LocationsDuring a three-day mission to Papua New Guinea’s Highlands region, New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Georgina Roberts visited communities working to build peace, strengthen local governance and increase resilience to climate change.
New Zealand High Commissioner observes UNDP's peacebuilding and conservation efforts in the Highlands
July 3, 2026
UNDP Resident Representative, Nicholas Booth (left), and High Commissioner Roberts being given a traditional welcome in Waknam village, Western Highlands Province
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
From 1 to 3 July 2026, we had the honour of histing the New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, H.E. Georgina Roberts, in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. During the three-day mission, High Commissioner Roberts visited Southern and Western Highlands provinces to observe communities carrying out peacebuilding and climate action programming with the support of UNDP and its partners.
The mission started with a visit to Inged community in Lai Valley, Southern Highlands Province, where High Commissioner Roberts observed a community-led mediation process facilitated by Father Isaiah Timbah of the Catholic Diocese of Mendi, an insider mediator supported through the UN’s Highlands Joint Programme II.
The process brought together local leaders and community representatives to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The delegation also met with peace committee members, ward councillors and district representatives to learn how community-based approaches are helping reduce tensions and build trust.
In Inged, Southern Highlands Province, UNDP-supported peace mediator Father Isaiah Timbah, facilitated a community-led peace mediation
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
“The leadership demonstrated by community leaders, faith-based organisations and local partners is inspiring,” said High Commissioner Roberts. “Sustainable peace comes when people work together, listen to each other and take collective responsibility for the future of their communities.”
The mission continued with a visit to the neighbouring Munihu community, where the delegation observed governance and community development initiatives supported by the UN Highlands Joint Programme II. They attended a Village Court hearing, gaining valuable insight into the role of community-based justice systems in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony. Engagements with Village Court officials and local justice actors further demonstrated the importance of accessible, locally trusted justice mechanisms in supporting peaceful communities and reinforcing rule of law.
High Commissioner Roberts engaging with community members in Munihu, Southern Highlands Province
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
The following day, the mission travelled to Waknam Village in Western Highlands Province, where the High Commissioner visited Mul Conservation Incorporated, a community-based organisation supported through the PNG Biodiversity and Climate Fund (BCF).
The BCF, piloted by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority and UNDP with support from New Zealand and the Global Environment Facility, provides sustainable financing for protected areas and community-led conservation. Since 2022, it has provided funding to 59 community-based organisations across 19 provinces of Papua New GUinea.
At Waknam, the delegation visited a native tree nursery and a gravity-fed water supply system providing reliable access to clean water for households, a school and a health facility. Both initiatives were supported through New Zealand’s contribution to the BCF.
High Commissioner Roberts formally opening a gravity-fed water supply system in Waknam village, Western Highlands Province
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
The visit also explored the community’s plans to strengthen biodiversity conservation and establish a Community Conservation Area.
“It is inspiring to see local people leading efforts to restore forests, improve access to clean water, and safeguard the natural resources that support your livelihoods,” said High Commissioner Roberts.
UNDP Resident Representative Nicholas Booth said the mission demonstrated the importance of putting communities at the centre of development efforts.
High Commissioner Roberts and UNDP Resident Representative, Nicholas Booth, were given a tour of a native tree nursery established with BCF's support
UNDP Papua New Guinea/Seru Kepa
“Communities know their challenges best, and together we can build a more resilient future,” he said.
Through initiatives spanning peacebuilding, governance, justice, climate resilience and biodiversity conservation, the mission highlighted how partnerships can support communities across Papua New Guinea’s Highlands to develop solutions that respond to their own priorities and aspirations.
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