The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), with support from the Australian Government and in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea, has opened its Papua New Guinea country office under the PNG Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Policy Support Program (PNG AFNP). Through the PNG AFNP, IFPRI will support Papua New Guinea’s strategy for economic growth and transformation through data-driven policy analysis, capacity development, and partnerships that inform policy dialogue.
The opening of the office was marked by a two-day event that began on February 19 with the office opening ceremony and initial research presentations, bringing together senior government leaders, development partners, and researchers, and continued on February 20 as part of IFPRI’s Annual Research Seminar.
The event convened stakeholders to consider new evidence on economic resilience, agricultural productivity, and household wellbeing. The research seminar was delivered in partnership with PNG’s Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (PMNEC), Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM), Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL), National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), and Fresh Produce Development Agency (FPDA). Keynote speakers included Sergie Bang, Secretary (DAL), Michael Kumung, Deputy Secretary (DNPM), and representatives from the Australian High Commission and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
Sergie Bang, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, noted that the office “signifies the establishment of a vital platform where research meets policy and where evidence guides practical solutions for our nation’s agricultural and economic development,” adding that IFPRI is well positioned to connect rigorous research with practical policy and investment decisions.
Michael Kumung, Deputy Secretary of the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, emphasized that effective development “requires informed decision-making… alignment across sectors… and strong institutions capable of translating evidence into action,” and highlighted the role of the Department in ensuring IFPRI’s work remains aligned with PNG’s long-term priorities.
Annabel Burns, First Secretary (Economics) at the Australian High Commission, said Australia is pleased to support the new country office, noting that “robust data and analysis are essential to effective planning, resilience and inclusive economic growth.”
Kwaw Andam, IFPRI Country Program Leader for PNG, underscored the importance of the partnership, stating that the program reflects a shared commitment between PNG and Australia to generate evidence that informs forward-looking plans for resilient economic growth.
Establishing IFPRI’s in-country presence reinforces Australia’s long-term support for evidence-based policy, agricultural transformation, and inclusive economic growth in Papua New Guinea. It reflects a shared commitment with partners to strengthen the role of research and data in shaping national development priorities. IFPRI is an international nonprofit policy research organization that provides policy solutions to reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. In PNG, IFPRI is implementing the PNG AFNP (2024–2028), supported by the Australian Government.