Jack is the Founder and CEO of LiteHaus International, an Australian NGO which has provided 200,000 students in Papua New Guinea, Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region with digital learning tools and opportunities. An award-winning emerging philanthropist, Jack has been recognised as one of the top 20 social innovators under-35 in the Asia-Pacific region and was named as a Finalist in the 2022 Young Australian of the Year.

Sarah is an emergency nurse specialist based in Darwin. She has been supporting emergency care capacity development activities in PNG for the past four years. Most recently, Sarah acted on behalf of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) as project lead for the Emergency Care Capacity Development Remote Training and Support Model Project. The project is part of a Clinical Support Program facilitated by Johnstaff International Development on behalf of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This project resulted in the development and rollout of ‘Kumul Helt Skul’ – PNG’s first digital learning program for emergency care clinicians. Sarah holds a Master of Clinical Nursing with emergency specialisation and is currently completing a Master of Global Health at the University of Sydney.

She is passionate about systems strengthening and capacity building in global emergency care and was recently appointed co-chair of the Global Emergency Care Community of Practice through ACEM.

Matthew is a business leader, philanthropist, and storyteller. With a background in business operations, stakeholder engagement, management, and human resources, he is currently the Sales Manager for the world’s largest air services provider, dnata. His role during Covid-19 was to diversify the business into new positive revenue streams while the aviation industry came to a halt. In his spare time, he is President of the not-for-profit, Project Yumi Inc., which distributes educational and medical equipment across PNG, including delivering youth education programs.

Matthew holds a Master of Business Administration from QUT, where he was the youngest in his cohort to graduate. Matthew has a passion for giving back to his homeland and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Anneliese is an early-career researcher from Southern Cross University, working as a gender equity and social inclusion advisor with Bees for Sustainable Livelihoods (B4SL). B4SL is an NGO supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) working throughout the Pacific region to improve the productivity, sustainability, and technical capacity of honeybee value chains in Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

She is currently conducting her PhD research on approaches to support the socio-economic empowerment of women beekeepers in the Pacific, targeting both the informal and formal structures which limit women’s capacity to benefit from their participation in beekeeping and agricultural development.

Clare is an Australian-Papua New Guinean women born and raised in Australia, with roots in Kairuku (Central Province), and Yule Island. Clare is currently employed at GrainCorp, which receives and stores grains and other commodities. For the 2022 summer gain harvest, Clare is working at the regional site, The Gums, in Queensland’s Western Downs. After harvest, Clare will relocate to Brisbane and resume her position as Assistant Site Manager at the Fisherman Island Terminal, Port of Brisbane.

Along with her agricultural pursuits, Clare represented Papua New Guinea in the 2020 National Women’s Rugby XVs squad, the Cassowaries. Clare also played in PNG’s National Women’s Rugby 7s squad, the Palais, in 2019 and nearly represented PNG’s Orchids at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup. Clare aims to reside in Brisbane to create more opportunities for PNG agricultural ambassadors and meaningfully contribute to Papua New Guinea’s agricultural development.

Methuselah is an economist currently working as the Investor Relations Manager for BSP Financial Group. He previously worked in investment management, financial services, and the oil and gas industry.

Methuselah hopes to contribute to the modernisation of PNG’s economy, including shaping an equitable economic growth pathway. He is passionate about volunteering, with experience at Transparency International PNG, The Voice Inc., the Kokoda Track Foundation, and the Young Professionals Network. These organisations have helped Methuselah develop advocacy skills and an awareness of PNG’s issues and its place among PNG’s Pacific neighbours.

Luania Temu is the General Manager of Savitec Limited, a PNG-owned and operated company involved in the print technology, networking, andcommunications sectors. She is the only female General Manager in the industry and has led the company to achieve Elite Dealer status for Ricoh Global. This achievement is the highest attainable level for any dealer worldwide and the first of its kind for PNG and the company.

Luania is also an entrepreneur and no stranger to the fashion retail industry, with experience also as a business development adviser and consultant. She also sitson the steering committee for the PNG Business Advocacy Network and has represented the country at several global events to push forward thewomen's agenda.

Luania is passionate about capacity building initiatives that upskill and mentor young Papua New Guineans and is a proud partner to the Royal Constabulary Family Sexual Violence Units (FSVU) teams inPort Moresby and Central Province. A frequent donor to charities, schools, community youth projects and churches, Luania is a firm believer in social philanthropy.

Moses is a researcher and tutor at the University of Papua New Guinea’s (UPNG) School of Business and Public Policy. He has published widely on PNG’s issues including human rights, capital punishment, higher education programs, and mobile data prices, on The Interpreter (Lowy Institute), DevPolicy Blog (Australian National University), and Eleos Justice (Monash University). Moses’ articles have been republished and featured in PNG’s three major newspapers, PNG Report Magazine, and Fiji Times, and he has presented at conferences such asUPNG’s and ANU’s PNG Update. Moses spoke at the 8th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, Berlin, Germany, November 15-18, 2022.

