The Yegiora Files

The University of Goroka (UoG) has taken significant strides in fostering educational diplomacy and enhancing soft power through its collaboration with Chinese institutions. A pivotal development in this endeavour was the establishment of Papua New Guinea's first Confucius Education Cultural and Research Centre at UOG in September 2019. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Open University of China (OUC) , aims to promote Chinese language and culture within the university and the broader community. UoG webpage showing information about the Centre for Confucius Education, Culture and research The inauguration ceremony was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between UoG and OUC, signifying a commitment to collaborative efforts in education and cultural exchange. Professor Yang Xiaotang , Vice-President of OUC, highlighted plans to establish a 'cloud classroom' equipped with advanced audiovisual tools, computers, and video conferencing facilitie...

The growing influence of China in Papua New Guinea (PNG) extends beyond trade and infrastructure; it is deeply embedded in education diplomacy. One of the most visible aspects of this engagement is the Chinese Government Scholarship Program, which provides opportunities for PNG students to study in China. While these scholarships open doors for academic and professional advancement, they also serve as a strategic tool for strengthening Sino-PNG relations. Scholarships as a Pillar of China’s Soft Power The Chinese Government Scholarship Program has become a significant component of China’s higher education exchange programs. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PNG’s Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST), Beijing continues to offer scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. For the 2025/2026 academic year, PNG students can apply to study in Chinese universities under these fully funded programs, covering tuition fees, a...

Research partnerships play a vital role in enhancing the capacity of academic institutions and fostering evidence-based policymaking. For Papua New Guinea (PNG), where the formulation of policies and legislation often lacks robust research foundations, partnerships like the proposed collaboration between Divine Word University (DWU) and the Pacific Regional Security Hub (PRSH), located at the University of Canterbury under the Macmillan Brown Pacific Studies Centre, represent a transformative opportunity. These collaborations have the potential to strengthen PNG's research ecosystem, address pressing national issues, and contribute to more effective governance. Pro Vice-Chancellor Pacific Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva, Associate Professor Jose Sousa-Santos, DWU Director of Partnerships Melissa Kembol-Anzu, and Bernard Singu Yegiora after a productive meeting on fostering collaboration in security research across the Pacific.. One of PNG’s critical challenges lies in the dev...

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is at a crossroads where our approach to policymaking and public advocacy must evolve to match the complexity of the global challenges we face. One of the most pressing changes we need to make is ensuring that our statements, policies, and decisions are grounded in proper research and informed by expert advice. Unlike nations such as the United States, where every decision is often supported by rigorous research, extensive consultations, and specialist input, PNG has too frequently relied on ad hoc processes that undermine the strength of our voice on the global stage. The current practice of relying on generalized statements, often drafted without substantial input, weakens our credibility as a nation. Press officers should not be the sole architects of critical public statements on complex issues like foreign policy, climate change, or regional partnerships. Instead, they should serve as facilitators of expertise, drawing on the wealth of knowledge available wi...

Prime Minister James Marape’s plea for the United States to reconsider its withdrawal from the Paris Agreement reflects strong leadership and deep concern for Papua New Guinea (PNG) and its Pacific neighbors. Delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the statement highlights the vulnerability of small island nations to climate change and appeals to the moral responsibility of larger nations to take action. While the Prime Minister’s remarks are a passionate call for global accountability, there is an opportunity to strengthen his message by incorporating evidence and leveraging the expertise of local institutions. PNG has the potential to lead regional advocacy on climate change, but its efforts must be grounded in evidence and supported by strategic partnerships. Universities like the University of Papua New Guinea and Divine Word University, along with think tanks such as the National Research Institute, can play a crucial role in this endeavour. These institutions, in collabor...

In the modern international system, the concept of state sovereignty forms the foundation of global peace and cooperation. Sovereignty is enshrined in various international laws and agreements, such as the Montevideo Convention and the Vienna Convention, which clearly outline the principles that govern the recognition and independence of nations. These principles are further reinforced by the United Nations (UN) Charter, which explicitly demands respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all member states. Recently, an interesting suggestion was made in a public forum that the United States might consider forcefully taking over Canada and Greenland, and that Australia could potentially take over Papua New Guinea (PNG) for security reasons against perceived Chinese influence and expansion. While such ideas may arise from genuine concerns about national and regional security, they contradict the core principles of international law and global diplomacy. Sovereignty is not j...

The evolving landscape of national security in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has gained renewed significance with the release of the Revised National Security Policy (NSP) 2024–2029. This policy, which replaces the NSP 2013, demonstrates PNG's commitment to addressing an array of interconnected threats, including cybercrime, transnational crimes, climate change, and increasing geopolitical competition in the Pacific. A key feature of the policy is the establishment of a National Security Agency (NSA), currently operating through a secretariat, to oversee its implementation. The NSA will coordinate the efforts of six specialized security communities: the Strategic Intelligence Community, the Strategic Law Enforcement Community, the National Emergency Community, the Cyber Community, the Scientific Community, and the Strategic Community. Together, these groups will work to ensure a comprehensive, state-centric, and human-centered approach to safeguarding PNG’s national interests. The Revised...

Foreign policy in today’s dynamic international system demands not just strategic vision but also a structured approach—a roadmap that is actionable, measurable, and adaptable. Much like a rugby league team needing a game plan before stepping onto the field, Papua New Guinea (PNG) requires a well-thought-out strategy to navigate the complexities of international relations. At Divine Word University (DWU), students of international relations are introduced to the transformative framework of the Ako School of Thought, pioneered by Mr. Lahui Ako, a seasoned diplomat, retired foreign service officer, and former rugby league player. This framework reimagines foreign policy as a carefully managed project, offering students a practical approach to analyzing and contributing to PNG’s international engagements. Cover image credit: Mr. Lahui Ako’s LinkedIn timeline. The Ako School of Thought is built on a foundation of systematic planning, execution, and evaluation. It emphasizes the need for cl...

Since 2021, Mr. Lahui Ako, a seasoned diplomat and retired foreign service officer, has been an integral part of Divine Word University’s (DWU) Bachelor of Arts (PNG and International Studies) program. His leadership and expertise as a sessional lecturer for the fully online unit PG428 Foreign Policy in PNG have enriched the academic experience for students, offering them unparalleled insights into the complexities of PNG’s foreign policy. A Communion of Great Thinkers: A generation of visionaries quietly shaping Papua New Guinea’s future through tireless work behind the scenes. Photo credit: Mr. Lahui Ako. Mr. Ako’s extensive experience in international diplomacy provides students with a rare opportunity to learn from someone who has navigated PNG’s foreign relations firsthand. His involvement goes beyond theory, bringing real-world perspectives to a unit designed to explore the evolution of PNG’s foreign policy since independence. Under his guidance, students examine the key decisio...

In 1981, Papua New Guinea (PNG) released its first White Paper on Foreign Policy, marking a pivotal moment in the country's post-independence diplomacy. The process of developing this document contrasts sharply with the current approach to foreign policy reviews, particularly the recent use of an Eminent Persons Group (EPG). By analyzing these differences, we can assess the evolution of PNG's foreign policy-making processes and their implications for transparency, inclusivity, and policy outcomes. The 1981 White Paper: A Bureaucratic-Led Approach The 1981 White Paper was the product of a meticulous, bureaucratic-driven process. Senior public servants formed the core of the drafting committee, tasked with conducting comprehensive analyses and synthesizing input from a wide array of sources. This included insights from a consultant employed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and a review of relevant domestic and international issues. Key features of this approach included...