Work is underway on Volume 2 of the Papua New Guinea Dictionary of Biography, following the launch of Volume 1 in September 2025, where academics, researchers and writers across PNG gathered in Port Moresby recently to help shape the next volume.
The new volume will document more of the lives and contributions of Papua New Guineans who have helped shape the nation’s development, creating a lasting resource for future generations.
Volume 1 editors Nicholas Hoare, Theresa Meki and Keimelo Gima, shared lessons from the development of the first publication and provided guidance on researching and writing new entries.
Supported through the Higher Education Partnerships program under Australia Awards PNG and led by the University of Papua New Guinea in partnership with the Australian National University, the workshop explored potential subjects, strengthened research approaches and expanded the network of contributors behind the Dictionary.
The project demonstrates the value of the PNG-Australia Partnership’s shared investment in higher education and research.
Participant Mrs Nelsie Lowari Kofiaba said contributing to the Dictionary was an opportunity to write about people with disabilities who are working behind the scenes in their communities because these stories are rarely told.
“People connect to stories more than policies. This is an opportunity to challenge stigma and discrimination with real people, not statistics,” said Mrs Kofiaba.
As PNG reflects on 50 years of independence, the project is helping to ensure that the knowledge, experiences and achievements of previous generations are preserved and made accessible to students, researchers, policymakers and the wider public.
