Community Empowerment: Policy Research Framework
27 October 2011

The publication provides a general policy research framework that identifies the challenges faced by communities and the relevant research activities required to inform policy decisions regarding community empowerment and development.

The publication also identifies relevant research and policy intervention to empower these communities to become self-sufficient and independent in order to mitigate community vulnerability, social disintegration, and low social indicators.

More Info: Download the Minister's Speech | Download the Publication | Download the Author's Remarks| Download the Media Release

Behavioural Surveillance Research in Rural Development Enclaves in PNG: A Study with the Oil Search Workforce'
6 October 2011

This new report sheds some light on why economic development, work environments and mobile workers are important considerations in the response to HIV in rural development enclaves in PNG.

This report contains a comprehensive discussion of Behavioural Surveillance (BSS) research findings with the Oil Search Limited workforce and identifies some useful recommendations. The report points out a need to focus on some areas to reduce the contexts that heighten workers' vulnerability and practices that can increase the potential for HIV transmission.

More Info: Introductory Remarks by Dr. Webster | Download the Speech by the Minister for Health | Download the Report | Download the NRI Media Release | Download the NRI Media Article | Download the Oil Search Media Release

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation of Forests in Papua New Guinea: Issues and Options
4 October 2011

This report provides insight on the issue of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation of Forests (REDD) in Papua New Guinea.

It highlights the challenges of land management, lack of education and awareness on REDD, institutional arrangements, forest governance issues and other related issues. The report provides a way forward for the Government of Papua New Guinea in tackling climate change and in consideration of REDD as a viable economic and development option.

More Info: Download the Keynote Speech| Download the Report | Download the Media Release

'Election 2007: The Shift to Limited Preferential Voting in Papua New Guinea'
15 September 2011

The NRI is pleased to launch its latest Report entitled "Election 2007: The Shift to Limited Preferential Voting in PNG" on the eve of the nation's 36th Independence Anniversary. This report was launched by the Governor‐General His Excellency
Sir Michael Ogio, GCMG, CBE at the Institute of Public Administration.

This Report is essential for better conduct and administration of elections in Papua New Guinea and is very timely given that the 2012 General National Elections is just around the corner.

Electoral processes from logistics, public awareness, security and finances are some concerns identified in the report that highlight key messages for consideration.

The report provides an overall assessment of the general elections in 2007 under the new Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system. Particular lessons learned are identified as emerging issues that could impede the efficiency of the upcoming election management process in 2012.

This report is highly valuable to all stakeholders who have a concern
for Papua New Guinea’s fair and transparent election administration
processes and methods.
More Infor: Introductory Remarks by Dr. Webster | Download the Report

'Universal Basic Education Conference'
12-14 July 2011

The Inaugaral Universal Basic Education Conference held from 12-14 July 2011 at the National Research Institute brought together stakeholders from the Department of Education, the universities, representatives from church-run schools, principals, teachers, the academia, the media and interested general public. Conference participants called for a supportive and collaborative environment for increased commitment and action from all stakeholders towards the full attainment of the goal of UBE.

Past experiences of universalizing basic education in PNG was critically analysed over the three days. As a result, 33 recommendations were presented to the Acting Secretary for the Department of Education, Dr. Joseph Pagelio. The recommendations gives directions on where PNG should be in 2015 with the UBE, and articulates how it will get there.

More Infor: Keynote Address from the Education Minister| NRI Director Remarks | Conference Recommendations

'The OLIPPAC Could Achieve More than Political Stability'
11 July 2011

The Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) was intended to create more than just political stability.

This article by Dr Ray Anere analyses whether the law has been achieving its full pupose. It argues that although some political stability has been achieved, the law has not been able to achieve party stability, national unity and political integration.

This spotlight provides an informative overview of OLIPPAC and has useful recommendations for its future.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Spotlight Article

'The Administration of Special Purpose Agricultural and Business Leases: Customary Land and the Lease-Lease-Back System'
4 July 2011

This latest report by Elizabeth Moore provides insight into the controversial issue of Special Purpose Agricultural and Business Leases (SPABLs). The report analyses the legal, policy and administrative procedures relating to the issuance of SPABLs and identifies possible corrective measures.

