Papua New Guinea Shows Leadership And Progress at Global Women Deliver 2026 Forum

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE), is leading Papua New Guinea’s delegation to the Women Deliver 2026 Conference in Melbourne, Australia.

He is joined by Deputy Chairman Hon. Allan Bird, Governor of East Sepik Province.

The high-level conference, running from 27–30 April 2026, unites global leaders, parliamentarians, and advocates to advance gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls—with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

At a High-Level Ministerial and Parliamentary Forum, Governors Parkop and Bird are positioning Papua New Guinea as a nation demonstrating genuine political commitment and measurable progress in tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and advancing gender equality.

Key national achievements highlighted include:

· Strengthened parliamentary leadership through the GEWE committee

· Increased domestic financing for reproductive health

· Recent approval of a long-term national strategy to prevent and respond to GBV

Governor Bird underscored the value of multilateral parliamentary cooperation, stating that cross-border collaboration allows nations to exchange practical solutions, strengthen collective advocacy, and drive critical reforms at the national level.

The PNG delegation also shared how the country is turning global commitments into concrete national actions—particularly through higher government investment in reproductive health supplies and long-term GBV strategies spanning all provinces.

The presence of both leaders signals Papua New Guinea’s growing role in global gender equality discussions and its resolve to back policies with resources, systems, and sustained political will.

Their participation also reinforces PNG’s emerging voice from the Global South, offering practical lessons on advancing gender equality in complex development settings.

“We are not here simply to add our voice—we are here to show that Papua New Guinea is taking decisive action.

From increasing domestic investment in gender equality and women’s economic empowerment to committing long-term resources to end gender-based violence, we are turning global commitments into real outcomes for our people.”

The Permanent Parliamentary Committee on GEWE continues to drive legislative, policy, and accountability mechanisms for gender equality and women’s empowerment nationwide.

Together, Governors Parkop and Bird signal a unified national commitment: ensuring every woman and girl in Papua New Guinea has access to opportunity, protection, and the full realization of her rights