give weekly lectures on foreign policy and share his practical experience in international relations. He delivers online lectures from Port Moresby via Zoom, which are shared on Facebook and YouTube for public consumption.

Yet, despite this track record and innovative approach, DWU was not consulted during the formulation of the forthcoming white paper. This exclusion represents a missed opportunity to harness the insights and expertise of an institution deeply invested in the development of PNG’s foreign policy framework.

Cover of the Program Specification Document which was reviewed and updated in 2022

Academic institutions like DWU are not mere producers of graduates; they are hubs of research, innovation, and critical thought. The Department of PNG and International Studies at DWU, for instance, has cultivated expertise in foreign policy analysis and international relations. Engaging such institutions in the policy formulation process could have ensured that the white paper is grounded in evidence-based research and enriched by diverse perspectives.

The importance of academic consultation is further highlighted by recent efforts from the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Services, which conducted consultative meetings at universities across the country to help formulate their migration policy. When they visited DWU, one critical question arose: how the lack of a comprehensive foreign policy might impact the migration policy. This underscores the interconnectedness of foreign and domestic policies and the need for a coordinated approach that includes input from academic stakeholders.

This observation naturally raises an essential question: Why has the Department not prioritized supporting the development of international relations academia in the country? Transitioning from the example of academic contributions, this query highlights a crucial gap in fostering robust policy expertise. Institutions like DWU play a critical role in producing skilled professionals and fostering academic discourse that directly supports PNG’s foreign policy ambitions. Their exclusion from the process undermines efforts to build a robust and well-informed policy framework.

Consultation with academic stakeholders would also align with international best practices, where policy development is often a collaborative effort between government agencies, think tanks, and universities. This approach not only enhances the quality of the policy but also fosters a sense of ownership and inclusivity among stakeholders.

The absence of consultation with DWU and similar institutions highlights the need for a more inclusive approach to policy development. Going forward, the government should prioritize engaging academic stakeholders in the review and formulation of foreign policy. Such collaboration would:

  1. Leverage Expertise: Institutions like DWU possess specialized knowledge and research capabilities that can inform and improve policy decisions.

  2. Build Capacity: Involving academic institutions provides opportunities for capacity-building within the public sector, as policies are informed by the latest academic insights.

  3. Enhance Legitimacy: Policies developed through inclusive consultation are more likely to gain public and institutional support.

As PNG prepares to unveil its foreign policy white paper, it is imperative to reflect on the process that led to its creation. The exclusion of DWU and other academic institutions from consultations represents a significant oversight that should be addressed in future policy endeavours. By engaging institutions like DWU’s Department of PNG and International Studies, the government can ensure that its policies are not only well-informed but also reflective of the nation’s diverse intellectual and professional resources.

Inclusion and collaboration are the cornerstones of effective policy formulation. Let this be a call to action for a more consultative and evidence-based approach to shaping PNG’s foreign policy.

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