Port Moresby, 3 March 2025 — In preparation for Papua New Guinea’s upcoming presentation at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in July 2025, the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) held a critical one-day refresher workshop to enhance the capacity of its officers and stakeholders involved in the Voluntary National Review (VNR) process.
The VNR is a key component of the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, allowing countries to report on progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). PNG’s 2025 review marks the country’s second VNR since its inaugural presentation in 2020, offering an opportunity to showcase achievements, identify challenges, and set a course for accelerated sustainable development.
This workshop gathered focal points from DNPM’s Policy and Public Investment Program Wings, Corporate Services, and other relevant sectors. It provided a platform to assess lessons learned from the first VNR, clarify roles and responsibilities, and coordinate efforts to gather reliable data and evidence crucial for an accurate and comprehensive report.
Attendees were grouped according to the five SDG pillars adopted by PNG — People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace, and Partnerships — reflecting the government’s holistic approach to national development aligned with international goals.
DNPM Secretary, Mr. Koney Samuel, emphasized the workshop’s vital role in ensuring PNG’s VNR 2025 report is both data-driven and reflective of real progress across the country’s diverse sectors. “As we approach our 50th Independence Anniversary, this review is not just a reporting exercise but a chance to critically evaluate where we stand and what we must do to achieve our Vision 2050,” he stated.
The workshop also focused on enhancing coordination with development partners, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote inclusiveness and ownership of the SDG agenda.
Mr. Artemiy Izmestyev, National Consultant supporting the VNR process, highlighted the importance of accurate data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and attract international support.
This capacity-building initiative is part of a series of engagements planned by DNPM leading up to the VNR submission deadline, including technical workshops, stakeholder consultations, and data verification exercises.
PNG’s VNR report will provide a transparent overview of the country’s progress on critical issues such as poverty reduction, health, education, climate action, governance, and infrastructure development.
The government urges all partners, including provincial authorities, NGOs, and the private sector, to actively participate in this process to ensure the 2025 VNR report is comprehensive, credible, and impactful, reinforcing PNG’s commitment to sustainable development and international cooperation.