He holds a degree in Public Policy Management (UPNG) and completed a Master of Economics and Public Policy (UPNG) under a scholarship from the Development Policy Centre, ANU.

Serah currently works at FHI 360, a non-profit organisation striving to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Papua New Guinea.

As Program Manager for USAID and Global Fund projects, Serah is helping to strengthen health information systems related to Covid-19 across 16 provinces. In another project, Serah is working on a Diagnostic Network Optimisation (NDO) exercise, which seeks to use national health data and geospatial modelling to inform a national health plan. Prior to this, she worked as an environmental scientist in PNG’s oil, gas, and drilling exploration industry.

Serah is passionate about her role with Eco Services Ltd (ESL) in which she serves as the HR chair and sits on the governance board. ESL is a nationally owned and operated social enterprise that trains young Papua New Guineans to work and gain relevant industry skills and technical experience.

Laurelle is a technical consultant for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and is currently working in Arawa to help shape post-referendum Bougainville. 

Laurelle is Chairlady for the Central Bougainville Tourism Association, which aims to prepare short-medium term industries for a long-term economic future. She is proprietor of Uruna Bay Retreat on Pokpok Island, Bougainville, established as a neutral platform for the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to host consultative meetings. Laurelle has over seven years’ experience in policy divisions of the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Thierry is a political journalist working for the Post-Courier newspaper, a major PNG broadsheet. He has had the unique privilege of covering andreporting on a range of PNG’s national challenges and achievements over the past two years. Being a political journalist, Thierry has a broad knowledge and understanding of the country’s political landscape, government agenda, and the political struggles playing a key role in PNG’s development.

Nelson is the founder and director of Art Activism PNG, a movement aiming to educate and provide awareness through art.

Art Activism PNG provides a platform for thought-provoking conversations about pressing issues and topics restricted by cultural values, societal norms, and other belief systems in Papua New Guinea. Recognised as a Clean Generation Ambassador, Nelson worked with prominent youth NGO, The Voice Inc., to help young people reach their potential and equip them with the tools needed to positively impact their own lives and communities.

Jean has been a Migration Officer at the PNG Immigration & Citizenship Authority for just over a decade, primarily in the Enforcement and Compliance space.

The highlight of Jean’s career was the appointment to a newly created Intelligence Analysis Branch six years ago. Starting with no experience in intelligence analysis, Jean made use of available resources and training opportunities, combined with her passion and zeal, to confidently enforce various instruments of migration legislation in the regulation of entry and stay of non-citizens in PNG. She meaningfully contributed to the communal protection of PNG’s borders and sovereignty with partner agencies. In June 2022, Jean started a Combined Studies in Masters of Intelligence and Master of Security and Strategic Studies at Sydney’s Macquarie University, under an Australia Awards scholarship.

Zohra is a professional social worker specialising in safeguarding. In 2014, she founded the home-grown civil society organisation Pikinini Watch PNG and continues to partner with the UNICEF Spotlight Initiative to champion positive parenting in Port Moresby’s urban communities.

Zohra has supported numerous Government of Papua New Guinea departments and agencies, mainline churches, faith- based organisations, NGOs, sports associations, and research and training institutions through her work with Abt. Associates. Zohra now works on child development, positive parenting, and children’s online safety and is moving into the space of mental health. She is an advocate against all forms of violence against children. Zohra is a strong believer in social justice and Melanesian values. She is also a student at the University of Melbourne pursuing a Master of International Relations.

Ruben, from the Nipa-Kutubu District in PNG’s Southern Highlands Province, graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea with a Bachelor of Arts (social work and public policy).

He started his career as Foreign Service Officer with Papua New Guinea’s Department of Foreign Affairs. Over nine years, Ruben workedpredominantly in the Asia Branch, as Policy Officer responsible for PNG- China relations and PNG-Indonesia relations, including PNG’s engagement with the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Chris Urwin is a museum curator and archaeologist with experience working in partnership with Indigenous communities in Australia and in Papua New Guinea. He is currently Senior Curator for the First Peoples Archaeology Collection at Museums Victoria, and conducts research with the PNG National Museum and Art Gallery and communities in the Gulf Province. Chris is passionate about cultural heritage management and interpretation. He feels that museums and heritage sites are important places around which PNG and Australia can exchange knowledge (e.g. by co-developing touring exhibitions, conducting bilateral research projects). These places will also be key locations for social and economic development in regional areas of the two countries.

Kieran Sciberras is a sports professional, currently working as Development Co-ordinator for AFL Cape York, and with experience in sports coaching, development and management in both PNG and Australia. He is the founder of his own not-for-profit sporting organisation, Titans Sport Performance, which aims to provide sports and talent development, personal development and education opportunities for youth from remote regions in PNG. Kieran studied degrees in Sports Science and Business at James Cook University in Townsville and Cairns, in addition to completing his Honours research in Port Moresby. He has dual PNG and Australian heritage and is keen to promote the role of sport in enhancing the relationship between PNG and Australia.

