By Elijah Lavett – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The United Nations, with senior Government officials and development partners, discussed the UN’s 2018 results and 2019 priorities today. Major projects including the 2020 census and the Bougainville referendum were some matters discussed in the meeting.
In 2018, the United Nations spent a total of over K260 million in Papua New Guinea. More than K130million was used for joint programming, while much of the funds were used for the 2 declared state of emergencies, the earthquake in Southern Highlands and the polio outbreak. The UN managed to meet the needs of about 500,000 people affected by the quake. The polio vaccination campaign was a huge success, reaching 97 per cent of children under 15.
The UN has also supported the National Government and the Autonomous Bougainville Government in carrying out the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
This year’s annual work plan will see an increase in funding to about K18 million, with a large amount allocated to health, climate action, gender equality, peace and justice. The UN has been a valued partner of the PNG Government, and this year, they again will be working closely with the Government to carry out essential programs throughout the country.
One project that the UN will be taking on board is the 2020 census; they will be leading this project after the 2011 census failed.
The UN will continue to work closely with the Government during the period leading up to and after the Bougainville Referendum. The Government will also be looking at the UN to help develop a population growth strategy and a project for markets designed for Women, with the first to be built in Vanimo.