The report provides useful information to any investigations and actions that may be taken on by the Government of Papua New Guinea.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Discussion Paper | Download Remarks

This latest spotlight article by Dr Musawe Sinebare analyses some of the problems in the administration of teachers' leave fares throughout Papua New Guinea. The article points out the root causes of the debacle with a view to propose a possible solution that could assist provincial administrations effectively manage and administer teachers' leave fares.

Essential for anyone interested in the welfare of teachers and education services in Papua New Guinea.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Spotlight Article

This article by Dr Thomas Webster argues against government borrowing and spending on sovereign community infrastructure treasury bills. The article warns of serious repercussions that could arise if government borrowing and spending is not carefully checked and supervised.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Spotlight Article | Download the Presentation

This report captures the successful community development initiatives of one community in Domil, Western Highlands (now Jiwaka) Province.

The study focuses on the important relationships that have been developed by the Domil community with the government and other stakeholders. These initiatives and experiences are inspirational lessons for the government, stakeholders and for other communities in Papua New Guinea.

This paper is an essential read for those whose interests are in empowering communities and improving basic service-delivery.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Discussion Paper

This spotlight article analyses the country's current political climate and warns of the risk of a political cyclone. The article takes a close look at controversies surrounding the recent election of the Governor-General, votes of no-confidence, environmental legislation, the integrity of political parties and infrequent meetings of parliament, which could lead to a political cyclone.

The article provides helpful recommendations to further political progress in Papua New Guinea.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Spotlight article |Download Dr. Anere Presentation| Download James Macpherson Presentation

This spotlight article highlights some of the positive changes that have been made to service-delivery in the provinces through the Provincial Performance Improvement Initiative (PPII) since the year 2004. It provides insight into the workings of the PPII and identifies areas in which the PPII can be further strengthened. It also offers suggestions and for improvement for the future of PPII and to ensure improved service-delivery at national and sub-national levels in Papua New Guinea.

For more information: Download the Spotlight

This survey was conducted to create a baseline to understand how health workers are supported in their work and how
they feel about the support they receive. The information can be used to understand the situation of health workers in the provision of health services at the time of collection.

This NRI Report contains crucial data in relation to: training, infrastructure of housing and facilities; supervision, support and working conditions; equipment, drugs and supplies; testing and laboratory services; data recording; referral services for
PLHIV, STI treatment, and approaches with more vulnerable populations.
For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Report |Download the presentation |

Launch of 'Teacher Appointments' and 'Vocational and Technical Skills Development: A Challenge for Papua New Guinea'
3 February 2011

These latest Spotlight Articles released by the Institute highlights some of the current challenges faced by the Department of Education in the implementation and management of Teacher Appointments and the challenges in offering quality Vocational and Technical Skills Development education and offers possible solutions to move forward.

These articles exposes some of the flaws that continue to exist in the appointment of teachers and also argues that PNG seriously needs a national training plan, a national qualifications framework, a clear leading role for business and industry as well as quality standards in curriculum and delivery which are the essential components of a functional Vocational and Technical Skills Development education system.

For more information: Download Teacher Appointment Spotlight| Download Vocational and Technical Skills Development Spotlight| Download Media Release-Teacher Appointment| Download Media Release-TVET

This latest NRI report, identifies the need to target populations such as the WR Carpenters workforce with HIV prevention and consider social factors, sexual practices and contexts in response to HIV. This is in response to behavioural surveillance research conducted by NRI with the WR Carpenters workforce.

The report suggests that there is a need to understand changes in marital partners over time and polygamy in the context of HIV prevention and that the prevention message ‘be faithful to one partner' does not fit well for those in polygamous marriages with more than one wife, a common practice in the Highlands region.

For more information: Download the Media Release | Download the Report |