Majella Newie is a project officer with the Torres Strait Regional Authority based on Thursday Island, Queensland. She currently works in health promotion and cultural arts and heritage project areas, and has recently been involved in projects including seawall evaluation and upgrades. As a Torres Strait Islander living in the region, she is acutely aware of its role as the gateway between PNG and Australia, and is looking forward to discussing issues including traditional culture, cross-border connections and environmental challenges.

Gertrue Tamade is an experienced lawyer currently working as Senior Legal Counsel with Barrick Niugini, which operates the Porgera Gold Mine. She holds a Masters in Commercial Law from the University of Melbourne and was recognised as the 2018 Alumni of the Year by the PNG-Australia Awards Association for her work producing an online dictionary and childrens book in her local language Taemi from Morobe province. Gertrude is a member of the PNG Law Society Council and in this capacity, she tries to address some of the issues in the legal profession that is affecting lawyers and find ways to meet some of the needs in the profession and assist the Council be relevant to its members. Gertrude is experienced also in the resources sector, including negotiations with landowner groups and representing her employer in Court cases and in the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI). Gertrude believes that the EITI brings value to the extractive industry on good governance and transparency initiatives as well as reviewing PNG’s regulatory space in the extractive sector.

Dr Deane Woruba is an agricultural scientist with experiences spanning across PNG and Australia. He has also worked in the policy development and implementation space. These experiences give Deane an extensive perspective on agriculture as a key pillar in PNG’s inclusive and dynamic future. Deane is also a keen amateur builder and volunteers to construct structures that improve remote and impoverished livelihoods.

Francis Sakato is Principal Technical Analyst-Electricity with the PNG Independent Consumer and Competition Commission. In this role he provides technical advice on all electricity matters including licencing, contract arrangements and codes. With a strong career background in technology and energy, Francis believes the role of access to electricity will be a key driver in PNG's future economic development. Access to small scale and renewable power sources will be critical to this success, and Francis is keen to discuss the ways government regulation can be configured to progress such initiatives. Francis holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the PNG University of Technology, Lae and has previously worked with Telikom PNG and Ramu NiCo Management.

Cathy Neap is the country manager in PNG for the National Rugby League. She has been working in the NRL's Sport for Development program in PNG since 2014 and worked her way up to become the first woman to hold the role as Country Manager. In 2017 Cathy captained PNG's first ever womens national Rugby League team the PNG Orchids to the 2017 World Cup in Australia. She holds a Bachelor of Accounting from the University of PNG, and prior to joining the NRL was working in business. Cathy believes everyone is born a leader, and it is little things that each does that contribute to the bigger picture, and makes us each a leader.

Ms. Kate Uvia is a tertiary qualified professional communicator from Bougainville and East New Britain. As a proud PNG woman, she has forged her career at the cutting edge of a range of bilateral and multi-lateral organisations working to promote inclusive economic growth for all Papua New Guineans. These have included the World Bank Group and two major DFAT implementing partners in the governance arena. She was a driving force behind the ‘Tanim Graun’ or ‘Turn the Earth’ prime time panelist discussion TV series in PNG that would examine contemporary development issues through a political/public/private/civil society lens. She is passionate about PNG-Australia relations and using her experience and community linkages to give a ‘voice to the voiceless’ by mainstreaming traditionally marginalising issues in PNG such as disability and gender. She has and continues to volunteer her free time with national disability, HIV/AIDS and Church organisations.

Cynthia Nanareng is an officer with the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs, working as a desk officer in the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand branch of the department's bilateral division. In this role she works on issues relating to countries and organizations within the region. The main duties she performs in her role include facilitating meetings, preparing meeting documents and meeting outcome, providing policy advice as well as attending meetings in relation to the work she does. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Papua New Guinea. As a young public servant she is interested in seeing how our two countries being close Bilateral Partners can continue working together to effectively achieve mutual goals. In this dialogue she is interested in discussing how the proposed “Comprehensive Strategic Economic Partnership,” which will be the overarching framework of Agreement between the two countries replacing the “Principles Guiding Relations between Australia and PNG” and other Arrangements, Agreements, MOUs, etc. can be utilized to help transform the relationship from a dependent donor recipient one to a more economic relationship.

Kylie McKenna is acting Director of the Centre for Social Research at Madang's Divine Word University, while on leave from her position at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at University of Technology Sydney. Her expertise is in helping stakeholders identify, analyse and respond to challenges of social and environmental change, work which she has applied in an international development context especially in PNG for the past decade. Kylie has published widely on topics including post-colonialism, law, aid, revenue distribution, security and the environment. She was awarded a PhD in Sociology from ANU in 2012, and is the author of Corporate Social Responsibility and National Resource Conflict published in 2016.