From Survey to Draft: Thank You for Shaping PNG’s Postgraduate Program in Foreign Policy Analysis

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The development of PNG’s first postgraduate program in Foreign Policy Analysis has reached a critical milestone. After months of research, consultations, and rigorous planning, the draft Program Specification Document (PSD) has now been completed. This represents not just an academic exercise, but a strategic step toward strengthening PNG’s foreign policy capacity and equipping the next generation of policymakers, analysts, and practitioners with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex international environment.

Cover page of the PSD for the Master and Postgraduate Diploma in Foreign Policy Analysis, Divine Word University, August 2025. Featured is the book Towards a PNG Foreign Policy White Paper authored by Mr. Lahui Ako.

This program is being designed in direct response to a recognized gap in PNG’s higher education and policy landscape. For decades, the country has lacked a dedicated advanced program that blends theoretical training with practical exposure to foreign policy practice. As PNG positions itself at the center of shifting regional dynamics, the need for such a program has never been more pressing. The postgraduate diploma and master’s pathway in Foreign Policy Analysis aims to address this void and produce graduates capable of both critical thinking and operational delivery in foreign policy.

Central to the design process has been evidence-based consultation. Earlier this year, we circulated a nationwide survey targeting public servants, private sector professionals, students, academics, and civil society stakeholders. The aim was to gauge demand for a postgraduate program of this nature, identify skills gaps, and ensure the curriculum reflects both national priorities and global realities. The survey results formed the backbone of our program design, ensuring that what we produce is grounded in real needs rather than assumptions.

I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all who participated in the survey. Your contributions were invaluable in shaping the structure, content, and objectives of the program. The fact that such a wide range of voices engaged in the consultation process gives us confidence that the program will serve as a genuine capacity-building tool that aligns with PNG’s Vision 2050 and successive development plans.

With the survey results analyzed and integrated, the draft PSD has now been finalized and submitted for both internal and external review. Internally, the document is being examined within Divine Word University to ensure compliance with academic standards and alignment with institutional priorities. Externally, we are sharing the draft with subject matter experts, policymakers, and quality assurance professionals to gather critical feedback that will help refine the program further. This dual review process is essential in safeguarding both academic rigor and policy relevance.

While this is an important achievement, it is only one step in a longer journey. The program will go through multiple rounds of scrutiny, adjustment, and fine-tuning before it can be formally tabled for approval. Once finalized, the expectation is to launch the program in 2028, giving us ample time to build partnerships, secure resources, and prepare the teaching and research infrastructure necessary for delivery.

The creation of this program is not just about producing another academic credential. It is about building a cadre of Papua New Guineans who can think strategically, engage effectively with international counterparts, and bring data-driven and research-based insights into the foreign policy decision-making process. In the long run, this investment in human capital will contribute to a stronger, more coherent, and more proactive PNG foreign policy.

In closing, I once again extend my gratitude to all survey participants for your time, insights, and encouragement. You have played a direct role in shaping a program that could redefine how PNG approaches foreign policy education and practice. Your input will continue to guide us as we move into the review and approval stages. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter, and more capable PNG foreign policy community.

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