Welcome remarks and opening plenary

Chair: Dr Lawrence Sause, Acting Executive Dean of School of Business and Public Policy, University of Papua New Guinea

Welcome remarks 
Sir Robert Igara, Chancellor, University of Papua New Guinea
Professor Ian Findlay, Vice-Chancellor, University of Papua New Guinea

Opening address 
The Honourable Mr James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea
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Reflections on Australia-PNG relations 
His Excellency Mr Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea
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Reflections on 50 years of independence 
Dr Fr John Momis, Former President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville
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Plenary session 1:  Economic development   
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Chair: Professor Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University

Mr Bart Philemon, Former PNG Treasurer
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Mr Charles Abel, Former PNG Deputy Prime Minister

Plenary session 2:  Politics, governance and the constitution

Chair: Professor Sam Kaipu, Executive Dean of School of Law, University of Papua New Guinea

Dame Carol Kidu, Former PNG MP, Leader of the Opposition, Minister for Community Development, Dr Thomas Webster, Papua New Guinea National Research Institute, Mr Hubert Namani, President, PNG Law Society
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Plenary session 3:  PNG’s place in the world                                                    

Chair: Dr Nematullah Bizhan, Senior Lecturer, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University

Mr Peter Eafeare, Former PNG High Commissioner to Fiji, Joshua Kalinoe, Former Ambassador of Papua New Guinea to Belgium and the European Union, Sir Robert Igara, Chancellor, University of Papua New Guinea
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1A: PNG economy - Economic update 2025
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Williamina Hubert, Assistant Governor, Bank of Papua New Guinea
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John Uware, Deputy Secretary, PNG Department of Treasury
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Sudyumna Dahal, Senior Economist, Asian Development Bank
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1B: Environmental sustainability and climate change

Climate finance in Papua New Guinea
Ruel Yamuna, Special Envoy for Climate and Environment/PhD Candidate, Monash University
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Enhancing climate resilience through digital advisory services: A study on SMS-based Seasonal Farm Advisories in Papua New Guinea
Okrupa Mauro, Research Scientist, PNG Agricultural Research Institute, Johannes Pakatul, Research Development Coordinator, PNG National Agricultural Research Institute, Sibjan Chaulagain, Australia Award Scholar, Australian National University

Optimizing mangrove seedling production: A study on enhancing root development and survival in Rhizophora stylosa seedlings in Papua New Guinea 
Raymond Billy, Mangrove Officer, Zero Net Deforestation Project, TotalEnergies Exploration and Production PNG, Ninning Jal, Project Manager, Zero Net Deforestation Project, TotalEnergies Exploration and Production PNG, Michael Henson, Partner and Co-founder, Independent Forester, Heinz Otto Reinstorf, Forest Nursery Specialist, BCC Plant the Planet
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Environment conservation and climate change: past, present, and future
Tanya Zeriga, Researcher, Menggeyao Morobe Consultancy, Mavis Jimbudo, Researcher, Menggeyao Morobe Consultancy
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1C: Governance issues

Shining a light on local level governments in PNG 
Maholopa Laveil, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
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A constitutional argument developing and advocating for the implementation of a legal framework to uphold the duty to apply and give effect to the NGDPs and BSOs
Shahar Shalom Yadin, PhD Candidate, University of Southern Queensland / Consultant and Educator, Kingku Village of Peace
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Public service motivation of the Department of Health Officials in PNG
Lhawang Ugyel, Senior Lecturer, ANU, Tobden Tobden, PhD Candidate, Curtin University
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1D: Gender-based violence

Assessing PNG youths’ knowledge about mental health issues, substance abuse, and gender-based violence
Aileen Zuhukepe, Medical Student (MBBS), UPNG, Jameson Yembinaro, PG Public Health Student, University of Papua New Guinea
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Barriers to implementing screening for Intimate Partner Violence by health care providers in Papua New Guinea: Health care providers perspectives and insights
Cherolyn Pokawin Polomon, PhD Candidate, University of Technology Sydney, Professor Kathleen Baird, UTS Sydney, Dr Heike Roth, UTS Sydney

