Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA), University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG), and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 14 April 2023 to boost national and provincial government, including community-based organizations (CBOs), and private sector staff capacity in climate finance and project management. Generously supported by the Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the PNG-Aus Partnership, the partnership will deliver two certificate courses, Certificate in Climate Finance and Certificate in Project Management to a cohort of 48 students.

Signing of the MoU by the Vice Chancellor from UPNG, Professor Frank K. Griffin.

This new partnership recognizes the delivery of support in building the capacity and enhancing the knowledge base of students and civil servants in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The Call for Applications (CfA) for these certificate courses received more than 4300 applications in total. This demonstrates the apparent need and appetite of PNG nationals to undertake specialized studies in preparing projects for climate finance, project design, and project management. The diverse cohort was finalized through a robust selection process, with a key focus on applicants relevant educational backgrounds and motivation to participate in the courses. Following the application and shortlisting process, selected applicants have been informed and will commence their studies on 24 April 2023. Both courses will be delivered by the experts at UPNG, closely supported by GGGI.

At the end of the courses, participants are expected to have gained a deeper understanding in project design, project implementation, and project monitoring, as well as in developing project ideas, concepts notes, and relevant documents to apply for funding for climate change related projects from respective donors globally. The courses will be delivered over a period of 7 weeks, with the final week being devoted to revisions, examinations, and lessons learnt.

UPNG and GGGI at the MoU signing.

The MoU signing was attended by Professor Frank K. Griffin, Vice Chancellor of UPNG, Professor Simon Saulei, Executive Dean for School of Natural and Physical Science, and Professor Graham Sem, Deputy Dean for School of Natural and Physical Science. The GGGI delegation facilitating the MoU signing was led by GGGI’s Deputy Country Representative for PNG, Mr. Peniamina Leavai, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Benjamin Keni, and the Project Associate, Ms. Paliame Palisah.

Coordinated by GGGI, this support also complements and contributes to the broader objective of delivering on CCDA’s priorities in national capacity development in country. Subsequent mentoring, and short educational programs on similar priority subjects will be undertaken simultaneously with GGGI’s technical assistance and two other universities (UNITECH and UNRE) in PNG.

GGGI’s Deputy Country Representative for PNG, Mr. Peniamina Leavai shares key knowledge products with Professor Frank Griffin of UPNG.The MoU signing event concluded with GGGI sharing the Milne Bay and New Ireland Province CRGG Strategic Plan which is an output of the Climate Resilient Green Growth (CRGG) project, the GGGI Pacific Regional Strategy, and the PNG Country Planning Framework with the UPNG delegation.