UN Highlands Joint Programme expands to Enga and Western Highlands Provinces

The decision was announced during an inception workshop held in Mt. Hagen in late June 2025.

July 11, 2025

The inception workshop was held to draft a work plan for the second phase of the UN Highlands Joint Programme

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

The United Nations Highlands Joint Programme, together with the Enga and Western Highlands Provincial Governments and local stakeholders, have officially launched the second phase of the Highlands Joint Programme through a high-level inception workshop held in Mount Hagen, from 19–20 June 2025.

Building on the successes of the initial phase, the second phase of the programme takes a community-centred, area-based approach that integrates humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts to enhance resilience in conflict-affected regions of Papua New Guinea’s Highlands. This next phase will continue with ongoing efforts in Hela and Southern Highlands and expands critical support to Enga - recognized as a regional conflict prone area, and the Western Highlands, which hosts large numbers of internally displaced persons from around the Highlands region.

The Deputy Provincial Administrator of Enga Province, Mr. Kenneth Andrew, was enthusiastic about the programme's arrival in his province

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

“This new phase of the UN Highlands Joint Programme reflects over a year of careful planning and collaboration, building on our experience in Hela and Southern Highlands. As we expand into Enga and Western Highlands, we are excited to partner with you—local leaders and communities—to shape a program that truly responds to your realities,’’ said Mr. Anthony Cameron, Peace and Development advisor, who gave opening remarks on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinators Office.

“Tribal fighting remains one of the most visible and pressing issues in Enga Province, and it has deeply impacted our communities for years. I am truly grateful that the UN Highlands Joint Programme is now being extended to Enga, as it offers a pathway toward long-term peace and recovery,’’ said Mr. Kenneth Andrew, Deputy Provincial Administrator, Enga Province.

The two-day workshop marked a key milestone in the implementation of phase 2 in the two new provinces. It brought together 40 participants, including 20 representatives from each province, comprising provincial government officials and civil society organization leaders.

The Provincial Administrator of Western Highlands Province, Mr. Joseph Mangbil, higlighted Mt. Hagen's importance as a refuge for internally displaced persons in the Highlands.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

“Mount Hagen is not just the heart of the Western Highlands—it’s the central hub of the entire Highlands region. People from all over Papua New Guinea live and do business here, so maintaining peace and social harmony is a top priority for us. When conflict erupts in neighbouring provinces, we often feel the immediate impact, as displaced families seek refuge here. That’s why this inception workshop and our inclusion in Phase two of the UN Highlands Joint Programme is both timely and important. It will help us strengthen our capacity to manage these challenges while promoting stability, unity, and development across our communities,” Mr. Joseph Mangbil, Provincial Administrator, Western Highlands Province.

Participants collaboratively identified geographic and thematic priority areas, aligned with existing provincial development and sector plans, and contributed to the development of a draft joint workplan for programme implementation. Using the World Café method—a structured conversational process rooted in participatory rural appraisal—the workshop facilitated open dialogue and collaboration among all participants. This approach ensured that diverse perspectives were heard and integrated into the planning process.

Participants collaboratively identified geographic and thematic priority areas for the programme's second phase.

UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa

The event also served to establish and reinforce coordination mechanisms among key provincial stakeholders and Participating UN Organizations (PUNOs), ensuring a locally relevant and organized implementation approach.