Empowering women through education: A study on Selected PNG secondary schools
Dr Durga Prasad Repakula, Head of the School and Senior Lecturer, IBS University, Harika Repakula, Lecturer, IBS University, Delan Anthon, Assistant Lecturer, IBS University

1E: Agriculture and mining

Alluvial mining and its relationship with gun buying: A case in point for Papua New Guinea, Enga Province 
Dr Londari Yamarak, Deputy Provincial Administrator (Economic Services), Enga Provincial Government, Jill Yamarak, PhD Candidate, University of Queensland 

Analysing the performance of mineral tax instruments of Papua New Guinea
Dr Kaepae Ken Ail, Senior Lecturer, School of Mining Engineering, PNG University of Technology

Constraints to production and sustainable approaches towards optimizing village poultry for rural household nutrition and income earning
Elly Kambiam, PhD Candidate, University of Queensland, Arthur Roberts, Scientist (Aquaculture and Livestock), National Agricultural Research Institute, Michael Dom, Livestock Specialist, Consultant
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Creating a new revenue stream via climate smart agriculture in PNG 
Mawe Gonapa, PhD Candidate, Australian National University
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1F: Social issues

The social and cultural influences of indigenous forest communities on the Bulolo Wau industrial tree plantation
June Mandawali, Research Officer, PNG Forest Research Institute
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UPNG Annual Attitude Survey
Anna Kapil, Lecturer, Division of Economics, University of Papua New Guinea, Prof Stephen Howes, Director Development Policy Centre, Australian National University
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2A: Environmental sustainability and climate change panel – Improving water governance in PNG
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Chair: Associate Professor Grant Walton, Australian National University

Dr Safa Fanaian, Researcher, International Water Management Institute, Maino Virobo, Director of Policy, PNG Conservation and Environment Protection Authority, Simon Wanga, National Program Coordinator, Water Aid, David Poka, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
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2B: Economic development and infrastructure

Transforming PNG Power Ltd: Coordinated reform through the reform trinity
Prof Martin Davies, Professor of Economics, Washington and Lee University
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Electrifying Papua New Guinea: Challenges and opportunities for decentralized solar power
Christian Lohberger, President, PNG Solar Energy Association, Prof Martin Davies, Washington and Lee University
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Maritime trade and development in Papua New Guinea - Past, present and future trends: an overview
Dr Arumugam Mourougane, Head of School - Accounting and Finance, IBS University
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2C: Politics and elections - Female representation in politics

Women representation and the formal and informal rules of electoral processes: At 50, where do we go from here? 
Eileen Gobu Bobone, PhD Candidate, Department of Pacific Affairs, Australian National University
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The marginalisation of women in the voting process in the eastern highlands of Papua New Guinea
Dr Anita Serah Koyangko, Lecturer, University of Goroka

An analysis of voter’s participation in Papua New Guinea 2022 national general election: The nature of women’s participation in Port Moresby Northwest electorate
Issabelle Vilau, Tutor, University of Papua New Guinea
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2D: Social development - Health issues and policy

Impact of water supply and sanitation on diarrhoea prevalence among children under five in Papua New Guinea: evidence from National Demographic and Health Survey
Kingtau Mambon, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea

Why community-led, strengths-based approaches that reflect indigenous knowledges are significant for health policy and practice in Papua New Guinea 50 years on
Dr Irene Semos, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous Futures, The University of Queensland, Turea Wickham, WASH Coordinator - External Engagement and Partnerships, World Vision, PNG

Using the socio-ecological model to appraise the implementation of Provincial Health Authority in rural districts of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
Cathy Pamba, Lecturer, Divine Word University, Dr Gigil Marme, Senior Lecturer and Faculty Research Coordinator, Divine Word University, Andrew Pus, Head of Department, Divine Word University, Emelda Ariku, Lecturer, National University of Solomon Islands
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2E: Youth

Fostering youth leadership to address gender-based violence in Papua New Guinea: Insights from emerging champions for change
Rhonda Wohemani, Researcher, Divine Word University, Dr Sabitra Kaphle, Central Queensland University
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Evaluating an urban youth employment project in PNG
Dr Lachlan McDonald, Economist, World Bank, Dr Darian Naidoo, Economist, World Bank
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Youth and the next 50 Years: Shaping the future of Papua New Guinea
Mcdonald Jack, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Jollanda Mathew, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Deputy Executive Dean (Academic and Student Affairs), University of Papua New Guinea
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2F: Tourism

