The European Union Delegation to Papua New Guinea have signed two important contract agreements in Port Moresby.
They are “Strengthening Papua New Guinea Civil Society Organizations Project”, worth K5.6 million, to be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Papua New Guinea, and the Grant Agreement “Cocoa Connect: Empowering Cocoa Farmers in Bogia for Market Success” valued at K7 million, to be implemented by World Vision Society.
The signing took place at the European Union Delegation office in Port Moresby this week.
Read similar news on EU agreements on: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/papua-new-guinea/european-union-signs-two-strategic-project-agreements-strengthening-png-civil-society-organizations_en?s=150
It was officiated by European Union Ambassador H. E, Erika Hasznos, Nicolas Booth, UNDP Resident Representative, Smith Sipaka Associate Program Operations Director of World Vision and Karen Haive ,Deputy Secretary for the Department of Community Development and Religion.
European Union Ambassador Erika Hasznos announced that these initiatives will strengthen civil society and support sustainable agriculture in the country, marking an important milestone in the EU’s partnership with Papua New Guinea, reflecting shared values of fostering and inclusive, empowered civil society and promoting sustainable development.
” In Papua New Guinea, Civil Society Organization (CSOs) are essential, especially in remote and underserved regions where development challenges are prevalent. Whether delivering healthcare and education, promoting good governance, defending human rights, supporting gender equality, or protecting the environment, CSOs are on frontlines.
” Agriculture plays a critical role in PNG, providing subsistence livelihood to much of the population and forming the backbone of the country’s social and economic structures. Mainly dominated by traditional, small scale, subsistence- oriented farming practices, the sector is the primary source of informal employment and significantly contributes to exports, standing out among the non-: extractive sectors.
” However, many CSO’s in PNG face structural and systematic challenges, lacking adequate technical and financial resources. The agriculture sector, similarly, encounters barriers that limit PNG smallholders’ access to lucrative international markets.
These projects are designed to address these challenges by strengthening the capacity, credibility and sustainability of civil society actors in PNG and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the smallholder -dominated agricultural sector to meet international standards, stated Ambassador Hasznos.
Nicolas Booth, UNDP Resident Representative, Smith Sipaka Associate Program Operations Director of World Vision and Karen Haive, Deputy Secretary for the Department of Community Development and Religion commended the European Union Delegation for the strategic partnership approach in delivering much needed economic and social development initiatives for the rural population.
” It is vital that in any democracy, Civil Society must be thriving to hold the government into account as we care very much for good governance.
“In Papua New Guinea mostly half of the basic health and education services is provided by civil society organizations and they are at the forefront in advocating at the community level for basic development services.
“UNDP is delighted to work with the various stakeholders in providing a framework for establishing collaborative coordination, good financial management and a platform structure for advocacy.
“The challenges that lay ahead is the coordination and communication between the various stakeholders into making sure marginalized voices are heard in PNG development discourse, stated Mr. Nicolas Booth.