2022 Emerging Leaders Dialogue

Twenty young and emerging leaders from Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia gathered at the Lowy Institute in Sydney from 5–9 December for the 2022 Australia-Papua New Guinea Emerging Leaders Dialogue.

The Dialogue is the annual flagship event of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Network, a Lowy Institute project supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which aims to build links and understanding between Australia and PNG.

Over five days, participants explored the theme of digital connectivity and focused on critical development and human security issues relevant to PNG and Australia. Activities included site visits to Meta’s Australian offices at Barangaroo and to Google’s Australian regional headquarters at Pyrmont; a reception hosted at the Lowy Institute featuring a keynote address by PNG High Commissioner to Australia HE John Kali; and a panel discussion with rugby league stars to discuss the role of sport in building ties and supporting community development.

The group travelled to Canberra for meetings with Australian government officials and academics. It also attended a reception co-hosted with the Kokoda Track Foundation, before returning to Sydney for a focus on media skills development including a site visit to the ABC in Ultimo.

Participants considered how PNG can develop its digital sector and the role of partners such as the Australian government, businesses, and community organisations. Discussions explored the digital theme from the perspectives of accessibility, affordability, meaningful connectivity, digital literacy, online safety, cybersecurity, and gender. Participants developed recommendations for the Australian and PNG governments and the business community, with the goal of improving links between the two countries.