Balancing bets and culture: perceptions of casino tourism in Papua New Guinea at 50 years of Independence
Dr Joyce Rayel, Head of Tourism and Hospitality Management Division, University of Papua New Guinea, Imelda Atu, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Ronald Raka, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Kamuna Kipa, Tutor, University of Papua New Guinea, Eki Kundi, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
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The influence of psychographic traits, activity preferences and perceived barriers on domestic tourism demand in Papua New Guinea
Imelda Atu, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Joyce Rayel, Head of Tourism and Hospitality Management Division, University of Papua New Guinea, Ronald Raka, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Eki Kundi, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Kamuna Kipa, Tutor, University of Papua New Guinea
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Predicting inbound tourism to Papua New Guinea: Insights from economic, political, and digital indicators
Kamuna Kipa, Tutor, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Joyce Rayel, Head of Tourism and Hospitality Management Division, University of Papua New Guinea
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3A: Politics and elections
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Re-engineering Westminster parliamentary democracy in Papua New Guinea: an option for the direct election of the Prime Minister by the People beyond 50
Dr Mange Matui, Secretary, Constitutional and Law Reform Commission, Xavier Winnia, Deputy Secretary - Corporate Services, Constitutional and Law Reform Commission

Redesigning Election Ballot Papers to Address Multiple Voting in Papua New Guinea
Dr Olugbenga Ige, Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader, National Security and International Relations Research Program, PNG National Research Institute
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3B: Dialogues for peace: is there a need for a national peace strategy? 

Prof Miranda Forsyth, Australian National University, Emeritus Prof Sinclair Dinnen, Australian National University

William Kipongi, Research Officer, PNG National Research Institute
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Dr Bomai Witne, University of Goroka
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Gabriel Kuman, Divine Word University
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3C: Socio-Economic monitoring panel - Real-time socio-economic monitoring

Bobby Kunda, Economics Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Kingtau Mambon, Economics Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea

Dr Darian Naidoo, Economist, World Bank
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Barry Lei, Manager - Price Statistics, National Statistics Office
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3D: Tertiary education and research

Japanese Anthropologists in Papua New Guinea over 50 years
Professor Jun Baba, Wako University
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Fifty years of scholarship: A cross-sectoral analysis of theses and dissertations by Papua New Guinean scholars, 1975–2025
Dr Leontine Baje, Co-Founder and Program Director, Papua New Guinea Research Outreach Inc, Gabriel Baje, Volunteer website developer and database manager, Papua New Guinea Research Outreach Inc, Rodney Itaki, Co-Founder, Papua New Guinea Research Outreach Inc
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The state of tertiary education in Papua New Guinea: A critical review on the 50th anniversary of Independence
David Mo, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Loretta Dilu, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Ponnusamy Manohar, Senior Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
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3E: School education

Students’ perceptions of the classroom learning environment in Biology and Mathematics: A case study of secondary and National Schools of Excellence in PNG
Peter Nasale, Student, Curtin University, Kenny Pawa Ambiasi, Student, Curtin University, Priscilla Tohaka-Nott, Student, Curtin University, Selina Kangei, Student, Curtin University, Junior Mena, Student, Curtin University, David Wanibi, Student, Curtin University
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School Based Assessment – A pathway to improve teaching and learning in Papua New Guinea
Giles Waken, Senior Assessment Officer, Measurement Service Division, Papua New Guinea National Department of Education; Silas Kombeo, Senior MERLA Coordinator, Abt Global and Catherine Johnston, Education Specialist, Abt Global
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An investigation into the current infrastructure capacity of remote Jimi Secondary School in Jiwaka Province, Papua New Guinea and its impact on grade 12 students’ enrolment
Rex Kupil, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
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Rethinking basic education delivery in PNG: Strengthening local governance and community ownership after 50 Years of Independence
Hafford Norea, Researcher, PNG National Research Institute
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3F: Technology and digital development

