The Need for a Home-Grown Foreign Policy Program in PNG

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PNG is at a critical juncture in its foreign policy development, where strategic engagement with regional and global actors is becoming increasingly significant. As the country pursues its Vision 2050 strategic plan, it is essential to develop a home-grown Foreign Policy or International Relations program that aligns with PNG’s national aspirations, economic growth, and regional leadership ambitions. Currently, most students and professionals seeking expertise in this field must rely on foreign institutions, limiting the development of context-specific knowledge that is crucial for advancing PNG’s diplomatic and geopolitical objectives.

Screenshot of the introduction segment of the survey.

A locally developed postgraduate program in Foreign Policy Analysis will ensure that PNG’s diplomatic practitioners, policymakers, and international affairs experts are trained within a framework that reflects national priorities. While existing international relations programs provide general knowledge, they often do not emphasize PNG’s unique foreign policy challenges, including climate diplomacy, regional trade agreements, maritime security, and strategic partnerships with emerging powers. Establishing an in-country program will foster intellectual discourse that is deeply rooted in PNG’s geopolitical context.

One of the key pillars of Vision 2050 is Institutional Development and Service Delivery, which includes strengthening PNG’s public service sector, governance institutions, and international representation. A postgraduate program that nurtures skilled professionals in diplomacy, trade negotiations, security cooperation, and multilateral engagement will directly contribute to this vision. The program can serve as a catalyst for knowledge-sharing between academia and government agencies, ensuring that PNG develops well-informed, policy-oriented professionals.

Additionally, PNG’s expanding private sector and academic institutions also require professionals who understand global market dynamics, international trade regulations, and regional economic policies. Many private sector professionals and researchers play a role in shaping the country’s foreign policy indirectly through trade and investment. A postgraduate program that incorporates both government and business perspectives will bridge the gap between policy formulation and economic diplomacy, making PNG’s engagement in bilateral and multilateral negotiations more effective.

Developing a home-grown program will also enable greater collaboration between universities, research institutions, and policymakers. PNG’s unique security challenges, its role in the Pacific Islands Forum, and its economic ties with major trading partners necessitate foreign policy education that is responsive to real-world issues. By integrating local case studies, research projects, and guest lectures from seasoned diplomats, this program will produce graduates who are both theoretically grounded and practically equipped to handle PNG’s international affairs.

To ensure that this program meets the needs of students, academics, public servants, and private sector professionals, the Department of PNG and International Studies at Divine Word University is conducting a survey to gather insights from key stakeholders from PNG. Your feedback will help shape the curriculum and focus areas of this proposed postgraduate program. Whether you are a student considering postgraduate studies, an academic with expertise in foreign policy, a public servant working in international relations, or a private sector professional engaged in trade and investment, your input is critical in designing a relevant and impactful program.

Participate in the Survey:

This initiative aligns with the DHERST program specification requirement, which emphasizes market analysis, career opportunities, and stakeholder engagement in curriculum development. Your participation in the survey will help refine key course areas, ensuring that graduates from this program will have marketable skills, specialized expertise, and opportunities to contribute to PNG’s foreign policy development.

PNG must take charge of its foreign policy education and develop a program that is tailored to national priorities, regional challenges, and global aspirations. By participating in this survey, you are contributing to a visionary initiative that will empower future leaders, enhance PNG’s global engagement, and strengthen its foreign policy capabilities. Join us in shaping the future of foreign policy education in PNG!

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