UNDP | Papua New Guinea

MDGs in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea was one of the 189 member states that adopted the Millennium Declaration in 2000 and in doing so committed itself to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) . The precepts and aspirations that underscore the MDGs are consonant with the development values enshrined in the Constitution of Papua New Guinea promulgated in 1975 when Papua New Guinea joined an expanding community of independent nations in the world. Furthermore, both the National Poverty Reduction Strategy (NPRS, preparation ongoing) for the next 15 to 20 years and the Medium-Term Development Strategy 2005-2010 (MTDS) recognize and have incorporated the commitment made by the Papua New Guinea government, as part of the global community, at the Millennium Summit in September 2000. Concerted work has resulted in the MTDS incorporating the MDGs' targets and associated indicators, which are sensitively calibrated to address the complex, diverse, and unique challenges that confront PNG at its crossroad in national development.

In March 2003 at a workshop held for the Pacific Island Forum members, a National Action Plan for the MDG implementation process was formulated. The National Action Plan defined activities, time lines and lead agency responsibility for three key strategies: (i) Achieving MDGs; (ii) Monitoring and Reporting; and (iii) Campaign and Advocacy. The National Action Plan is a live document that evolves to accommodate shifting time lines and priorities as well as to accommodate new opportunities as they arise. With the completion in 2004 and subsequent launching in 2005 of the National MDG report (see below), it is now time to revisit the National Action Plan and set priorities for campaigning and implementing the MDGs in PNG.

National MDG Report
Within this context, the first National Report on MDGs was prepared. This first National MDG Report (MDGR) for Papua New Guinea highlights the progress being made by the country towards the attainment of the MDGs. It shows that the MDGs are part of the national development agenda through their alignment with Papua New Guinea 's National Medium Term Development Strategy and other sectoral plans and policies. Furthermore, the MDG targets and indicators have been tailored to reflect these national strategies. The report also examines the key challenges and constraints facing the nation on the achievement of these goals as well existing sub-national disparities.

The purpose of the MDGR is two fold: public information and social mobilization. Apart from reporting and implementation on the achievement of these goals, it is important that advocacy campaigns are carried out to mobilize all sectors of society to take action towards the achievement of these goals, including government, civil society, the private sector, media, and the international community.

Through a consultative process with the Government, the United Nations System in Papua New Guinea has supported the preparation of this report. Under the leadership and coordination of the Department of National Planning and Rural Development, and the overall guidance of the MDG Steering Committee, the report preparation process has involved the establishment of an MDG Report Technical Working Group, which comprises members of various Government departments, as well as NGOs. The National MDG Report was approved by the Government in December 2004.

The UN Country Team in PNG is playing an important role in five main areas:

(i) supporting the MDG National Steering Committee in all aspects of the MDG implementation process;
(ii) drawing attention to the MDGs by initiating or expanding on existing dialogue with a wide range of partners, including Government, CSOs, the private sector and the media;
(iii) providing resources;
(iv) facilitating access to international experience and expertise; and
(v) reorienting the UN system's communication and advocacy strategy efforts around MDGs.

A joint UN Agency project to support Papua New Guinea 's achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is further strengthening the UN's commitment to assist PNG in realising the MDGs.