Digital Financial Technology and its impact on Financial Sector Depth in the Pacific Island Countries
Meson Tumsok, Senior Research Analyst, Bank of Papua New Guinea, Brent Jamma, Research Analyst, Bank of Papua New Guinea, Gordon Kapak, Senior Research Analyst, Bank of Papua New Guinea

Accounting Education in Papua New Guinea: Advancing Industry Readiness in the Digital Era
Dr Suresh Babu Nagarajan, PGS Convenor, Senior Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Sheik Kamaludeen Zahirudeen, ICT Manager, Zap Group of Companies, Benedicta Mellam, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Lucy Kerua, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea

Governance issues related to digitalization of service delivery in Papua New Guinea
Professor Lekshmi Pillai, Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor (Planning, Development and Industrial Relations), University of Papua New Guinea, Albert C Mellam, Senior Academic and Management Consultant, University of Papua New Guinea, Dr Suresh Babu Nagarajan, Senior Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Benedicta Mellam, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Molly Yokko, MEPP student and SBPP Librarian, UPNG  
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Reimagining rural healthcare: Exploring mobile health usage Among the Siu community in Finschhafen District, Papua New Guinea
Joana Maeoka, Bachelor of Nursing student, Pacific Adventist University
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4A: Government and accountability panel - Political will and anti-corruption reform: Where to now?
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Thomas Eluh, Acting Commissioner, PNG Independent Commission Against Corruption, Associate Professor Grant Walton, Development Policy Centre and Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Wallis Yakam, Executive Officer, Consultative and Implementation Monitoring Council, Rebecca Pealiwan Koralyo, Programme Officer - Anti Corruption, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Michael Kabuni, PhD Candidate, Australian National University 

4B: PNG economy – Macroeconomics

Fiscal policy in Papua New Guinea: a longer term view
Alyssa Leng, Research Officer, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University, David Poka, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea, Anna Kapil, Lecturer, University of Papua New Guinea
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Effectiveness of monetary policy in Papua New Guinea
Dr Thomas Wangi, Senior Research Fellow, National Research Institute
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The transitory and temporary effects of exchange rate in Papua New Guinea
Solomon Kasingu, Researcher, Bank of Papua New Guinea
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Proposing and testing a quarterly GDP series for Papua New Guinea
Dr Rubayat Chowdhury, Research Officer, Development Policy Centre, Australian National University
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4C: Infrastructure development

Papua New Guinea at 50: Navigating the past, present, and future of our ports
Judah Wamamberi, Inspection and Enforcement Officer, PNG Ports Corporations Limited

Proposing low head gravitational vortex hydro technology for powering rural communities of Papua New Guinea
Nosare Maika, PhD Candidate, James Cook University, Prof Wenxian Lin, James Cook University, Mehdi Khatamifar, Senior Lecturer, James Cook University
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The effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation methods in improving performance of infrastructure projects: case studies of government and donor funded road projects in Papua New Guinea
Evelyn Sarut, Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, National Department of Works and Highways
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The role of the hybrid markets and local responses implemented to address safety issues
Wilma Langa, PhD Candidate, Queensland University of Technology
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4D: Infectious diseases - Impacts and prevention

Knowledge and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health among young university students in Papua New Guinea: A mixed methods study
Maggie Baigry, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Divine Word University, Robin Ray, Associate Professor, College of Medicine and Dentistry, Daniel Lindsay, Senior Research Fellow, Cancer Council Queensland, Professor Angela Kelly-Hanku, Deputy Head, Asia Pacific Health Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Michelle Redmen-Maclaren, James Cook University
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Rural realities of COVID-19: Reimagining health communication in Papua New Guinea
Barbara Kepa, PhD Candidate, Queensland University of Technology
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Male non-involvement in the prevention of parent to child HIV transmission in EHP
Alois Ralai, Lecturer (PNG and International Studies Department), Divine Word University

Impact of COVID-19 on household nutritional levels among children in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea: The Comprehensive Health and Epidemiological Surveillance System (CHESS)
Rebecca Bogarobu Emori, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong
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The theme of the dinner was 'Celebrating UPNG’s 60th anniversary and the ANU-UPNG partnership'.

Speakers:

Emeritus Professor Sinclair Dinnen, Australian National University
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Betty Lovai, Executive Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea