The Yegiora Files

By Bernard Yegiora I have not published on this blog for the past few days following the death of Mr. Dickson Susub. His passing has made me pause and reflect on his contribution to my life and the beginning of my academic career. Mr. Susub joined the Political Science Strand at the University of PNG in 2005, when I was a third-year student. In 2009, as Strand Leader, he and the late Mr. Anthony Sil gave me the opportunity to work as a part-time tutorial fellow. That appointment marked the start of my academic career. Looking back, I recognize how much depended on that first opportunity. Before the years of teaching, postgraduate studies, and research, there were two senior academics willing to give me a chance. My academic journey cannot be told without acknowledging them. Some of my fondest memories are of having a beer with Mr. Susub and Mr. Sil. Their stories about their studies and life in the foreign service, followed by their analysis of international politics, made those gather...

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...

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...

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...