Project Description

The overall objective (impact) of the project Strengthening Papua New Guinea Civil Society Organizations (PNG CSO Project) is to contribute to strengthening the capacities of Papua New Guinea’s national (local) and small (grassroots) CSOs Civil Society Organizations focused on transparent and accountable governance, forestry, climate change, biodiversity, and WASH to become credible governance actors and deepen their engagement in the domestic public policy cycle, in line with the commitments under the Medium Term Development Plan IV. 2023 – 2027 and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 
This has been done through building the capacities of CSOs to operate as agents for inclusive sustainable development in PNG focusing on their internal control systems, operational and technical skills; enhancing their skills to access grants for sustainable development initiatives; strengthen their role in relation to advocacy, public sector reforms and public accountability; and improve networking and coordination to expand the space for national and grassroots civil society organizations to play a more influential, meaningful and active role in articulating with a collective voice citizens’ concerns in the public area including engaging in initiatives to further participatory democracy. 

The Project is relevant for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – in particular SDG 16 (Promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) but also promotes progress towards Goals 5, 6, 10 and 13. The Project is aligned with PNG’s development agenda, as described by the Medium-Term Development Plan IV. (2023 – 2027), the PNG UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024 – 2028), and the European Union Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) for Papua New Guinea (PNG) 2021 –2027, particularly its 3 priority areas Transparent and Accountable Governance; Forestry, Climate Change and Biodiversity; and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

The activities are designed to contribute to these two overreaching expected results (outcomes) and four outputs. The main activities include a targeted capacity-building plan to improve systems and processes of CSOs, general and financial management, access to grants, advocacy, communication and outreach and effective coordination. A specific focus will be placed on skills to form and sustain meaningful partnerships. This will include knowledge and information-sharing, exposure to best practices, mentoring programs, and provision of templates.

The project has the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: Improved organizational skills and accountability of PNG CSOs 
Outcome 2: Increased engagement and coordination of CSOs on the issues of national importance

Status:
Active

Time Frame: 
Project start date: 1 September 2025
Project end date: 31 March 2028

Location: 
Papua New Guinea

Focus Area: 
Civil Society Organizations 
Beneficiaries:
Civil Society Organizations

Donor:
European Union

Budget:
EUR 1,400,000

Contact: 
Dr Alma Sedlar
UNDP Chief Technical Adviser (Anti-Corruption)
E: alma.sedlar@undp.org