Papua New Guinea’s first National Women, Peace and Security Summit sets priorities to advance women’s leadership for peace.

[Joint press release]

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea — The identification of national priorities to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and stronger partnerships to promote women’s leadership in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and community resilience are among the main outcomes of Papua New Guinea’s first National Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Summit, which concluded in Port Moresby today.

Convened by the Department for Community Development and Religion (DFCDR), through the Office for the Development of Women, the Autonomous Bougainville Government Department of Community Development, the National Council of Women and UN Women, the Summit provided a national platform to recognise the contribution of the women of Papua New Guinea in peacebuilding, community resilience and inclusive development.

Held from 23 to 24 June 2026, the Summit brought together government leaders, women peacebuilders, civil society organisations, youth representatives, development partners, faith-based organisations, security sector representatives and community leaders from across the country.

“The success of this Summit will not be measured solely by the discussions we have, but by the actions we take afterwards. Let this Summit serve as a catalyst for stronger partnerships, coordinated action and sustained commitment towards peace, security and gender equality for all Papua New Guineans. Together, we can build a nation where women and girls participate fully in decision-making, where communities are safer and more resilient, and where peace and development are shared by all,” said Hon. Jason Peter, MP, Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development.

Participants discussed locally-led approaches to advancing women’s participation in peace and security, drawing on experiences from across the country, including Hela Province, Southern Highlands Province and Bougainville.

"As Papua New Guinea advances the Women, Peace and Security agenda, we have an opportunity to translate our commitments into practical action. When women are economically empowered and able to participate meaningfully in decisions that affect their communities, we build stronger families, more resilient communities and a more peaceful nation," said Lady Rachael Marape.

“Our National Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security must reach our rural villages. It must be active in our districts and wards. We demand that it receive the proper funding and resources so that every local woman can feel safe and supported,” noted Ms Saberth Yengis, President of the National Council of Women Papua New Guinea.

“For the women of Bougainville, the Women, Peace and Security agenda is not just a policy—it reflects our lived experience. We know that women are often the first to suffer in times of conflict, but also the first to rebuild peace. Now is the time to invest in women’s leadership and ensure the resources needed to turn our National Action Plan into action for communities across Papua New Guinea,” stated Ms Barbara Tanne, President of the Bougainville Women’s Federation.

"Twenty-six years ago, Papua New Guinean and Bougainvillean women came together with courage and conviction to shape the global Women, Peace and Security agenda, amplifying voices that would fuel worldwide advocacy. Today, we stand on their legacy—drawing strength from their resilience and continuing their work to build stronger, more purposeful peace and security efforts. Together, let’s build the National Women Peace and Security Action Plan and ensure its implemented and fully funded. This is crucial if we are to implement the National Prevention Strategy without leaving women behind.” Said Shalini Bahuguna, United Nations Resident Coordinator.

“Papua New Guinean women have long contributed to peacebuilding, reconciliation and community resilience, often at the frontlines of their communities. This Summit is an important step in recognising their leadership and strengthening nationally owned efforts to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda as part of Papua New Guinea’s broader development journey. UN Women remains committed to supporting the Government, women’s organisations and partners to ensure women’s voices and leadership are meaningfully reflected in peace, security and decision-making processes,” highlighted Peterson Magoola, UN Women Country Representative.

The opening of the Summit was also attended by H. E. Ewen McDonald, Australian High Commissioner, H. E. Georgina Roberts, the New Zealand High Commissioner, and RAF Marjaana, representative from the European Union. In their remarks, they reaffirmed their support for Papua New Guinea’s efforts to advance gender equality, women’s leadership, peacebuilding and inclusive development, and highlighted the importance of partnership in strengthening the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

The National Women, Peace and Security Summit was supported through the Empower Her – PNG Peace Initiative, funded by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund and implemented in partnership with government institutions, civil society organisations and local stakeholders.

The Summit has taken place during the first annual Peacebuilding Week, which is being marked globally from 22-26 June.