From Policy to Practice: PNG’s Security Cooperation and Economic Diplomacy

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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 shared security objectives.

Mr. Lahui Ako’s feedback encouraged the group to consider the National Security Agency in its institutional analysis and explore a “team of teams” approach to coordination. This offered a useful direction for examining how specialized agencies could retain their responsibilities while cooperating more effectively.

Marshall Yob presents Group 3’s case study on strengthening PNG’s border, maritime, and cyber security through a whole-of-government framework, moving from fragmented responsibilities to coordinated implementation.

Connecting Diplomacy with Economic Outcomes

Elizabeth Marangasa presented Group 4’s case study on Economic and Commercial Diplomacy for Trade, Investment, and Jobs.

The group examined the gap between foreign policy intentions and practical economic implementation. It highlighted the need for stronger coordination between government agencies, diplomatic missions, and the private sector to attract investment, expand trade, and create employment.

The discussion also drew attention to the importance of reliable data. Effective economic diplomacy requires a clear understanding of PNG’s productive capacity, investment opportunities, market constraints, and business needs.

Mr. Ako encouraged the group to explore a theory of change that connects proposed activities with intended outcomes. He also urged careful consideration of how coordination could be strengthened without duplicating existing institutions.

Testing the Proposals

The Q&A discussion raised practical questions about institutional capacity, accountability, resources, private sector participation, and the effects of foreign investment on local communities.

These questions reinforced a common theme across both presentations: implementation requires clear responsibilities, capable institutions, reliable information, and mechanisms for assessing progress.

The case studies gave students an opportunity to examine how PNG’s foreign policy can support both national security and economic development through practical, coordinated action.

Watch the Recording

The recording includes the presentations by Groups 3 and 4, Mr. Ako’s feedback, and the class discussion, including follow-up questions on earlier case studies.

Watch the PG428 case study presentations and discussion on YouTube

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