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International Partnerships

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, the Pacific's largest nation with a population of over 10 million, is home to the world's third-largest primary rainforest and boasts significant natural resources. Despite its wealth in resources, the country's economy remains susceptible to external shocks. The nation's vast ethnic diversity, limited connectivity, and unequal distribution of resources contribute to conflict risks. Approximately 40% of its population lives below the poverty line, and gender-based violence is a pervasive issue.

Our partnership

The European Union and Papua New Guinea (PNG) share a foundation of strong values, and the new partnership is aimed at advancing our mutual objectives while addressing environmental, human development, and governance challenges. In an increasingly interconnected and evolving global landscape, deepening the political and economic ties between Europe and PNG represents a collaborative effort.

Given PNG's geographical isolation, France stands as the sole EU Member State with a presence in the country, playing a crucial role in the development of our flagship programme around forests, climate change and biodiversity nexus.

The Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) for 2021-2027 underpins the EU's commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with PNG. With an allocation of EUR 115 million for the period 2021-2024, the EU is poised to become a pivotal partner in the forestry, climate change and biodiversity nexus. Our goal is to generate a transformative impact through substantial, strategically focused investments that align with the Global Gateway Strategy. Several investment projects are currently being developed to support this vision.

8 MARCH 2022
Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 for Papua New Guinea - decision
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(130.94 KB - PDF)
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8 MARCH 2022
Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027 for Papua New Guinea - annex
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(831.33 KB - PDF)
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13 NOVEMBER 2023
Annual action plan 2023 for Papua New Guinea
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(433.18 KB - ZIP)
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30 NOVEMBER 2022
Annual action plan 2022 for Papua New Guinea
English
(2.71 MB - ZIP)
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Our flagship initiatives

Forests, climate Change and biodiversity

Our flagship program 'Forests, Climate Change, and Biodiversity' is designed to achieve a model that reconciles forestry, biodiversity and environmental protection with sustainable, inclusive and gender-responsive economic development and growth. This initiative was officially launched on 30 November 2023, in close collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea and implementing partners in Port Moresby.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)

In the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) sector, the European Union has emerged as a leading donor over recent decades. Recognising reliable access to water and sanitation as a fundamental human need and right, crucial for human development, public health, resilience, and improved livelihoods, the EU continues to prioritise this area. Currently, a project is underway to ensure the provision of water and sanitation facilities in the province of Bougainville. Additionally, a second blending programme with the European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to improve health and livelihoods through improved access to WaSH services in selected district towns across Papua New Guinea. This initiative will also focus on supporting efforts to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) in the capital city, Port Moresby.

Rabaul Port Rehabilitation

The 'Rabaul Port Rehabilitation' Global Gateway project, a blending project with the EIB and the French Development Agency (AFD), represents a significant stride towards the sustainable development of Papua New Guinea's maritime infrastructure. This project, focusing on the rehabilitation and the greening of Rabaul Port, aligns with a broader investment strategy encompassing 15 ports, as detailed in the port authority's 30-year infrastructure master plan, with Australia playing a crucial role as a co-financing development partner. The project's objectives include bolstering the port's resilience against climate change and natural disasters, improving security and safety measures, transitioning towards greener port operations (including environmental standards, water quality, waste management, and renewable energy integration), and generating additional revenue streams.

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