Papua New Guinea

UNDP in PNG

Despite vast natural and mineral wealth, Papua New Guinea is a very poor country and poverty impacts on the daily lives of almost all of the population. Poverty is exacerbated by among other things; extreme rural isolation; high rates of crime and violence; a burgeoning HIV/AIDS epidemic and recent political turmoil.

Only about 40 percent of Papua New Guineans enroll in school, 5.5 percent of babies born will die before they are two years old and the average life expectancy is just 57 years at birth.

UNDP works to improve the government's ability to deliver public services to the poor and in doing so, plays a vital role in helping to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, raise the standard of living and protect human rights for ordinary Papua New Guineans. UNDP gives practical support to the government's efforts to become more efficient, effective, equitable and accountable. It attempts to foster greater participation in democratic and civil society and helps the government encourage private sector growth that makes use of the country's natural resources in a sustainable manner.

UNDP has been working in PNG since 1981, when it signed an agreement with the government to operate in the country. It has continually expanded and today works in these focus areas: 1.) Poverty Reduction 2.) Achieving the Millennium Development Goals 3.) Fostering Democratic Governance 4.) Environment and Energy for Sustainable Development and Livelihoods 5.) Nation Building through support to Crisis Prevention and Recovery 6.) Responding to HIV/AIDS 7.) Gender

For the latest expenditure figures for each project, click here to go to our funding page.