Papua New Guinea moves forward on Social Protection with backing from ILO and Japan

© ilo

© ilo

Port Moresby (ILO NEWS)-Papua New Guinea (PNG) is advancing its social protection agenda. The ILO is supporting these efforts and produced a Social Protection Diagnostic Assessment report that was presented and discussed at a workshop in Port Moresby in November. The workshop also included a training on social protection and its main building blocks.

The report and the workshop marked a crucial step for Papua New Guinea toward enhancing social protection in the country and thereby addressing persistent socio-economic challenges. Despite sustained economic growth, the country continues to face limited progress in social cohesion and equity. Emerging risks from climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, urbanization, and demographic changes further underscore the importance of a stronger social protection system.

The assessment process was facilitated through collaboration with government ministries and development partners. Significant support came from the Department of Labour and Industrial Relations (DLIR) who facilitated key stakeholder engagements. The ILO provided technical guidance and operational support throughout the assessment, ensuring progress despite challenges. The successful completion of the study reflects the commitment and collaboration of all partners involved.

The ILO commends the ongoing efforts of the Government of Papua New Guinea, through DLIR as well as the Department for Community Development and Religious Affairs (DFCDR), to strengthen social protection systems. The findings and recommendations from the assessment are expected to shape future social protection policies and support the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable system. Funded by the Government of Japan, through its Building Social Safety Nets in Asia and the Pacific (SSN) initiative, the diagnostic assessment is seen as a critical milestone in Papua New Guinea’s push for a more inclusive social protection framework.

Speaking on behalf of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, Christian Viegelahn stated, "Papua New Guinea is taking important steps towards building a comprehensive and sustainable social protection system. Social protection has a key role to play in addressing poverty, reducing disparities and enhancing economic opportunities.”

With this renewed focus on social protection, Papua New Guinea is taking a significant step toward building a cohesive and resilient society, better positioned to tackle future socio-economic challenges.